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3 Ring Circus
So there 74 days until the 3 Ring Circus which will be Race #2 for CC.
Race/event 1 was a 4hr at Ourimbah last year just 3 weeks after getting a MTB and needless to say the single track scared the living Sh1t out of me.
After a year on the MTB I definitely feel more comfortable on it, but just what's in store at the 3 Ring? lap 1 says "fire road", and the other say a combination. Then there is "the wall" - any comments on how steep and how long?
I like the idea of it not being a multi lap event so the need to get passed and the related stress wont be there.
Cold - its surely got to be bloody freezing down there in July???
CC
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Course comprises a ~6km loop of relatively flat easy fire road, followed by a ~25km loop comprising a mix of single track and fire road (probably about 70% single track) with a few hills, followed by a 19km loop of fire road with a long steady hill.
The Wall, if its included, will be on the middle 25km loop but it wasn't included in last year's event as there's now a section of single track that bypasses it. If it is included its steep but short - just walk it like 95% of the other riders.
The single track sections are relatively easy - less technical than Ourimbah.
If you don't like the stress of being passed then make sure you don't go too fast on the 1st 6km fire road loop only to slow down when you hit the single track
Past years haven't been that cold - the 10am start time helps.
Lots of people do it just as a social ride so its a good event if you're new to racing.
Its a really wonderful event. Very good for a less experienced rider.
Just so you know I am not giving you BS, this year my wife (very very basic MTBer) and her best mate (very good track cyclist, but never been on an MTB) are doing it. I will be riding with them as support and also be the tools and food carrier / 'porter'. Its a gonna be fun to experience the race from a different position.
Blue loop - nice, easy way to warm up. If its cold you could even wear a jacket on this loop until you are breathing, and then as you pass through the start area, drop it off. Its 100% fireroad, but a good way to spread the field.
Red loop - lots of ST. Its not particularly technical, but there are a couple of little drops, but nothing like the technical bits of Ourimbah. There are a couple of climbs, but they wont include The Wall (I would be 99% certain of that). Its a fun loop, so you can enjoy it.
Yellow loop - after the Red loop, the yellow one will give you a welcome opportunity to sit and pedal for a bit. ALso a good chance to eat some food, and get ready for what are some pretty solid climbs. One of them is nasty, but lots of people will be walking it. If you eat, drink and chat with those around you, the time will fly by and you are bound to enjoy it.
Maybe I'll see you out there!
Thanks for feedback
Between Rings 2 & 3 - I assume you can refill water, food?
By Solid climbs you mean???? 2-3km long - aka Akuna Bay and McCarrs etc? or shorter and steeper? ST or fire road?
Thanks
CC
Yes all the loops start and finish at the same place.
Sorry - I wasnt clear enough.
All of the climbs are on fire road. I think the longest one is on the yellow loop and its often refered to as 'Halfway Hill' (as it features in another race at the halfway point).
Its probably not quite 3km from very bottom to very top, but has some steep pinches in it.
From bottom to top its something like 10mins long - give or take a bit.
On the red loop the climbs are much more gradual and none of them steep - you will easily pedal up them using your gears. they really only last 2 or 3 mins.
And yes - re the 3 loops - imagine the race like a Clover Leaf. Each loop starts and finishes from the same central point.
The hardest thing is coming back through after the red loop, smelling the coffee and bacon sandwiches and having to push out onto the Yellow!
I might stop this year and grab a bacon butty!
Thanks Ants - when you are ordering your B&E can you order one for me, I should be finished rings 1&2 in 2.5hrs so if you can ensure they haven't over cooked it, allowed it ample time to rest and plated it up to "perfection" it would be very much appreciated.
Cheers
CC