UnPaved 120 miler

25 replies · 428 views

MrMojoRisin1287
22 posts
#1Mar 31, 2019, 4:59 AM
Did anyone here do the UnPaved 120miler in Lewisburg PA last year? I’m signed up for it this fall. I’m curious how all that elevation started to feel as the race went on. I’m doing the Hilly Billy Roubaix which has 7,100 ft of climbing over 74 miles versus 10,000 ft over 120 of UnPaved. Hilly Billy has some ROUGH “roads” and some super steep climbs. From what I’ve seen online with UnPaved, nothing looks too crazy.

Im curious to hear your thoughts, thanks.
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Koyote
288 posts
#2Mar 31, 2019, 12:37 PMedited
I did the 90 mile version last year, and am signed up for the 120 miler this year. Short answer to your question: it's a lot of climbing, and it'll be tough.

I believe the 120 mile race is basically the 90 mile loop but with an early detour onto an extra 30 mile loop, and apparently that contained a long, nasty, rocky climb. It was the kind of thing that would've been best ridden on an MTB, from what I heard. Later in the day, as I was 70 or so miles into the 90 mile event, I was riding along with the 3rd place rider in the 120 race -- that race rejoined the main route. He told me that the rocky climb was very tough. Oh, and then the two of us hit the last sustained climb of the day, and it, too, was long and difficult.

But they had good beer at a couple of the aid stations, so that's a plus.
1
MrMojoRisin1287
22 posts
#3Mar 31, 2019, 3:12 PMedited
Awesome, can’t wait to spend some grueling hours in my pain cave!

Thanks for the info. How was the promoter? Good event?
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Zurichman
1,526 posts
#4Mar 31, 2019, 5:52 PMedited
MrMojoRisin1287 wrote:Awesome, can’t wait to spend some grueling hours in my pain cave!

Thanks for the info. How was the promoter? Good event?

The fit chick is the promoter's wife. I live in Pa. you know that the promoter has a very strong following to have 600 riders come out for a 1st year ride. I was blown away by that turn out for a 1st year ride but that shows you what kind of connections and followers they both have. It is less than 100 miles from my house. I have no mt. bike experience coming from the roadie end. Koyote can you tell me about what mileage that the mt. climbing/heavy rocks were at so maybe I could talk my friends into going to do a pre ride this spring/summer? Everybody I talked to and read about said it was a great ride. Over at Gravel cyclist from what I know they have a video of the pre ride they were invited to.

Thanks
Zman
1
Koyote
288 posts
#5Mar 31, 2019, 7:13 PM
Zman, I only heard about that stretch since I didn’t do the 120 mile race. But if you dig up the route file, you can probably find it.

I think it’s totally rideable on a gravel bike...But it’s one of those challenges that makes these events fun.
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Zurichman
1,526 posts
#6Mar 31, 2019, 8:42 PM
Koyote wrote:Zman, I only heard about that stretch since I didn’t do the 120 mile race. But if you dig up the route file, you can probably find it.

I think it’s totally rideable on a gravel bike...But it’s one of those challenges that makes these events fun.

You probably have some mt. biking in you I have none. This is why I probably pre ride that section of the course.

Zman
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dqpryor
6 posts
#7Apr 9, 2019, 4:18 PM
Hi all,
Glad to see all the talk about unPAved!
"The Difference" between the 90 and 120 mile courses is a lasso-loop from the Poe Paddy State Park. Our primary aid station is there, at mile 53 (and then again at 83 for the "Full" riders).
It's got 4 climbs in the 30-miles. The first starts smooth, then takes a left onto a jeep road. The descent from that is the roughest "road" of our course. It's not singletrack, but while we've seen jeeps on it I wouldn't take my Subaru Crosstrek on it. Last time I rode down it was on that OPEN UP with 650b Maxxis Refuse 40c tires and sure, I would've gone faster on my mountain bike ... but only for those 5 miles.

It's a gravel bike course and that's the only time you'd be out of your comfort zone on one (I think). There's gnarly stuff at Keystone Gravel & Iron Cross already, which are awesome so we aren't trying to add much to ours.

Holler if you're thinking of a pre-ride. I can give some advice, or hook you up with locals that could help as well. Ideally I could join. It really is a fabulous place to ride.

And yes, I did get to marry the FitChick! Which is good, because now I don't need to try to be fast. Let her do that.

clink,
-Dave
1
Zurichman
1,526 posts
#8Apr 9, 2019, 5:01 PM
dqpryor wrote:
Hi all,
Glad to see all the talk about unPAved!
"The Difference" between the 90 and 120 mile courses is a lasso-loop from the Poe Paddy State Park. Our primary aid station is there, at mile 53 (and then again at 83 for the "Full" riders).
It's got 4 climbs in the 30-miles. The first starts smooth, then takes a left onto a jeep road. The descent from that is the roughest "road" of our course. It's not singletrack, but while we've seen jeeps on it I wouldn't take my Subaru Crosstrek on it. Last time I rode down it was on that OPEN UP with 650b Maxxis Refuse 40c tires and sure, I would've gone faster on my mountain bike ... but only for those 5 miles.

It's a gravel bike course and that's the only time you'd be out of your comfort zone on one (I think). There's gnarly stuff at Keystone Gravel & Iron Cross already, which are awesome so we aren't trying to add much to ours.

Holler if you're thinking of a pre-ride. I can give some advice, or hook you up with locals that could help as well. Ideally I could join. It really is a fabulous place to ride.

