Koppenberg Recon

Submitted by David on Mon, 03/23/2009 - 07:38

The Koppenberg will be taking place this weekend (3/29/2009). This is a great Colorado spring classic. It is also part of the Tour of Colorado.

I rode the course yesterday and one word describes the condition of the course and that is LOOSE. I think there are two factors for the condition of the course. One it has been super dry and two it looks like the road has recently been grated. The "hill" is in good shape but again about half way up it is very loose and is difficult to ride out of the saddle without spinning out. The flat dirt section that heads north toward Marshal rode is also loose. Hopefully the wet weather that is forecasted for the next few days settles all the dirt.

I ended up doing four laps of the course and during those four laps I saw the remnence of a bad accident and at least 4 flat tires. The race is gonna be epic.

News Item:

Road Racing

9 Comments

More importantly it BAR/BAT!

Submitted by Bubba Billy Bob (not verified) on Mon, 03/23/2009 - 09:27

More importantly it BAR/BAT! Much better system for the non-elite/non-traveling racers. Plus don't have to buy a second license.

It is suppose to snow a little Thursday/Friday. Might help / Might hurt?

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Yes, there is a slight delay in comments showing up

Submitted by Kris Thompson on Mon, 03/23/2009 - 09:38

Our cache has something like a minute or so lifespan so it takes about that long for your comment to show up. I'm not sure why the application does not terminate the cache when I new comment is posted.

recon

Submitted by Ryan H (not verified) on Mon, 03/23/2009 - 09:28

I rode several laps on the course this weekend and I definitely agree. Some sections are really loose that were not loose in the past. the top of the hill is loose. Definitely helps to preride the course before race day.

Recon Koppenberg

Submitted by Harry (not verified) on Mon, 03/23/2009 - 21:51

With the loose dirt, were you guys able to ride it seated though? Did you use your regular 23c road tires or maybe some wider 25c or 28c tires? Thanks.
Harry.

I rode it on my cross bike

Submitted by Ryan H (not verified) on Wed, 03/25/2009 - 18:19

I rode it on my cross bike with 35s and 36x25 gearing. I think I'll use 23s, but put on my 11x28 cassette with a 39 up front and try that on Saturday. Last year I rode a 39x25 up it without problems

Tires and Gearing

Submitted by David on Mon, 03/23/2009 - 22:18

I was riding 23s but I am thinking about 25s. I was also using a 39x27 and could probably ride the whole climb seated. You can NOT ride the climb out of the saddle. There were a couple guys on our team who were have a tough time with a 39x23 and trying to power up the climb out of the saddle.