Bulldog ... grade of climb??? Any input?

[Jiffer]

I'm thinking about doing Bulldog at Camp Pendleton in a couple of weeks. It will be my first actual race. I'll get lost of the "big climb", because I suck at climbing, but hoping my strong flat riding and insane descending skills will keep me from being dead last. Even so, I'm trying to think of it as a good training ride to develop my speed. So, as dh reminded me, even if I come in last, but pushed myself harder than I ever have before, it will be a success.

What I want to know is what the 1 mile climb is really like. What is the grade percentage? I found an old post here where someone was "guessing" between 6-8%, but I'm wondering if anyone can give me more info. I have seen an elevation profile, so I know it's a staircase sort of climb, but I would love to know as many specifics as possible to prepare both mentally and physically.

I understand a little about race strategy. Dh races and I've read race reports, but I'll take any input anyone wants to give. I don't know if any of that will make a difference if I lose everyone on the climb and can't ever catch them, but if the racing gods are with me, I might just need to know some strategy! I don't plan on attacking ... like ever. I'll just stay in the pack on the way out.

Anywho, thanks for any input, especially on the climb.

[smilingcat]

Oooo... public race.

The starts are staggered so you won't be last... I thought of doing this myself but went nahh... I don't need the added pressure. Besides it starts on Los Pulgas road (The flea road).

And is the road open to traffic? I think it was.

Anyway, go have fun and let us know how it went. Feb 27 isn't it?

[Jiffer]

Yeah, it's the 27th. And, yeah, the starts are staggered, but all the women are in the last wave ... so I do actually have the possibility of being last.

But it will be a good experience anyway, to see how hard I can push myself and be proud of that and just to experience a race, which I've been wanting to do. And who knows, maybe I'll surprise myself.

[smilingcat]

Oh I thought even the women were staggered according to age group. Unless you are in the 50+ group, you will not be in the last group.

It will be fun. enjoy!!

[Jiffer]

No, all women go together. Here is the break down.

Waves
Starting at 8:30, you will be going off in 10-minute waves.
WAVE #1 - ALL MEN 15-29 (military & civilian)
WAVE #2 - ALL MEN 30-39 (military & civilian)
WAVE #3 - ALL MEN 40-49 (military & civilian)
WAVE #4 - ALL MEN 50+, Clydesdales, & Mt. Bikes (mil & civ)
WAVE #5 - ALL WOMEN (military & civilian)

I have to say, I'm starting to have second thoughts. And no one is giving me any input on what the climbing is really like.

[Fredwina]

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/32372
Do they release the route ahead of time? You could plot it ahead of time in a site like ridewithgps and get a general idea.