Here it is, the inaugural 105mi gravel road race through Goodhue and Wabasha counties. You will travel the forests, gravel roads, and minimum maintenance roads starting in Red Wing, MN into the unknown. Race start will be around sun up (check weather station for official sun up) April 12, 2008 finishing will be around sundown the same day. There will be a midway check-point, a certain speed will have to be achieved to reach this on time. There will also be three points along the way to receive outside help, other than that you MUST be self sufficient! To register send a postcard with name, age, sex, note weather your a single-speed/fixed or open class phone # and email address to Ragnarök 105 c/o Isaac Giesen 134 Kingswood Drive #210 Red Wing, MN 55066. Registration ends March 12, 2008, we will only be letting 30 people in to this race, if we receive more that 30 postcards we will draw from a hat (literally) to see who gets in! This is a FREE race so there will be one less thing for you to contemplate... and if you're planning on racing Trans-Iowa this would be a good chance to see if your ready.
Cheers!
Rules:
The Golden Rule. The sponsors, organizers, and anyone having anything to do with this race are NOT responsible for your safety. Think of this race as a 105 mile hard training ride with prizes. We can't say this enough.....YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU! The Ragnarök Mountain Bike Race is a non-stop, self-supported, solo competition along the gravel roads of rural Goodhue and Wabasha counties. Competitors must carry with them ALL necessary equipment.Each rider is considered to be on a private excursion and remains solely responsible for any accidents in which he or she may be involved. No responsibility can be accepted for riders becoming lost or stranded. Prearranged outside support is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to assistance with navigation, delivery of supplies, lighting, or lodging. Competitors will stock up on food and other items at stores and businesses along the route. Viva la gas station burritos and Oatmeal Cream Pies! Competitors may not advance on the route by any means other than bicycling or in the case of a mechanical, by foot. There will be no hitching of rides via Minnesota farm animals. Moooooooo. Competitors may, in the case of emergency, mechanical or other unforeseeable problems, be assisted by motorized transport. By accepting motorized transport you will automatically relinquish your standing in the race. The primary race route must be followed at all times. No short cuts or alternate routes are permitted. If you do this, you are a menace and will be forced to help local farmers scoop poop! Bike choice is up to you! We are allowing mnt bikes, cyclocross bikes, 29ers, and road bikes if you really want to be stupid. Just be aware that some research is going to have to go into your final bike choice. The gravel roads of this area can get pretty harsh. I suggest atleast a 1.95, but then again, it's up to you how much you want to hurt. We'll leave it at that. All singlespeed/fixie category racers must start and finish on the same gear. So, that means don't stick 10 assorted freewheels/track cogs in your drop bag. You CAN run a flip-flop hub, but both gears (freewheel & cog) must have the same number of teeth. You are completely on your own. Use your head. Look and yield for traffic. There will be no course marshalls to hold up traffic. Don't be a dumbass!Riders must wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet, must obey city, county and state laws and Rules of the Road, and conduct themselves in a manner that will not bring discredit to the event. All racers must use and carry with them a flashing red taillight and front light, and a back-up light source, i.e. headlamp. A cell phone is also a good/great idea. Racers will be supplied a course map, a.k.a Cue Sheet. This event will happen regardless of rain, sleet, snow, drought, wind, rabbit infestation, etc. You get the idea.No GPS Systems allowed for navigation. GPS's are allowed for personal data and recording your ride. Have atleast a pit crew of 1 to help you if you have problems. The people and sponsors associated with this race will not come get you or be responsible for you! You get ran over by a tractor, that is your problem. You get attacked by a rabid raccoon, that also is your problem. You get recruited to scoop pig poop, yep you guessed it, that is your problem. A cell phone is highly recommended. Make sure you know how to use it. Racers can help other racers with mechanical support. We are not doing this event to leave someone out in the boonies of MN. If you exit the course for food, supplies, or any other reason, You must re-enter in the same spot in which you left. Got it!Drafting is allowed. But please do not show up with 8 of your buds and turn this into a road race. The intent of these rules is to establish an equal and fair opportunity for all racers.VIVA LA MINNESOTA GRAVEL!!!
Saftey and Supplies:
The following is information for you the racer, and some suggestions for gear to keep in mind for the event. Of course, what you decided to carry is up to you. The items listed in RED are the "must haves" by all racers!
MINNESOTA SAFETY TIPS
When you’re out riding in MN in April, the weather can change rapidly at any time and being prepared for wind and rain or snowy conditions with the gear that you carry will make your ride much more enjoyable. Even on a 60 degree day, it’s possible to get cold very quickly if you have to stop to fix a mechanical problem or become injured so always carry a waterproof/windproof jacket or thermal top and dress in layers appropriate to the conditions.
Maintain your bike so that it doesn’t let you down when you’re at the furthest point from civilization.
As a minimum I suggest carry the tools listed below and more importantly, know how to use them.
If possible cycle in a group so that if someone does hurt himself or herself there are enough people to stay with the injured person while others go for help.
Carrying a basic first aid kit and survival blanket is a very good idea.
Unless you are VERY familiar with the area where you are cycling, carry a map and compass in clear plastic bag. Again – know how to use them!
Keep eating and drinking regularly to keep your energy levels up so that you can complete the race. Be able to recognise the symptoms of dehydration and “hitting the wall” and act accordingly.
In most cases the farmers of MN are your best bud. They will give you food, and treat you like a son or daughter. But there are a few out there that would rather mow you down with their 1969 Dodge pickup.
Farmers own dogs. These dogs chase anything that moves. Be prepared to throw-down with a mutt if needed.
Redwing Blackbirds......if you get too close to their nests, they will dive-bomb your head. Just keep riding, they can't hurt you.
SUPPLIES YOU MUST CARRY
Red tail light
Front light. Power output is up to you. Keep in mind you won't be able to recharge.
A way to contact the "outside" world should you need help.
SUPPLIES TO KEEP IN MIND
Small rucksack / hydration pack
Lightweight waterproof / windproof top
Extra thermal top or warm layer to wear if stopped
2 litres of water either in a bladder or water bottles
Food – for example energy bars, gels or chocolate
A good pump
Tyre levers
2 spare inner tubes
Puncture repair kit
Chain splitter
Allen key set
Spoke wrench
First aid kit and survival blanket
Mobile phone / money for pay-phone
Butt butter....ahhhhh smooooth!
Good chain lube. Don't under-estimate MN's harsh conditions in the Spring.
Cash, debit card, credit card. Use these items to get items on the road to complete the route.
Handle bar map case
a cycling computer
This may sound like a lot of gear to be lugging around during a race and on many cases you won’t need all of it. However, if something does happen to you or your bike in a remote spot, you’ll be equipped to deal with most situations or at least stay safe and warm until help arrives.
