Race Notes - copied from Root 66 Forum

The important notes are the bottom for race day. I included this sequence for those who would like to know more about the race.


Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: paul323 Date: 08-12-08 08:42Is that a typo on the distance for beginners is just 3.35 miles?
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: kenskibike Date: 08-12-08 11:19Thanks for asking, I was wondering the same thing about the beginner distance. That race is about 1-1/2 hours from my house...a long way to go for 3.35 miles or so!!!! Last race of the season, maybe we could be REALLY challenged, with a longer distance...i.e. something closer to sport!? That way we could compare our times to those in the sport category, see how we measure up...if we should move up or not!? Just one person's thoughts...OR, can one do the beginner race, and THEN the sport race too?? On the same day?Inquiring minds need to know... :) Ken
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: logansrun66 Date: 08-12-08 11:29I believe beginners are doing 2 laps. Jill
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: air9r Date: 08-12-08 16:33Yes...the Beginner Race is only 3.35 miles but its a very difficult 3.35 miles because the first 1.25 miles begins with a climb that every category will do.The bottom line is that the best Beginners will take at least 30 minutes to complete the race, and others that are less skilled and fit will take even longer.I wish I could say as the promoter how great the Beginner Course is, but every mountain biker has a different definition about what course is perfect. Some with love it, and some will absolutely hate it. The general consensus is that a Beginner Race should be about 30-45 min., Sport 1-1.5 hours, Expert/Semi-Pro 2-3 hours.I would put the Beginners on the same loop but honestly, I (...and several other experienced racers/promoters and officials) just think the 10 mile loop would be too much for the majority of Beginners.I'm doing the best with the property that I have but because of the climbing it tends to favor more advanced riders. There are a lot of good points that I can make about the shorter loop for Beginners:1. Everyone races the same race, no matter what it is. It may be short in miles but its the same length in time. The winner is still the best rider.2. The course starts with a climb that takes Experts 10-11 minutes to peak...I'm expecting some Beginners to take 20 minutes. The good news is that even if you are not a climber, its mostly downhill and fun from there. Its always much more fun to finish with a BANG and some adrenaline instead of trying to just survive to the finish.3. There is still some wiggle room to increase the mileage another 1/2 mile or so, or even go to a bigger loop, more loops but be careful what you wish for...30-45 minutes of hard racing may be better than an hour of survival.4. You'll notice that the Sports all doing one lap of the 10 mile loop, and that both the Experts AND Pros just 20 miles. I'm not shorting anyone on racing...I'll bet everyone will agree that two hard loops even in the Pros will have been enough. In fact...to put my money where my mouth is...I'll put up $100 cash to any Sport that can finish under one hour (...if there is some sandbagger out there...let me limit my loss to one racer so I don't go broke!). Seriously...I love the 10 mile loop but I can't risk having a 12 year old out there on a bad weather day...then if I split age groups and categories it becomes a logistic nightmare.) All I can say is that I will add more mileage by popular demand or if you have the opportunity to bump up a Category because you like longer races then that may work...or we can go two laps.5. I don't have the prize list posted but all races, a minimum of the top three will get their $20 entry fee back plus a medal and probably merchandise. There's plenty of room to get a warm-up, race...then do a post race ride to try out the different venue and make the drive worth it.6. Especially in a series, you want each race to be unique. You don't want the same points leader winning them all unless he's good at everything. Back in the day, when everyone was talking about ultimate courses, it was all about more singletrack and a longer loop so that's what I'm trying to provide. I've been told by many riders that this is an "Old School" course because you are definitely going to have a problem if you show up on your cyclocross bike. You NEED a mountain bike just to finish. (I saw a lot of flats at Hodges-Dam...picture that course with longer climbs). If Mark McCormack comes, I hope he brings heavier tires than Sunday, or 3 tubes.7. If all else fails, and you really felt like you got screwed come see me and I'll refund your entry, REALLY!!! I'm giving a lot back because I've always loved this sport and don't expect that too many racers if any will be unhappy. I'll be plenty pleased if I just break even because I'm not looking to profit. If I end up ahead, then I can put the money towards next year's race and improvements based on racer input. The more feedback I can get, good or bad, the more I can give the people what they want.Sorry to get a bit lengthy, but I'm a racer and I want this to be a great event year after year, as well as build up the Root 66 Series. I welcome all feedback and will work with you to try to make everyone as happy as possible. As I strive to make this a free race with million dollar prize list, live band, free beer, babysitting etc. , please work with me to make mountain bicycle racing in the NorthEast what we all think it should be.Matthew J. Domnarskiwww.DomnarskiFarm.com
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: kenskibike Date: 08-12-08 16:54Thanks for ALL the info.!!! I'll trust your opinion, since it sounds like you're very passionate, and have far more experience then I.One last question, IF I do the beginner race, can I ALSO do a sport race(after)...in the same day? I have no doubt of my ability to race the time/distance, I have the fitness, it's just the skills I'm developing...I just find I'm more competitive in the beginner category, then sport...if the rules allow for me to do two races...If I have to choose...so be it.Thanks!
