For those interested, this is a fantastic race that always sells out. Great post race BBQ and atmosphere. Limited to 400 racers. Registration is already open.

http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=11975

Tom,

How technical is this course? is it 40 miles of single track with plenty of rock gardens and roots, or 40miles of infrequently maintained dirt roads, or somewhere in between. What else should we know before we sign up?

Dan

It's mostly fast rolling singletrack. Not very technical. Few if any protracted climbs or descents. 2-twenty mile laps. Very well organized. Highly recommended. Depending on your pace figure 3 to 5 hours of solid racing. Roughly 90 minute drive from Brooklyn to the course.

One more question.

Is it doable with a cross bike, or would you recommend a mt bike with suspension?

Neil described it perfectly. Yes, it can be done on a cross bike and being that the race is on July 31st, that's a nice way to start getting ready for the upcoming cross season. The race is competitive, but in a relaxed atmosphere. The post race BBQ, beer, and Hershey's ice pops are all part of the entry fee. Some racers make a weekend out of it. They go with family and stay at a local motel as it's close to some points of interest one primarily being Woodbury Commons. Your better half can go shopping while you race and then meet you afterwards for the post race festivities.

And doing it on a cross bike is allowed ?

At cross races - the general attitude re racing on your mtb is that "hey, go ahead, your at a disadvantage, so have fun" .
At MTB races does the same general attitude apply ? If its fast rolling non technical singletrack, I imagine a cross bike may be an unfair advantage.

Technically..it's doable on a 'cross bike but having done it three times (on an MTB) I don't recall having seen anyone racing it on a 'cross bike. As relatively non-technical as it is I think that you'd definitey be at a disadvantage on a cross bike. You'd also likely feel super beat up at some point along the way. There are short (1/2 mile to 2 mile) rough paved sections used as connectors in the race on which you'd make up some time with the 'cross bike but I can't imagine that would balance out the disadvantage on the offroad sections. (It is a good course for a single speed mountain bike however.)

If you're committed to using a 'cross bike (and/or you don't have an MTB bike) for an MTB race, the course at Cathedral Pines in Long Island (around Thanksgiving) is probably a better bet. (Still would rather do it on a mountain bike....)

N.

I don't know the answer to Josh's question..i.e., whether it's permissiible under the rules. (My guess...and it's only a guess...is that it is permissible.) You should definitely check with the promoters. Again..the only person I can recall seeing on a cross bike at an MTB race was an acquaintance at Cathedral Pines two years ago. Sadly he ended up seriously injured that day--not to blame that on the bike though.

I just called the promoter. Any type of bike is allowed and they have had racers show up with cross bikes in the past. Will you feel a little more beat up doing the race on a cross bike? Probably, but it shouldn't be a deal breaker if you're interested in giving it a go on a cross bike. You can also team up with another racer and only have to do 20 miles on a cross bike instead of 40.

Dark Horse Cycles (the promoter) can be reached at 845-787-0412. Like Neil stated earlier, this a very organized event. Always sells out. Always plenty of fun. There is an article about the race written by Rufus Pichler in the Kissena archives. It's under "August 2008" on the Kissena website. Click on 'Website Archive" to access the article.

I have the day off tomorrow (Tues. 7/5) and am thinking of heading out to Stewart for a mountain bike ride. For me this may be the last opportunity to pre-ride before the July 31st Darkhose 40 race. If anyone's interested in coming, I have room in the car for 2 bikes/riders from Brooklyn. Tom? Joaquin? Dave Sanossian, Eric Robertson? Dave Vollbach? Gui? Rufus (if you're still reading the forum)? Anyone else who I may have forgotten or who I may not know rides mountain bikes? If interested please contact me off list at neilxross@yahoo.com or call me at 917-579-6580.

Thanks for the offer Neil, I barely have free time to ride these days. When you go, I hope you have a bitchin' time.

It's always fun MTB riding with Neil he know the good trails!