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Seen a link recently saying that E1 and E2 will be identical courses. If that's the case, what will be the differences on the day between the two categories? Just faster riders who go off first?
I have an E1 entry, because I wanted to ride all the stages - but tbh I'll just be swanning around at the back [s]getting in people's way[/s] laying down some stylish lines. So an E2 swap might be on the cards if that is possible.
Lots to consider for the day, foremost in my mind being what is the pie situation like on the course? Are the feedstations appropriately appointed, or are you wise to take your piece box? I wouldn't normally take much with me on a ride like this, but maybe there's a bit of waiting around with the stages so it gets stretched out? Thanks for any advice.
I think E1 riders get a start time for each stage resulting in relatively tight transitions? E2 just having to meet an overall transition time.
I'm planning on taking all my own food for a good long day out as I'm going to be right at the back!
In E1 again and the transitions were fairly tight, the feed stations were adequate, flapjacks and water maybe ?but, didnt really have time to sit and scoff tbh
Im not sure for E2 if they are doing longer transition times or just start when you like
either way im bricking it, need to get fitter, better skilled quickly, as well as decorate the house and generally keep the wife happy before I swan off to the grim north for 7 days!
E1 riders off first with set transition times. E2 all leave after with relaxed times but the stages still open and close at specific times. Feed stations were ok last year. Lots of cake, banana and water. Each day also included a possible cafe stop at the "pit" section. It was a big day out last year and this year looks to be longer.
I can highly recommend the local butchers, Forsyth's, for pie and pie based products. There is a sneaky second shop for local people further out on the Glasgow road. You can only eat so much cake on a big day out.
All stages are identical between E1 and E2 this year.
Only difference is E1 has strict rider stage start times, whereas as E2 doesn't with only a total on course time you have to meet.
Swapping from E1 to E2 wasn't a problem last year, however rider numbering is different this year, so probably best to email and ask now, before rider lists are finalised and number boards printed.
Thanks all. I'll probably be OK with the transition times (famous last words), I know the trails in general and am alright with that mileage and climbing. It's more the stress of someone fast getting up my ringpiece, repeatedly, as I mince my way down.
I guess the properly fast riders are all seeded to go off first?
They were last year, but I'm not sure about this year.
The biggest issue is only the top riders are seeded, so you could end up in amongst similarly skilled riders, or some elite but not seeded level riders. I'm sure you'll soon learn when to let them past though.
Last year start times for E2 were given out at registration as I recall. I was aiming for the back of the field, in every sense, so wandered along later. Double bonus of getting two lie-ins ! And a nice group gathered at the back was a great day out !
If you want an unobstructed stage for your radsikgnar then get up early on registration day. Or pay somebody to queue for you.
Good thread, thanks. I'm in E2 and worrying. I'm likely to be at the back but I'm still really excited about doing it!!