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: logansrun66 Date: 08-12-08 16:59Matt is a great racer and very passionate about mountain biking. Chris and I know that he is out to deliver a true mountian biker challenge and has more than stepped up to the plate as a new promoter.You can race both races if you would like.Jill
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: mtbgraig Date: 08-12-08 19:18Jill,im thinking both races as well here, i dont care how hard the course is, 3.35 miles no matter how hard can be banged out no problem.Why I race beginner?I think of myself as I really good technical rider, really good at downhills, not bad at climbing, and very good at long distances. In the end i am not fast, i have never been fast. I have run half marathons, tons of long distance trail races, but never been fast.Do i train sure, but not enough, life gets in the way. Things like work, family and stuff like that. The only reason to do beginner is the points, i see no reason to drive so far for such a short race, none at all.Make the beginner race the same distance as the sport my geuss 95% can handle it. "logistical nightmares" is why i race all week long i deal with logistical nightmares, so i say its your turn. I say this with a smile.Graig Judgewww.interstatebatteries.comeverybattery every need
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: logansrun66 Date: 08-12-08 20:17MtbGraig....YOU can race ALL THREE races!!!!!!! Last race of the 08 season folks, we obviously want all our Root 66 racers and families to have a great time at the season finale and just to tease you all a little bit....we have some great things in the works for 09!!!!! We hope to see you all out at the Domnarski Farm Series Finals!!
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: air9r Date: 08-12-08 20:54Thanks for the feedback.Graig...all I can say is I'll make you happy no matter what it takes. Is that possible? If theres a problem, I'll fix it.If you can visit beforehand we can go over the layout, or we can add laps or something. I like the above punishment....er...I mean solution.If we add laps...can you make yourself accessible to take the heat/accolades?We can figure something out together if you like ro make it worth your drive. Just out of curiosity...how long in time do you like for a Beginner race?Matt
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: armand Date: 08-12-08 21:30My 2 cents worth...I understand everything that everyone is saying here. And in a way I probably agree with almost everything, but lets go 2 laps for the beginners. Very few of the races are 30 to 40 minutes in length. Personally I'm alot like Graig, very fit, good rider technically, but just not nearly as fast as the Sport guys. I would thinks the guys that race the Series every week can handle two 3.35 mile laps in a timely manner.Armand
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: air9r Date: 08-12-08 22:18I looked over prior race results from the series and see times ranging from 50 minutes and to an average or 1 to 1.5 hours. As long as Jill Logan and Dick Lutz are ok with it, we can go two laps for some of the Beginner Races. The only concern I can see is getting everyone done before the start of the 11:30 races (2 hours after the 9:30 Beginner Start)...I'd prefer not to start earlier at this point but its possible to move up to 9:00.Maybe it would be best to do one lap for the 12-18 ages and not sure about women and older groups. I could even make a shorter than 3.35 mile loop (more like 2.5 for a two lap race of 5 miles) but just didn't want to make the Beginner Race where you go straight up and then straight down, and figured that most Beginners would prefer to only do that hill once.Now is a good time to vote so I can adjust the pre-reg before the end of the week. Thanks for the feedback.Matt
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: Bravo Shot Date: 08-12-08 23:30I think the main question for most of us beginners is the condition of the sport-expert loop after the initial climb. We haven't gotten a description of the elevation or technical conditions, so it is hard to gauge or make an educated suggestion. If we could get some more info along those lines it might help. I will say that I had no intention of going to this race, but after reading the promoter's comments, I will not miss a race put on by someone with this guy's intensity for our sport. 1 short lap, 1 long lap, 2 short laps... whatever. I am in!Speed Saves
