Here is something I have begun the beginning steps of organizing:
http://rothrockcyrcle.wordpress.com/
This is the cure to alleviate my rando boredom.
I am interested to hear thoughts on the format and rules, and if anyone with ultracycling leanings in the Western /Central PA region would be up for it.
The cool thing about the format is that is allows someone who is not keen on or able to complete the whole thing to end the event early, with whatever score they have at that point duly registered. This isn't necessarily an all or nothing kind of thing.
For folks not in the know, Rothrock State Forest is a pretty well known mountain biking area, and several long events are held there each year, including the Wilderness 101 and the Stoopid 50. This would likely involve much less rocky singletrack (none, proabably...or perhaps a token mile or two) and much more paved road and fire road (dirt / gravel).
Sounds very interesting Tom. I prefer to fish when I’m in that part of the state, so you’re not likely to have me as a participant (at lest this year). But I wanted to let you know that cell phone coverage can be horrible in Rothrock. You may want to add this to your FAQ. There are also a few small bridges that are being replaced right now which can add to the “fun”.
Yeah, you're right, the pockets of cell coverage are very limited. I will add that to the FAQ. I know every time I have checked my phone out in that area it shows no bars, although I've been told you can sometimes get coverage if your within a half mile or so of Rt. 26 - again, just one of those limited hot spots.
Yeesh. Why would anyone want to put themselves through that kind of Type 2 fun? Mixed surfaces, no defined route, self-sufficiency, and a glorified scavenger hunt? Sounds like a rando-alleycat in Deliverance country.
I'm in. Phat-tired 'bents FTW.
This is relevant to my interests. I'd most likely come out and participate. Beer at the end is even better. I'd even consider camping out and driving back the next morning. I bought a set of 32mm knobby tires for my rando bike solely for the purpose of doing the hilly billy roubiax, so I would like to get some more use out of them.
The importance of apres-bike beers is duly noted.
Yeah, this event sounds pretty cool, I might be in. We'll see how busy things get around that time.
The idea will be to have the trial run of the event this fall sometime. This trial run would be abbreviated / somewhat shortened. It's to try to learn what works and doesn't work format wise. I' like to get at least a half dozen people to do it. The date is flexible and will probably be determined by the preferences of those giving me some sort of semi-commitment, say, around mid August or so. I had the preliminary idea of using the second or third Saturday in September.
First RCoH scouting ride:
http://s771.photobucket.com/albums/xx356/steamer_03/Rothrock%20scouting%20062312/
http://app.strava.com/rides/11546678
Sounds awesome but also frightening.
Reddan - "Phat-tired 'bents FTW."
Ken - Nothing to be afraid of. Just bring fat tires or an iron taint. (or both.) Oh, and a good map.
For the competiton adverse...
My goal is to maximize fun and involvement. Offering another avenue has got to be a good thing...
http://rothrockcyrcle.wordpress.com/2012/07/11/to-compete-or-not-to-compete/
