Jeremiah Bishop Gran Fondo

[SteveTheTech]

Is anyone else doing this ride, again or for the first time this year?

I have seen several names that look familiar on the roster there. Anyone have any advise, questions or concerns to share on this ride, or dirt mountain climbing in general?

At least from my saddle that was a tough ride last year. I know I was woefully under-prepared physically and equipment wise for what was out there. Having never really climbed a mountain on a bike I think that just making it up the first KOM climb was a feat unto itself, but it was rapidly downhill from that point.

Since that S* show last year I have attempted to step up my hill training and climbing stamina. I ditched the heavy AL frame for a Tarmac and plan on heeding JB’s advice on wider grippier tires. (Last year I tried to cheap out and ride my new 23cm 4000s) I am currently on the fence between Vittoria Open Paves, or a few Contis, (Gatorskins, Gator Hardshell, or Gran Prix classic), I do not like changing flats so the Contis are ahead in my book. This year I expect it to be terrible and will not be surprised if I get everything I expect. I would really like my new frame it make it through this in one piece and plan on that being my main goal for this ride, the AL frame was bombproof (as the components around it started to fail the frame was/is still intact) but a little large and heavy for this ride.

Gearing, I think I am sticking with a 28-11, I did some training last year with an XTR setup with a 30-12 but broke the derailuer the week of the ride. To me at least the shifting sluggishness and altered ride quality to the point (IMO) that it took quite a bit from the overall confidence gained by a gear so big I could climb a wall. If possible I plan on swapping the 50-34 rings off another FSA crank I’ve got in storage in for the mid-compact my Tarmac came with. I do not expect miracles but two teeth on the small ring might come in handy on Reddish.

Topic

[SteveTheTech]

I’m glad to see such a strong response to a challenging ride several hours outside of the city.

It seems like most of the people attempting the 104 mile route are returning vets with some experiences to share.

As would be expected with any group this size there are some very interesting gearing and tire selections being discussed here.

Recently I stumbled upon a wheel with a Sram 32-11 9 speed cassette, it is a snug fit but it seems to be working well with my Ultegra rear. It may require the addition of a power link in the chain if it develops any noise but at this point I think I like the idea of there being less slack especially for this ride since there will be many things looking for wipe out my derailleur on the dirt climbs.

Does anyone here dress differently for this…different bib or shoes?
Eat differently?
Pack differently?

As far as my clothing choices go I am thinking of picking up a DeSoto 400 Mile bib in a few weeks for this.
Food wise, I am really weird about that to begin with but I typically pack based on rough hours on the course but in this the amount of work does not equal the amount of elapsed time so I am planning on several extra Skratch packets and a couple of Kind bars for post climbing snacks, and some Honey Stinger chews for the anticipated need for energy on the back half of this one.
For centuries I typically pack an backup for my backup tube and one or two cartridges as well as some extra sunscreen, and a tiny first aid kit. But I am leaving the expandable saddle back and am going to roll the dice on most food.

[Tim Kelley]

@SteveTheTech 59885 wrote:

Eat differently?

I recall that there was poor planning on the organizers parts for the aid stations on the back half of the ride. At least one had run out of water and the food options were down to the unpopular flavors of GUs. Definitely stock up when you can on the course, and be prepared to bring some of your own reserves if needs be.

A perfect ride would be if the organizers of Total200 ran the aid stations and the organizers of Alpine Gran Fondo did the on course route marking…

[SteveTheTech]

I completely agree with that.
They were running a little low on several things, which is one thing water is a deal breaker though. That was something many people were complaining about as we crossing the line, I suspect they received something to that effect in their surveys. I know I made mention of it. As well as the complete lack of HAM support on the WV side where there is zero cell signal and no one to contact in an emergency.

There is a fine line between over packing everything you plan to eat and relying fully on them to feed you with god only knows what.

I’ve heard that the Total200 support staff was some of the best in this area.
They did have very good course markings on this one (it almost makes up for the hostile locals).

[vvill]

I would just make sure you have your confirmed-from-many-rides-most-comfortable kit ready to go, and keep a small stock of stuff that doesn’t take too much room (Skratch packs, etc.) handy – always use the food stops’ supplies first, and if they run out then you’ll have something extra. I always carry two of my largest water bottles for rides like that, and often one is never less than half full, just so I have some emergency stuff. I use my usual shoes, which are MTB/commuter shoes anyway. I did get off the bike a couple times, not to walk but just to remount when I lost momentum (two of them due to the person in front stopping on a “gravel” climb). Maybe some padded gloves if you have sensitive wrists.

And smile for the photos, or something. Mark and Tim had some pretty good poses on the descents I remember.

@Bilsko 59652 wrote:

Ummm., you do remember me as your teammate in the BAFS competition this winter, right? I may not be Dimsal crazy, but I’m pretty far out there.

How could I forget?! My trophy sits eternally in my cube. In that case, you will be fine. (Just don’t expect to do too well on the timed segments! I recall there were some beastly times on the full century.)

[Dirt]

Eat differently? No. Skratch Labs portables for me. I’ll have rice bars and one “Pie of last resort” to pull out when I’m hurting and need a pick-me-up.
Dress differntly? A little. There’s enough climbing… some of it quite steep… that I wore knee warmers the whole day. I was a little warm on Reddish toward the end, but my knees felt sooooooo much better having been kept warm all morning on the first dirt climb (which is the steepest).

The lack of water hurt a little. I was lucky that they had Gatorade instead of Heed. My guess is that they’ll have that fixed this year. I will likely have a third bottle in my back pocket. The section that I needed it the most was between the second aid station and the bottom of Reddish. I’ll fill it at the second aid station and carry it with me to Reddish. I’ll make sure that I drink it first before starting the climb so that I’ve got an empty water bottle in my pocket when I hit the main part of the climb. For me the rest of the ride can be done with 2 water bottles.

[Dirt]

I looked at my calendar for September. It will be an interesting month. I have 4 long, hilly gran fondos over 5 weeks. Private Idaho, week off, Bridge to Bridge in North Carolina, Alpine and Frederick. I then get a week off before having the MoCo Epic. Stupid Human Tricks.

[americancyclo]

I’ve got a friend that can’t make it. Anyone interested in a registration for the Jeremiah Bishop Gran Fondo this year?

[americancyclo]

Can I get a forum roll call of anyone going to the JB this weekend?

[tbronder]

Hi, occasional lurker coming out of the shadows.

I’ll be doing the full Alpine loop, wearing a very orange Opower jersey. Say hi if we happen to be puffing uphill at the same time and pace.

Tyler

[vvill]

I’ll be half asleep probably, but I’m in.

[Author]

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