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: armand Date: 08-13-08 08:29Matt,I trust your judgement on the course. After all you built it. And yes, I'm thinking of myself too. I'll be there no matter what the race is. Moving the start time to 9:00 this close to the race wouldn't be the right thing. People plan ahead, and us New York guys drive a pretty good distance to race Root 66. So I know that extra 1/2 hour in the morning is huge. I do hope the decision is made for two 3.35 mile laps, but it is what it is and I'm sure it will be a great course. Thanks...Armand
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: kenskibike Date: 08-13-08 09:51Hi,I'm in agreement with Armand. I'm in good shape, not afraid of time/distance or suffering...just not fast enough to be competitive with the Sport division. I'll be there regardless, but I know all season long I've not heard one complaint about any race being too long...an hour+ seems to be our average(of the races I've done) and that has never appeared to be too much for any of the racers in my group, or surrounding groups!I hope to visit the course before the race, then I'll have a better sense, but either way I'll do the beginner race, and add the sport if I feel I have "more in the tank" :)The beauty of this sport...first year racing mtb...is that people(promotors, competitors, and officials) REALLY listen, and support one another before, during and after the races. That means a lot, when you feel you have a "voice". Thanks...keep it up!! Commuication makes anything better/great!I'm hooked!! :)Ken
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: mtbnut Date: 08-13-08 12:49Is there any late afternoon or evening that the course can be ridden, I might sneak over and give it a shot.I think a 7 mile race (2laps) for beginners is fine, If we cannot climb the hill we get off grumble and curse and run or walk up. Cutting the juniors to 1 lap is a disservice to them, usually they manage to catch alot of the older guys and pass us.Last race of the season we have all winter (unless you do cross) to recover, Bring on the laps
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: kaizenmtb Date: 08-13-08 13:30I'm all for the 2 lap race as well but I will be there regardless. I'll do whatever I can to support this kind of enthusiasm for mountain bike racing. In my case I'd like to do 2 laps because I want to promote to sport for next season and this sounds like it would be a good opportunity to see what it'll be like. Either way, I've already signed up so I'll be there. Looking forward to it. Thanks for all your work Matt and I look forward to seeing the course.It's been a great summer of racing as well so thanks Chris and Jill.Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: air9r Date: 08-13-08 17:12Thanks for the feedback folks so it looks like 2 laps is a better idea. I'll go on Bikereg and change the Beginner Class to 2 laps.I wish I didn't have to put a big hill in for you folks, but, even if you have to push a few spots, I can at least say that what goes up must come down and the down part is real fun.I'll bump up all the Beginner races, and if its too much for anyone, at least they can stop after one lap, check in with the officials and take a cool down.I encourage everyone to check out the GPS data listed on BikeReg for each lap. Although being on the race course is usually a bad idea I think there is enough room out on a ten mile loop to be able to check out that course and surrounding trails as long as you keep vigilance for racers and give way.I welcome anyone to pre-ride...or even post ride any loop (perhaps Sunday if you can't make Saturday?). I have minimum markings there but enough for now, and on race day I prefer a method of making yellow police tape shoots so even the most oxygen debt delirious won't miss a corner. That means in critical spots, all you have to do is remain between the two ribbons or that the wrong way is blocked off.I forgot to get my arrows from Jill at Hodges Dam so if anyone can grab them at Keene or later and get them closer to Ware MA I'd apprciate that.Also, I'd like to say how proud I am of this Root 66 community, particularly when it came to comments about Mount Snow. Basically, there was participation, then feedback, response and the result was better mountain bike racing for the Nationals. That's what I call working together.After my race this year, we can get even more input for 2009. If the Beginners want the 10 mile loop for a good 1.5-2 hour race, and the Pro's three laps...we can work that out. Everyone makes a difference and its great when it produces a better World.Thanks,Matt
