Doing my first gravel event, the Almanzo 100, hoping for some course info.
\nFrom the website and blogposts, I gather there is between 6000 and 7000 feet f climbing and the longest climbs are around 400' of vertical. Correct?
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\nWhat are the steepest grades? (Actual % grade?)
\nI'd like to check my gearing before hand, so I was hoping to find some similar inclines to test on at home.
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\nWhat are the water refill options?
\nIt says "you may meet support " in Preston, can you drop a cooler or such off beforehand for us unsupported people? Is there any quick water acces in Preston, or do you have to go off route and into a store?
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\nThen around mile 65 there is the State Park, with some facilities, and in ears past Banjo Brothers have set up and aid station there right?
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\nAny water available after Forrestville?
There's a market in Preston not too far from the course where many people stop for water. Otherwise around the 40 mile mark your support team can meet you at the corner of River Rd W and Filmore St W/ Greenleafton Rd. The next watering hole is around the 66 / 67 mile mark at the Forestville State Park - water fountain at the picnic shelter/ bathroom area. Last year there was a large group of people hanging out there with food and drinks! Finally, the Banjo Brothers oasis has been at the 76 mile mark in Cherry Grove
Sourmash, thanks for the info on the stops. Yes, I had seen the webpage elevation profile, but it was a bit to coarse to read well. I found some older courses on mapmyride though, with the elevation profile showing a bit more detail.
Ole, thanks for that additional info. Good point about the climbs, once you are tired, it can require a very hard effort to maintain traction up a steep loose climb, it might be better to get off and walk. That also stretches the neck and back and gives some butt relief too. I think I will plan on that, also since I don't think I could get my gearing low enough to make it up Oriole Hill anyway!
Wish some more snow would melt further up Northshore!
Here is some more info from the organizers:\n\nThe route is the same as it was in 2013.\nThe first rest stop is in Preston. The second rest stop is in Forestville State Park, on the other side of the bridge, in the park on the right side (north) of the road, going west. It has a pavillion, bathrooms, water, pucnic area. Penn Cycle will be there, as a support vehicle. \nThe third stop is located in Cherry Grove. Banjo Brothers and the local church ladies provide support, at the third and final rest stop. \n\nEach rider is given a bib number, at either the Friday night registration (from 5-9) at the Community Center, downtown Spring Valley, or at the Saturday morning check in (beginning at 6am, Community Center).\n It does not have to be on the bike, but we prefer you have it on the front of your shirt. Penn Cycle has a timer and volunteers who give the numbers to the gal on the computer. It's easier for us to see your number as you come in, especially if you're riding with a group.
I'm not sure if any of the hills top 400', definitely a few around 300', and a number of them stacked back to back to back that add up to more than 400'.
Oriole is "the worst". Mile 91ish and averaging 12% according to my data. Just a few miles later there is another 8% that seems almost as bad. I rode them both last year on a 33/30 setup. It was hard work.
There are a handful of others that push 10% as well.
Water: I've never gotten water at Preston but probably should have. I have lucked out and used resident hoses in the miles before and after (they clearly had them setup for riders). Forestville campground is quite easy to use. Banjo Bros has also been a necessary stop for me and well stocked with essentials like Oreos, Coke, Hamms, and whiskey.