And yes, I did get to marry the FitChick! Which is good, because now I don't need to try to be fast. Let her do that.

clink,
-Dave

Dave I will give some dates on here then that I would be able to come up to Lewisburg. I live close to Shippensburg. I would say Newburg but believe it or not there are 4-5 Newburg's in PA. Go figure. Can there be a start at Lewisburg to do a 50 mile ride and get in that tough section that you are talking about. It really wouldn't have to be 50, 40 would be enough I just would like to ride the hard part before the ride/race so I have no surprises when I am tired.

Thanks
Zman
0
Koyote
288 posts
#9Apr 9, 2019, 7:53 PM
Zman, just sign up! It’s a great ride. Even though Pryor busted my chops about uploading my ride to Strava. 😧😧😧
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dqpryor
6 posts
#10Apr 9, 2019, 9:25 PM
Zman: Here's a 60 mile version from Mifflinburg (west of Lewisburg, and from the Rusty Rail Brewing Company) that hits all that (though not in exact order): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29678869
The pro move would be to camp at Poe Paddy State Park and then do "The Difference" ride from there.
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dqpryor
6 posts
#11Apr 9, 2019, 9:27 PM
Koyote: Help me out, 'cuz I am completely blanking on busting your chops (though absolutely believe that I would, I'm a heckler by nature).
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Zurichman
1,526 posts
#12Apr 9, 2019, 9:31 PM
dqpryor wrote:
Zman: Here's a 60 mile version from Mifflinburg (west of Lewisburg, and from the Rusty Rail Brewing Company) that hits all that (though not in exact order): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29678869
The pro move would be to camp at Poe Paddy State Park and then do "The Difference" ride from there.

I drove straight thru 605 miles to do the Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo(@ Huger SC) I think I could drive up there for a day and a ride. If I do it on one of my weekends off I could always stay overnight somewhere.

Thanks
Zman
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Koyote
288 posts
#13Apr 9, 2019, 9:34 PMedited
dqpryor wrote:Koyote: Help me out, 'cuz I am completely blanking on busting your chops (though absolutely believe that I would, I'm a heckler by nature).

Right at the finish, Dave. I rode another 20 ft to get to 90.0 miles even before uploading it. Yeah, I deserved to get heckled for that one.

ps: Gonna do the 120 this year. 33.3% more fun!
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dqpryor
6 posts
#14Apr 10, 2019, 8:32 AM
Zurichman wrote:

I drove straight thru 605 miles to do the Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo(@ Huger SC) I think I could drive up there for a day and a ride. If I do it on one of my weekends off I could always stay overnight somewhere.

Thanks
Zman

I actually live in the Lehigh Valley (Allentown/Bethlehem) so would need to plan ahead. Can put you in touch with locals if you're just going to head up.
Highly recommend getting a Purple Lizard Map of Bald Eagle State Forest. They are the best.
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dqpryor
6 posts
#15Apr 10, 2019, 8:33 AM
Koyote wrote:

Right at the finish, Dave. I rode another 20 ft to get to 90.0 miles even before uploading it. Yeah, I deserved to get heckled for that one.

ps: Gonna do the 120 this year. 33.3% more fun!

That's funny because Selene (my wife, the FitChick) does the exact same thing. And I give her the exact same grief.

I bet you can make it 33.9% more fun, and then add on the other .1%!!!
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joukoh
13 posts
#16Apr 10, 2019, 9:25 AM
This race is absolutely top shelf, the real deal. My wife and I were lucky to participate in the 120 last fall and we both had an absolutely epic day on the bike.

The climbs and the descents are fantastic, mostly on what I'd consider smooth gravel. Some good groups to carry speed, especially in the first half of the race. The speeds on the descents can get high, so be careful, don't want to ruin your race early in the day!

If anyone is on the fence between the 90 and the 120, do not think twice. This added section put the "mixed" into mixed terrain last fall, and even in a slightly fatigued and bruised state, I had a great time riding the gravel bike through what (at least at that moment seemed like) rock gardens.

Would not miss this race in 2019 if it weren't for a Yukon/Alaska adventure that has been in our plans for years. The FOMO is real, but we'll be back in 2020!!

Cheers,

Jouko
1
Zurichman
1,526 posts
#17Apr 10, 2019, 7:38 PM
What rock gardens not sure of that. dqpyror I will post on here some dates that works for me.

Thanks
Zman
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Turbeau
3 posts
#18May 24, 2019, 1:11 PM▲ Top
unPAved is awesome and Dave put's on a fantastic event. Most of the climbing and riding for that part is as good as a "gravel" race can get. Some dirt, some pavement, some trail...the only really true gnarlyness happens on that bonus loop for the 120 when you climb up some steep rocky areas and then bomb down it on the other side. Biggest thing I can say is to make sure you are comfortable with the speed you are going and that you're equipment can take the pounding. My group went pretty quickly through that area and although I didn't flat I still to add some air into my tires and fix the derailluer at the bottom of the descent. Thankfully Dave had thought ahead and placed a neutral mechanic right after that section, which was a lifesaver and I hope they will be out there again.

Otherwise I can't say enough for what a beautiful and challenging course it is. Just watch out for the first climb of the day if he keeps it like last year..that one is a monster!

-matt
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Zurichman
1,526 posts
#19May 28, 2019, 8:50 AM
Curious as to how many people are on the waiting list for the 120 miler?

Zman
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Koyote
288 posts
#20May 28, 2019, 9:32 AMedited
Zurichman wrote:Curious as to how many people are on the waiting list for the 120 miler?

Zman

As of this moment there are 27 on the male waitlist:

https://www.bikereg.com/Confirmed/41355
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