Reaching new heights on two wheels

 

Update! April 21, 2008 Check out the new video of the course. Sorry about the quality, hopefully we can get a better quality video up soon.

 

Rambler Scouting Report

April 11, 2008 Nine riders met up at the Village Square to pre-ride the Rambler Expert course. The strong south wind held flags straight out as if they had been starched and the ice had only recently receded from the routes seasonal lanes. We were guaranteed to be hitting mud and some brutal headwinds as we rolled down North Main. Our group included a wide range of riding abilities, bikes, and tire sizes, making it a perfect test platform for the course.

Here is what we discovered:

  1. It is a challenging, but rewarding course!
  2. Bring the easiest gearing you can. Walker, Canen, and Hungry Hollow Roads have some very steep sections.
  3. Tire treads with a fast center and good cornering characteristics are ideal. Tire size is up to you, if you've got great handling skills narrow is fine. If you aren't experienced, a wider tire will give you confidence on the fast, bumpy, twisty downhills.
  4. The cross bike vs. mountain bike battle came down to a tie because each has its ups and downs. The cross bikes excelled in the head winds and the hard packed dirt/paved sections. The mountain bikes were faster on the long, rough descents and floated through the mud with ease. Overall, both worked well.
  5. Expect to take 3-4hrs to finish, 2 ½hrs if you are really fast.
  6. Be sure to bring the appropriate amount of nutrition (a couple of bars, and a handful of gels). We are putting in a water stop around mile 17, but bringing two bottles is still a good idea.
  7. Use common sense on the descents, especially if you have not pre-ridden the course. Many of the descents are on seasonal roads with turns and bumps that can sneak up on you.
  8. Bring a spare tube, pump, tire levers, and multi-tool. Also, consider fenders.

To read more and see some photos from our scouting mission visit Suzanne's blog on the Fisher 29er Crew website.

If you need any additional information feel free to drop us a line at info@pedalingproductions.com

 

Pedaling Productions, PO Box 77, Prattsburgh, NY 14873. (315) 521- 8863

© 2008 Pedaling Productions, LLC. Design by Andreas Viklund.