Wednesday, December 26, 2007

New cut off

Ok... I'm still giddy about how many entries I keep receiving. Having said that, I'm going to have to cut it off here shortly. We want to keep it a smaller number to keep everything manageable and to make sure the experience is as fun as possible for racers.

I'd like to say that the new cut-off is 40 entries. That means that there are 4 spots left. If you get something postmarked by the 31st of January though I think you'll be alright. That still doesn't give you much time, but I'd like to move on from the registration process and onto more enjoyable things.

So... if you sent in a postcard before Christmas eve (if sending from the general MN area) and you haven't heard from me or don't see your name on the roster, send in another one. Please don't email or contact us in other ways. I need to receive a card. "Lost in the mail" while heart breaking doesn't get you in. The two entries I received tonight were both postmarked the 24th of Dec.

If I receive your card and it's postmarked after the 31st, you will go on a waiting list. If a bunch of people start dropping out then we can maybe let you in (though we might still use the original 30 number here).

Hope everyone is having a wonderful and safe holiday season (which ever, if any, you happen to enjoy celebrating) and that your training is starting to round into shape. We're just over three months away... and they just happen to be the three hardest ones to bike outdoors in.

Z out

I would like to let everyone in who wants to do it, but as the number grows the first time co-race director in me starts to get more concerned.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Two official spots left!

The entries are coming like a veritable snowstorm. 4 more brings the tally up to 28.

We (the Ragnarok organizing committee) and we decided on the following:

1) Our new SPH team kit look awesome.

2) We will NOT be giving out full maps before the race of the course. You'll be entering the race blind (but we will have great notes to get you from point A back to point A).

3) We will be opening up the race to more than 30 entrants. I'm honestly a bit surprised by the response (especially in the past week... thanks LCR-Ricoh) and part of how we chose 30 entrants was because we'd feel stupid cutting off the entrants at 100 if 8 people signed up. I'm not sure what we'll actually cut off at, but if you want to give the ride a go get those cards in before we decide to cut it off (I'm thinking it will be 40ish... maybe a bit more due to the no show quotient).

4) HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

5) Oh... as of now this blog is more active (due to the race being so early in the spring) but if this type of racing interests you see the Almanzo 100 site for more gravel road goodness. This race, while pretty flat, will kick you in the fruitstand no foolin.

I will probably be away from the computer for a few days due to the holidays. I'll try and respond to any comments though as soon as I can. Thanks!

Z out

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Double YIKES!!!!

It's down to 6!

Somehow we received 6 more entries today to Ragnarok Central. If you want a guaranteed spot send in that card.

If you are signed up and something comes up and you can't make it. Please let me know as soon as you know you cannot make it so we can keep a spot open.

Thanks for the interest all! Hoping you all get a good winter of hibernating in so the course can really kick your butts.

Have a great night.

Z

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

YIKES!!! 12 spots

Officially we have 12 spots left for the new Spring "Classic".

Some notes to those who may not be familiar with gravel roads and some rules re-iterated:

1) You are responsible for yourself!

2) You have to have a blinky red light for the rear and some sort of front light. There aren't a ton of people that bike on these roads so being seen is good! You are responsible for yourself.

3) For much of the race you'll be "in the middle of nowhere". We will provide accurate race tulips, but you're responsible for following them. No shortcuts. If you go off the course for some reason, you'll have to re-enter at the place you left. If something happens, please have someone you can call to come and get you. We don't want anyone stranded, but see #1.

4) Please obey the rules of the road. Stop signs technically mean stop. Yield - yield.

5) When going around blind corners it's usually a good idea to keep to the right a bit. Cars are not used to meeting anyone on the roads that we'll be going on.

6) You are responsible for yourself!

7) The weather in mid April can be anywhere from snow to 80 degrees. Please be prepared for whatever happens. The race will be held rain or shine.

8) I'll try and keep the gravel conditions up-to-date as the race approaches. There will be nice hard sections, and some super loose sections almost guaranteed. Tire choice is up to the individual.

Oh... and I hope this posts... the profile:

Monday, December 10, 2007

17 more spots open

Hi all

Just wanted to let ya'll know that we only have 17 more slots open for admittance into the best race this side of any other race like this um... race. So if you are planning on trying this beast out, get that postcard in.

We will be getting information out about what the route notes will look like soon so planning can go into how you want to carry them. I'll probably also snap a photo of what I've rigged up that works pretty well for me to hold them.

If anyone has any questions please feel free to post up a comment. I'll try and get back to you asap. Thanks

Z - out