Lake Sonoma 8-Hour Course and Venue Info:

4-5 mile lap, approximately 800' of climbing. For time reference, the Experts did 5 laps in just under 2:00. I did 4 laps in 2:01 on my singlespeed (I am a mid pack Sport racer). Also, for reference, I was able to do everything in a 32x18 gear for the entire race (except for a couple of sections on the climb back of my final lap). This course is not at any significant altitude. In my opinion, this course is suited better to someone who has good technical skills but may not be a mountain goat. The climbers will pick up some time on the climb out though. This is more of a power course than a climber's course.

The course starts off mostly downhill, with some short power-ups. It is virtually all singletrack (excluding the start on paved road). The singletrack is very windy, tough to get a good rhythm type singletrack. Just about all rideable, with the exception of some dry creek crossings (and depending on your technical skill level). When you reach the bottom of the course, the climb begins. Fire road for awhile, then some singletrack mixed in. It will be that way for the majority of the climb (i.e. fire road, singletrack, fire road, singletrack). You'll get to ride the infamous Wrong Way Loop during the hillclimb (a one-mile, meandering loop that goes out in the middle of a large open area and winds and loops back to almost the spot you entered the loop on). Eventually it becomes a fire road home, ending with a moderately steep, 200' long climb and a drop into the registration area.

The 8-hour format - they're not as strict here. You can do it in any order you'd like. Every racer must do a lap though. And after every lap, racers (both the lap finisher and next lap starter) must check in before your next teammate heads out. They will time each lap. Placings are determined by who does the most laps in 8-hours. If you come in before the 8-hours is up, say 7:58, technically, you're supposed to head out and do another lap. But I don't think they'll object to a team not doing another lap. Remember though, if you're in front of another team at 7:58 but they decide to do another lap, then they will finish ahead of you.

8/21 - pre-ride, 8/22 - race. Camping is free - first come, first served. Just let the attendant at the entry know that you're there for the mountain bike race. Showers provided (hot water not guaranteed). Lunch the day of the race provided. Usually good stuff - fresh fruits, pasta salad, bread, PB&J, etc. Medals provided to top finishers (and usually some Wild Woolies merchandise too, but again, no guarantees).

Lastly, expect potentially hot temperatures. One year, three days before the race, it was 112 or something like that. Fortunately it cooled down to high 80's/low 90's. If it is super hot, we may have to go swimming in the lake.

If you have any additional questions, please e-mail: Mike Gin