I'm considering giving one of the next two Snake Creek Gap Time Trials a go -- the 17 mile version.
I'm curious as to how difficult this course is compared to other popular rides in the area. For those who know it, I usually finish two laps around Ft. Yargo (including Monster Mile and Three Steps) in about 2:45 for the 24ish miles. I do the Bear Creek/P1&2 loop from Mulberry gap in about 2:30.
Do I have a shot at finishing this thing with those times?
Its similar to the pinhoti in ellijay but much rockier in a lot of places. Ft yargo is very easy compared to it. Its not that long of a course and most people could probably finish in 2:30 or under I would think.
I normally would ride the 34mi but since the weather was so bad this past weekend i just rode the 17 and I got 1:57. I think if conditions were good I could do it about 10mins faster.
And fyi the 17 starts out with a steep mile long climb. It would be good to try to get some warm up in before you start. I actually rode from the parking lot at the finish to the beginning of the 17 so I'd be warmed up and ready to go.
Thanks. Do most people ride it without stopping? I read that there are a couple sag areas -- not sure what that means given it's a time trial but it sounds like those are points where people are stopping to take a break? I would hope I could ride the 17 without a break but it does sound a bit rougher than my local trails.
About halfway through the 17 there is a SAG area. I guess they have water and snacks. I would think only riders doing the 34 would use it though. I've used a hydration pack every time I've done it so I've never had to stop.
It looks like the 17 mile race starts at the Snake Creek Gap trailhead an goes northeast to the Dug Gap trailhead. According to MTBProject, that's an overall elevation gain.
The 34 starts at the dry creek trailhead so no, not an o/b of the 17. The sole purpose of the first half is to make you tired for the second half IMHO. It is an overall elevation gain from the 34 start point and generally I think the second half (17 mile option) is a little harder, way more tech than the first half and i'm good and tired by the midpoint, but last weekend was different. The conditions made the first half a real bear. Rocky stuff on the second part let the trail drain so much better it was the first time I was glad to get to the rocks.
The climb out of SCG trailhead will be a real mother if not warmed up so def spin those legs up beforehand.
It's a great event but be warned, you'll want to do the 34 if you try the 17.
Thanks. I haven't raced since 1993 or so and am just thinking about getting back into it. I would love to work up to the 34 but, today, my longest rides are only 24ish miles -- and I'm pretty wiped at the end of that -- so I'm not nearly ready for 34.
That would be a nice goal though. Doing the 3x34 would be a cool accomplishment regardless of time.
It's a great ride. Not very serious, although the course is a handful. I did the 3x34 last year and plan on doing it again this year. I know it is a time trial, but most people doing it (I'd say 90% of riders) are just competing against themselves. Many of the "racers" there are using it to start the season off and throw themselves into racing shape. While my times have been respectable, it is an accomplishment for me. Just lets me know what I'm made of. The second half is definitely the worse. The climbing and rocks just never end.
I had the chance to hike the first couple of miles of the 17 mile section and the whole time I was thinking about trying to climb it on a bike. It was rocky and twisty in places and fairly steep. As I came back down some guys were going up on MTBs and some places were definitely trouble. I saw a couple of the guys having to get off and hiking the bike for a bit, but several of them cleared the areas fine. Once you get to the top of the ridge it levels out a bit. I didn't have time to go too far though.
I want to go do this on a bike some time, but I'm not sure I could do the race this year since my ride time has been so limited with all of the rain.
You seem to have issues with personal responsibility man.
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