A good part of the Don's Team made it out for this one and we all had a great time. If you are interested, you can check out our finishing positions here.
If you've never raced a Big Bear Shootout before, then this is definitely a race worth checking out. It’s held up in the San Bernardino mountains where the weather and riding is always great. This time it was in the 60s and the sun was shining the whole time. What more could we ask for?
Course: You can get a description of the course on the Team Big Bear website, but here's what the course looks like all mapped out.Be sure to check out the route on Geoladders where you can download the course, upload your ride and play everything back in "real-time". Very cool feature!
Fireroads: Some people say that this race is all about "fireroads", but to me, the fireroad sections come and go so quickly that I totally forget about them, even on a single speed! The first climb up 2N10 is always tough because everyone is getting used to the altitude, but once you are on top, you can speed right along, bank off the corners, and really get into a rhythm. Plus, the scenery up there is awesome. You can see all the way down to Angelus Oaks and sections of the S.A.R.T.
Single Track: In between the fireroads, everyone seems to forget about the great single track sections that connect everything together. The top section drops you into "Wet Dream" which is a blast. After hopping back onto 2N17 for a short time, you jump onto another single track called "Cabin 89". Both of these sections include a few steep and sandy hill descents, rock-hops and stream crossings; all of which are really fun and will keep you on your toes, especially if you are attacking these at speed! The “PineKnot/1E01” singletrack climb is a tough one, especially on a single speed, but it’s pretty short and you’ll be happy to see the fireroad (2N08) at the top!
Finish: I think the last part is the best. Here you blast down the 2N10, the climb you came up earlier, and then veer off into some single tracks (Pirates, Upper and Lower Fall Line). The very last section is pretty challenging as well. There's a number of short steep, rocky descents that will keep you on your toes.
Awards: And lastly, I can't forget to mention this part! After the race, everyone congregated at the La Montana Mexican restaurant, where Team Big Bear hosted a raffle for the riders and gave away lots of great stuff e.g. tires, t-shirts, chain lube. I won some chain lube. They also gave each rider tickets for two free tacos which was a great because we were all starving after the race. Thank you!Anyhow, if you missed this one, this is really a great course that you should check out sometime. If you are not sure about directions, then just download the course on GeoLadders and follow along.
Oh ya, if you managed to conqure the course in under 1hr 50min, then you are definitely faster than me!
Check out the Team Big Bear site and schedule for more info.
See you next one on July 12th.
AL
What was your take on this race?
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