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: armand Date: 08-13-08 21:43Hey Matt,Thanks for listening to us. I can't wait to ride there, it certainly sound like it will be a blast. And don't worry about hills for beginners, I have always said...there is nothing in the rule book that says you can't walk...Armand
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: Big Bikes Date: 08-14-08 18:51Judging by the GPS data the Semi-Pro/Pro field will easily come in at around two hours or less. How about adding a lap for that field? When a vote is taken on the line our field always votes for the longer race. Just a thought.thanks-Thom P.
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Re: Domnarski Farm Final now on BikeReg
Author: air9r Date: 08-14-08 22:34There was a lot of debate about that while planning this race, and I sought lots of input just to make sure I wasn't making poor decisions. I want everyone to know that there was a lot of thought put into this course to make the best use of the available terrain.The problem with a ten mile loop is that two laps is a good race and three laps is probably too much, depending on who you are. I know that every Expert and above can do five laps but do they want to?The question becomes what sort of race everyone prefers. Because of the difficult climbing (not impossible) I really think you will be satisfied with two laps.Plus...I'm not kidding when I say bring durable equipment. I'm not looking to bust anyone's bike, but I've been through a lot of tubes and a derailluer before I got my bike set up where I can reduce the chances of a mechanical. I'm running 2.2 tires, higher pressure on a dual-suspension. I've been fine on smaller tires...and the derailleur was just one of those stray stick things...but I'm not big on finesse.We considered adding a third, or maybe a shorter finishing loop, maybe just to set the Semi-pro apart from the Experts. In the end, its the most conservative choice to stay at two laps, especially if it rains. Part of this decision was also because of the way the loop is laid out. There is four noteable climbs, but the last two miles are mostly downhill. Its really exhilirating to finish that way, speeding to the finish. I didn't want to take away from that by just adding mileage only for the sake of more time.After this years race, I'd really like everyone to weigh in and decide what they want to see. I'm going to feel much more comfortable making adjustments based on opinions from racers that have actually been on the course. I prefer longer races and I'm signed up for the VT50. I know that Holiday Farm stated they were looking to go longer this year. My other preference is a rideable course. Even though Cyclocross is now my number one pursuit, when I'm on the mtb I don't like to dismount. I like a course with variety with easy sections as well as extremely technical sections that require skill to clear. I only like to get off the bike when I screw up or crash.I'm a low grade OLD Semi-pro and have ridden this course 25 times this summer. I've cleared every section at least once without dabbing, but I've NEVER cleared all sections on a single lap. Granted...I'm no trials rider, and its been very wet...and sometimes its just faster to run a section even if you can ride it, but that's what I love about this course.Everytime I ride it, it challenges me to beat an hour and clear the entire loop. There is even one section on Fox Hill that I've named "Ten Dollar Pass". Its about ten feet up some rocks that I tell my riding friends I will give them ten dollars if the make it mounted. Some have done it...but none are willing to pay me ten dollars for all the times they haven't. I'd be way ahead. I was seriously considering posting a marshall at this section to take down race numbers to award successful racers a $10 cash bonus (Sponsors?)I'm going with my gut, experience and feedback from others that two will probably do for 2008 and then we'll just have to see what will attracts the most racers for 2009.Matt