Thirtytwo Teeth Crew

[Geezer]

http://elpasopuzzler.wordpress.com/

Course info, motionbased charts, ect. are on the race page.

I'm on the fence this year. Originally I was OUT because this race kicked my ass last year. However, they've changed it up a bit and have 2 courses this year, a 35 miler and a 50 miler. Last year's course was ~45 miles and was the toughest bike event I've ever attempted, and I've done Terlingua (50K) and Chupacabras (100k). The 35-mile loop has 5,400 of climbing, and remember that starts at about 4,000 ft.; the high point of the course is about 6,500 ft.

Yes, it's a long drive, but it's the same distance as Terlingua, and it's in a real city with hotels and restaurants and bike shops. Let me know if any of y'all are interested. I could probably finish the 35 mile loop.

[Johnny]

Interesting...interested, but damn, its way out in El Paso. 10 hours?
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"With all of this being said, the only natural conclusion that I can arrive at is that single speed mountain bikes are as stupid today as they were the first time I threw a leg over one some 13 years ago." -Stevil

[whispering leaves]

I passed on the 2009 oc, this could be interesting............i love to climb.
Geeze, did you finish the race last year?
Is this race rain or shine?
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sleep with one eye open, gripping your pillow tight

[bigdaddy]

I wouldn't mind giving this a shot but Terlingua is a week after and no way I can handle two 20 hour round trip road trips. Besides I've already allocated so many vacation dates for next years race schedule

[Geezer]

[whispering leaves]

I'm a neewbie to this kinda of stuff, which one would be better, terilinga or this one?
I want something to stay focused on, but have a good time.
I don't care if i'm the last one to finish either.
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sleep with one eye open, gripping your pillow tight

[Geezer]

The main things that are similar between them are the LONG drive to get there and the desert terrain.

Terlingua is a TMBRA event, so there will be a lot of familiar DORBA faces out there. Lots more racers too, several hundred at least. Big festival atmosphere at the venue too. The entry fee's expensive, $85 last year. Camping is primitive (no running water or toilets, just porta potties) Motels are available, but they tend to get booked up for this race. Book early or plan on tent camping.

The Puzzler is just in it's second year. It IS US Cycling sanctioned, but it's not part of the TMBRA series. It's a small, low-key event. There's food and drink after the race, but since it's in town, no one hangs out after dark. Hotels/motels in El Paso are cheap and plentiful. You can camp at the state park, but again, no running water, no showers, no flush toilets. No DORBA people either.

Both races feature desert terrain and plenty of climbing. I'd say the Terlingua course is easier from a technical standpoint. Lots of Terlingua is actually fairly fast rolling. The Puzzler is rockier, has more slow climby twisty stuff.

About the climbs... Terlingua has Tres Cuevas; I think it's about 1,000 feet elevation gain, on a rocky jeep road. It's quite rideable on the lower part, the upper part it tougher because of big baby head rocks everywhere. The Puzzler's climb is called Mundy's Gap, almost 1,800 feet of climbing, and you start from a higher altitude. It's also a jeep road, and probably a bit more rideable than Tres Cuevas. Fabulous view once you get to the top of Mundy's, and a quick steep ride down the other side of the mountain.

Oh, if you do Terlingua, be aware that the beginner course cuts out a lot of the fast fun stuff, but still includes the Tres Cuevas climb.

[whispering leaves]

Okay i got my usac license today , one step closer to the race! Just waiting for my vacation day to get approved and i'm in.
Any of you guys out there got any balls? (With the execption of Ray and Erich)
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sleep with one eye open, gripping your pillow tight

[bigdaddy]