Friday, September 25, 2009

Stages 1 and 2 Preview


  • Stage 1 - Leaving the happy noises and screams from Magic Mountain we embark on our 508 mile grudge-fest. After a 5-mile group ride across town, the race starts up San Francisquito Canyon and the beginning of Mountain Section One. In the next 15 miles, we will climb 2,500 feet. The climb is generally moderate with a more serious short and steep climb before Elizabeth Lake. A windy flat section through the Mojave Desert leads to the
    windmill climb at mile 44 (Mountain Section Two). Over seven miles, we'll climb 1000 feet, probably into a stiff headwind. Another fast descent takes us down to the town of Mojave with a couple of quick turns. Then it's a fast shot into California City.




  • Stage 2 - From California City we head north over flat desert terrain to the Johannesburg climb at mile 110 (Mountain Section Three). We will be climbing 1500 feet in seven miles; the desert climb is steeper than it looks and grows progressively steeper. Each year some riders overheat here. After Johannesburg, we ride over a series of pesky rollers before a long fast descent to the road to Trona. The crew must gas the vehicle and get ice and drinks in Trona as there is no gas overnight until Shoshone and no services until Baker. Of course our ETA is 7pm. Will we get ther before it Closes?

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