My Little Dilemma...

I know this is going to sound a bit silly, but I am looking for some input. I am doing the Shenandoah Mountain 100 on Sunday. I will be riding my Spot Brand 29er single speed. My dilemma is, what gear do I run. I have heard a few different opinions on the matter. Some say run what you always run, because you would probably be walking some climbs anyway, plus you don't want to be spun out on the flats.

Others say, gear down, it is 100 miles with 13,000 ft of climbing after all. Normally when I race somewhere like Michaux, I gear down because most of the climbs are kind of steep. From what I am told most of the climbs at the SM100 are fire road some steep and some not so steep.

I realize I am putting too much thought into this, but I am a geek when it comes to that. I mean, I am not freaking out about it, but I have spent quite a bit of time thinking about it. You also have to consider this is my first 100 mile race, hell this will be the first time I have ever ridden any kind of bike 100 miles.

So I ask what few readers I may have, what do you think I should do? Run my normal gear or go just a little easier.

Looking forward to any kind of input,
Buddy

Rally, Rally, Rally, Rally, Rally...

Some folks couldn't wait to start drinking.

Matt Run Forrest making his return to riding since his Leg-gina incident.

Yesterday was One Gear More Beer single speed rally in Philly. I would say about 40 or so hearty single speeders showed up with there entry fee, which happened to be a six pack of micro brew. This was in no way a race but more like a single speed riding, beer drinking event.

Marc couldn't ride, but him and Diane showed up to cheer, drink and eat pretzels.

The day consisted of 3 not so events. A cross country course which you were not aloowed to do more than 4 laps. A Jack Ass trials event which was made more difficult by the fact that most people were drunk while trying to clean it. The last event was a derby or foot down.

Big Bush and Topher square off.

After all was said and done and all the beer was gone. Everybody made there way to the Dawson Street Pub for the post party. This was where the Rally King and Queen were crowned.

This is your 2006 Rally King. Oh! by the way he was on a Fixed Gear.

The post party was great even though the bar was a bit of a dive they had some great beers and plenty not-hospitality.

Never get so drunk that you pass out at the bar like Charlie here, because people will mess with you and you could end up on some dudes blog.

Les the International Man of Mystery is feeling no pain.

When the party was finally over, Les and I made our way to Jimmy and Elizabeth's house to crash for the night. This involved a 15 minute climb in Manyunk in flip flops.

Elk and Sam.

Elk was the man. He was out setting up the course at like 6:00am, and did a great job by the way. This man worked his ass off yesterday. Then led a small drunk group of us through the woods in the dark. Scary, but fun.

So, I want to thank Elk, Mike Yozell, and Les for putting on the event. Jimmy and Elizabeth for letting Les and I shower and crash at there place.

Wow only 364 days until the next one. I can't wait.

Cheers,

Buddy