Anyone have any experiences from last year’s race that they could share? Particularly interested in what you learned about pacing through the bike – is it hilly early, late, gradual grades to be aware of, etc.
Looking forward to a good time, but would like to be prepared as much as possible up front.
Thanks-
-Mike
I didn’t race it, but I rode the course a few weeks ago. There are really only three difficult climbs on the course. The first is coming out of the swim start, 2 miles long and apparently steep - I have not ridden this one, so I can’t speak to it. The road afterward is certainly up hill, but not terribly steep and there are some downhill sections so you can recover.
The second is the climb out of the American River Canyon on Mosquito Ridge Road. Lots of switchbacks, 9 miles long, not super steep compared to some of the hills I train on - 2000’ over 9 miles. I never got out of the saddle when I rode this section.
The third is a real pain in the ass. After 20ish miles of down hill with a few small rollers, you hit this 8% grinder that is maybe a mile long.
I think the bike is going to be the least of my problems. The run course is by far the most difficult part of this race - I looked at the Dam Wall from the transition area, I have no idea how you are supposed to run up that thing.
JohnA - run up Diablo starting from the Mitchell Canyon trailhead. As you make your way to the summit, you’ll hit a few patches that - looking back - you’ll say ‘how did I run that.’
Another option, is Las Trampas - there are some pretty hefty climbs over there as well - short distances, big altitude gains
Mike
Check out Gordo’s site - I am pretty sure there are some threads on the course over there.
Diablo is 25K round trip, right?
Yes. But on the return, you don’t follow the same trail (or at least the 3 times I’ve done it in races) down. I’d have to look at the trail map to give you the exact route.
Are you still riding WTH on the weekend of 3/27/-3/28?
If no, there is a good trail run that Saturday 20,30,50K with 2, 4, 6K of elevation
check this out
http://www.pacifictrailruns.com/Mount_Diablo_Summer_Course%20Map.htm
.
I wouldn’t worry about the Dam Wall this year. Brad spoke at our club meeting and said that due to some construction we will be taking a more gradual trail that goes around that section.
Gary MC
You just made my day.
