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| Detailed map and instructions. I still managed to miss a turn. |
The Moco Epic was absolutely a blast. One of the most fun days I've ever had on a bike. I rode approximately 38.4 miles of amazing trail through 5 different parks. There was a huge variety of trail surfaces, obstacles, wildlife, foliage, elevation and more through each different area. I think I hit about 5 different aid stations, all stocking the usual carbohydrate replacing drinks, energy gels and other snacks like bananas, peanut butter and jelly, trail mix and gummy bears. But a few were really over the top. One group was cooking up bacon wrapped hot dogs and another had prime rib and pulled pork. Seriously. I wasn't sure how I would cope with riding with that in my stomach, but I probably should have tried some. I saw quite a few other people partaking and a few of them were faster than me, so it must have been the meat.
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| Loving the pink number plate |
Everything was really well set up and organized. An amazing group of volunteers put this together and staffed the even. There were only two hiccups on my whole ride. I missed a turn where the trail passed underneath a bridge and it took us like 20 minutes to find the route again. Thankfully, I spotted a guy in an orange jersey through the trees who was on the trail. The other issue I had was with some brand new singletrack that was included in the ride at the last minute. It was extremely soft and still had grass all over the place. Not too fun at mile 27 on a rigid single speed. My legs were pretty unhappy for the rest of the ride. But I'm sure it will be great trail soon. Super for next years's Epic.
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| 18T cog. Woodman Bill Single Speed hub. |
After much debating I went with the 18T cog. I may have been more comfortable towards the end with 19 or 20, but I could have been more tired from spinning the cranks so much more for the rest of the ride. Who knows? The single speed 29er choice was a no-brainer for me. 3400 ft of climbing over 38 miles is nothing too steep. Power up the climbs and let the momentum carry you to the next one.
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| Cool swag. |
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| Delicious after ride BBQ. |
The total ride time for me was about 5 hours. There was a party going on after the ride but I just stayed for a Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA and a monstrous plate of animal flesh. Yummy. If I can, I will definitely attend this event again next year. Hopefully bump up the distance. I feel like I probably could have done the longer 65 mile route, but I would much rather say that than have bailed out on the longer ride and not finish.
The Grand Fondue is the next big ride I have planned. It's somewhat of a "road" ride, but includes small, dirt back roads and gobs of climbing. This time of year, I think this is optimal riding style and I'm really looking forward to it. I'll be riding my Kona Jake. I've been taking it out pretty regularly lately and riding on the steep roads and paved trails throughout the Patapsco River Valley behind my house to get ready for the terrain in Frederick. Admission for the ride: $15 bucks and a 1/2 pound of cheese. Communal fondue and 2 glasses of mead to follow the ride. That's right up my alley, for sure.
Thanks for reading. Enjoy the ride.
Kyle
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