I wanted to go this year but couldn't make it work with my schedule :( Next year hopefully.

Wish I was still on the east coast to do this race. Great course. A good all around test of XTERRA. I ran bloodrock both times I did the race. If I lived there and rode OM regularly I'm confident I could figure it out but felt safer and faster (considering a likely crash or step off) to just run the damn thing.

THAT, my friend, is some sage advice! I will remember that. Someday soon I shall need it.

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"They're made of latex, not nitroglycerin"

I will be there! Probably my favorite of the remaining XTERRA majors left in North America. It's got a little of everything!

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IG: idking90

Quick question. Trail shoes or road shoes for the run? Leaning towards road shoes unless maybe the course gets a soaking prior to race day....

Cheers,

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thechromedome
http://www.favoritefinishlines.blogspot.com
http://www.cupcakecartel.org
My 20% off code for 2018 FS Series races: tricred18
"there are no drafters in heaven" - C Bonner

Probably depends, you don't need the type of trail shoe that closely resembles a hiking boot, but I'd also shy away from some sort of ultra light racing flat. There's nothing super technical on the run, nothing steep, no rocks I can recall, but there are enough roots and divots to lose your footing on.
Last year I ran it in my Brooks Cascadias, which was just too much shoe, even if it had been wet. So don't do that.
Also, re: Blood Rock: it's not Blood Rock itself that's the problem so much as the series of tricky drops and successive poor line decisions you make in the 20 feet leading up to Blood Rock that cause it to have such a reputation for causing crashes.

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IG: idking90

Have fun out there...don't give the "fans" anything to cheer about!

ChromeDome...

is the course marked already? Or is it that obvious? Im headed out wednesday and will use a similar race plan to taking it easier on the first part and then going slow to make up for going out too fast. See you out there!
daved

I went out there last Sunday. It wasn't well marked but I was fortunate to have a guide with me. I suspect if you ask a local that's out there riding as well he can point you in the right direction.

See you out there!

Cheers,

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thechromedome
http://www.favoritefinishlines.blogspot.com
http://www.cupcakecartel.org
My 20% off code for 2018 FS Series races: tricred18
"there are no drafters in heaven" - C Bonner

Any thoughts on the Vail course or Utah?

A regular crusher of xterras and this course in general always ran them in Mizuno Ronins if that helps any. Anything trail that is more than a Pure Grit level is overkill.

Have fun. Fantastic course. Hopefully one day they'all go back to the old run so I can read all the carnage reports.

Not sure if course is marked and there are a handful of side trails. Also we got this in an email the other day from XTERRA:

First, for those who have raced at Oak Mountain before, we changed the bike mountain bike course a bit for this year. About a quarter-mile after descending through the "Blood Rock" section, you’ll take a right turn onto Centipede Trail for 0.8 mile and make the connection to the fun and flowing Jekyll 'n Hyde trail, eventually crossing Terrace Park Rd. and onto Mr. Toads trail, Family Trail and finally Rattlesnake Ridge trail back into transition.


As to the other question about the Vail and Utah courses...by Vail I assume you mean Beaver Creek? I really don't like it. Swim at 7,000 ft, ride uphill for an hour half of it being jeep trail or pavement, then a non technical descent, and then a so evil it's not even fun run. That said, I'll probably race it again because I've got some demons to chase there, and the points series is set up such that it makes sense for me to do it.
Utah is similar although altitude is minimal (4,900 swim/T1, peak at 7300, T2/run all 6-7k), climbing is moderately technical, and the descents require some skill. I enjoyed Utah a lot more than I did Beaver Creek, but altitude for both really did a number on me given that I live 3 blocks from the ocean and don't even have climbs to train on.

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IG: idking90

Any guesses on wetsuit legal or not? I don't care either way but I need to pack light so I don't want to bring one for nuttin.

Also I would LOOOOOOVVVVEEEEE if someone could give advice on how to go gloveless or speed up the process of putting on gloves in T1 when your hands are wet. Sooooooo frustrating......grrrr.

Cheers,

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thechromedome
http://www.favoritefinishlines.blogspot.com
http://www.cupcakecartel.org
My 20% off code for 2018 FS Series races: tricred18
"there are no drafters in heaven" - C Bonner

Sorry to say but you should bring it. Done the race 5-6 times and never thought to bring a wetsuit for a lake swim in Alabama in May. One year it rained a bunch, was overcast and the race was wetsuit legal. Very few people like me racing without one.

Usually pays off to wear gloves in Xterra. My only fix is to wear short finger road bike gloves rather than preferred long finger for MTB. Not too hard to get on.

CHROMEDOME,

Hope you had a great experience there... or should I ask if your body temp has come down yet? that was a warm one eh?

Great course. Well run. Cool vibe. Easy travel. This sport is legit. Keep it up xterra. see you in maui (but prob sooner)

daved

Ugh. I blew up the moment I got on the bike and never got myself together. You know that feeling when you're killing it in the front of a race and nobody is around you cuz you're so far out in front? That's what I felt like except I was in the very back......

On to Raleigh 70.3......

Cheers,

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thechromedome
http://www.favoritefinishlines.blogspot.com
http://www.cupcakecartel.org
My 20% off code for 2018 FS Series races: tricred18
"there are no drafters in heaven" - C Bonner

Bruce,

well good luck in your next event and your description is a bit off brotha... you swam well!
Hope the next race is better.

Dave