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.

[smilingcat]

if you want to win, the race is won or lost at the climb in the middle. It's tough!! No two ways about it. If you are in a reasonable shape, you should be able to average minimum of 18MPH. The gentle climb for the last 5 miles or so is so slight you can ignore it. There are couple of "whoopdy doo" hills" along the course. If you have good speed, you can power over them without losing too much speed. Those "hill" climbs are short and steep but not even 100 feet of climb. Don't worry about them.

The one you should be concerned is the one in the middle. Don't attack unless you are competent climber. Too many riders blow up on it. 15-20minutes of pain to climb the 500feet.

You have to be careful of the downhill for that 500 feet climb. It will be fast.

And no you will not come in last to be embarassed. There will be lots of weekend warriors and wanna-be-racers (mostly men). There are those who can not finish the 26 mile course in 2-1/2 hour time limit.

GO AND HAVE FUN. Draft the fast women till the hill climb.

[Jiffer]

Now it's supposed to rain, so I'll be watching the weather and decide at the last minute I guess. I was all pumped to do it and not worry about how I compare to the group and if I stay with anyone, but not if it's raining. However, a big club ride was cancelled today due to rain in the forecast, but it never rained, of course.