Greensfelder Challenge Recap and Gallery

Well, it's finally up. I managed to write up a short, accurate(?) piece on the Greensfelder Challenge on our blog and post up a few photos from Lisa's camera. If you have links to any other online galleries, shoot them to seamonkey on the message board.

Course Marked. Shred On!

With only a few days before the race this Saturday be sure to get on out there if you haven't yet. The trails are fast and as 'buff' as Greensfelder gets!

This is the last post before the big day so here's a recap.

+Beer on hand from Schlafly
+BBQ by Jeff Rippelmeyer (remember the awesome BBQ from last year? Yup, again!!!!)
+7.4 mile course
+Rigid forks are stupid but fun out there
+EQUESTRIANS always have the right of way - even on race day! Please remember this. Be nice.
+The rocks are rocky
+The dirt is flowy
+The creeks are wet
+The hills still continue to hurt
+Bring money
+Bring your fun-time personality
+A few people will be on the course to guide/offer aid
+Start/Finish at the VISITOR's Center (this is, if you're counting, the third lot from 6 Flags)
+The first rocky descent is scary when fast. Stay on the bike to continue having fun.
+The second rocky descent (Deer Run section) is faster and maybe scarier. Again, stay upright.
+To get some amazing BBQ finish your race quickly.
+Notice how much better this park has become in four years with our constant tinkering/construction
+Think how much more fantastic it will be every year thereafter. With your help!
+See you soon.

2011 Course Improvements

We've been busy since the 2010 race working on improvements to the course, as well as other trails in the park. Here's what you'll see that's different from last year, in order, assuming you're riding the course route counterclockwise:

- rerouted/reworked three turns as you descend the big hill going down into the valley on the backside of DeClue.
- did our best to repair the damage from someone pulling out rocks on the monkey head section.
- finished the two switchbacks on DeClue on the north side of the hill below the radio tower.
- designed and built a new section of trail after you cross the Scenic Loop road, which will eventually take you all the way to the bottom and the junction with the Eagle Valley trail. We had hoped to have this open for the race, but a low turnout at the last workday prevented us from finishing everything. We still hope to have it usable though.
- armored wet spots on the singletrack (southwestern) section of Eagle Valley. We weren't able to use this last year because of these muddy spots.
- continued maintenance of Dogwood, and DeClue to try to keep them in top shape.

The start/finish has been moved to the Visitors Center, and with all of the improvements, the course will be mostly singletrack, except for the doubletrack path from the start to the radio tower, and the 0.25 mile section of Eagle Valley as you turn left after descending Deer Run.

Remember to build your trail karma by helping out at GORC workdays.
Have fun, and good luck!

Greensfelder Challenge 2011

Once again this blog has shifted focus from general information to detailed information about the fundraising race for GORC.

It's coming in just over a month. Look for updates soon.