2012 Grampian Challenge - Oct 6th

[Luke]

The Grampian Challenge will return for 2012. Race date is Saturday October 6th, 2012 at Addison Oaks County Park. Race information has been updated on the website http://www.grampianchallenge.com. Registration opens March 1st. Register before June 30th and pay only $40. All racers will once again receive a pint glass (new design for 2012) and there will be an option to buy a full synthetic long sleeve 2012 Grampian Race shirt for $12. We hope to have the shirt design posted soon.

If you missed this race last year, you surely should mark your calendar for 2012. This course has it all: miles of rolling scenic dirt roads, tight single track, open two-tracks, and some big hills! For 2012, we are going with just one course distance that will be around 35 miles. It will essentially be the ~40 mile course from 2011 with just a couple minor changes. You still get all the highlights: Bald Mtn & Addison Oaks single track, climbing the Markwood, hitting the Old Grampian ski hill, spinning on a section of the Polly Ann, and going up and down Drahner Road!

We are looking at the option of a team race division for 2012. More information will be posted on this once we set the final details.

Happy Racing!
Luke

[RMXByker]

Looking forward to it Luke. Hopefully you guys will fix the area after the Grampian Ski Hill that seemed to get everyone twisted last year. Thanks for putting on such a fun event!

[TenSpeed]

How come there is only one course distance this year?

[utabintarbo]

How come there is only one course distance this year?

Likely due to the snafus from last year stemming from where the 2 courses overlapped. One distance -> much cleaner marking scenario.

[Luke]

Over 2/3’s of the riders in 2011 went for the longer distance. So for logistical purposes of keeping the course marking cleaner we are going with one race length. Inevitably we may lose some segment of riders that don’t want to log 35 miles, but ultimately we like the “Grampian” being just a simple one length 35 mile race.

Luke

[TenSpeed]

OK, thanks for the clarification. Looks like I had better step up my game!

[str8flush24]

What is the bike de jour for this race? Cross or mtb? based on last years pics it seems like it was 50/50. I am leaning towards the cross with all the dirt road mileage.

[utabintarbo]

What is the bike de jour for this race? Cross or mtb? based on last years pics it seems like it was 50/50. I am leaning towards the cross with all the dirt road mileage.

While you could get away with a cross bike, given the fact that there is a fair amount of rough stuff in BMN/Barr Rd./Addison (assuming a very similar course to last year), I would suggest a hardtail with fairly decent-rolling tires. Or a fat bike.

[str8flush24]

Just picked up a new moonlander which basically has no miles on it. Guess this could be a good way to break her in

[kcnado]

I haven't seen an updated course map posted to the website yet for 2012... Is it safe to assume that it is pretty much the same as 2011, minus a few miles of back roads??

Excited to ride the Grampian next week - I might die, but its good training for Iceman!

[Luke]

Less than one week until the 2012 Grampian Challenge! The website is updated with course information, maps, etc… We had hoped for some slight changes to the course, but alas that did not happen. The 2012 course will remain essentially the same as 2011.

This a is a fun course and great race with an excellent mix of gravel, single track, two tracks and lots of good climbing for a southeast Michigan ride. Come out and ride at your own speed for a great color tour or push it hard and race like a banshee!!! Either way, come on out to the 2012 Grampian Challenge!!!

Note that online registration is open until 5:00pm Friday October 5th and we do have race registration starting at 8:00am.

http://www.grampianchallenge.com

Thanks,
Luke

[utabintarbo]

Less than one week until the 2012 Grampian Challenge! The website is updated with course information, maps, etc… We had hoped for some slight changes to the course, but alas that did not happen. The 2012 course will remain essentially the same as 2011.

This means you are going to have the same situation at Drahner/Hosner where you need to turn the first time you hit it and not turn the second time, no?. Given the confusion that occurred last year at this intersection, are you sure this cannot be changed?

[Andy_B]

I believe, and Luke will correct me if I'm wrong... But they are supplying each rider with a cue sheet for with road names/turns.... Much like they do at a lot of races that travel on open roads. If you choose not to carry it, when they require you to carry it, and get lost... well then... its not their fault.

[Luke]

Yes, the course is once again a “figure 8” shape meaning that it does cross back over itself on the high point climb up Drahner Road. The biggest confusion in 2011 was from the two different course lengths and the different start times. For 2012 we have only one course length and all riders will be starting within 10-15 minutes.

Turn by turn instructions have already been posted on the website - http://www.grampianchallenge.com/course.html

And we will have printed copies of this turn by turn sheet available for all riders to pick up at race check in Saturday morning.

Luke

[ShomyOface]

Yes, the course is once again a “figure 8” shape meaning that it does cross back over itself on the high point climb up Drahner Road. The biggest confusion in 2011 was from the two different course lengths and the different start times. For 2012 we have only one course length and all riders will be starting within 10-15 minutes.

Turn by turn instructions have already been posted on the website - http://www.grampianchallenge.com/course.html

And we will have printed copies of this turn by turn sheet available for all riders to pick up at race check in Saturday morning.

Luke

Does this infer that as RD you won't have volunteers or race personnel at intersections insuring safety and such?