2 days until race time!
from ic website:
We usually break this thing down into four "sektors" - as we're fond of calling them. Each Sektor has it's own unique features and they are separated by our checkpoints making it pretty easy to figure out what's where - as long as you're not so oxygen depleted that you don't remember where you are, what day it is, or why the heck you're climbing up a cliff with a bike hanging off your back.
Sektor 1 - Start to CP#1
Features: Start at Pine Grove Furnace State Park; KOM/QOM; rolling roads and two big climbs
This is fast fast fast for the most part with the start course sometimes playing a bigger role in the race than you might think. A prologue loop of rolling pavement and rail trail brings you back through Pine Grove SP in about four miles. Find a group to ride with and hang on up the first dirt climb as you'll appreciate the help on the rolling roads that lead to the first major climb to the KOM just before CP1. Up front the attacks usually start on those rollers after a long burn up the first climb has put a couple pretenders out the back. The KOM climb will cause a selection or perhaps even a breakaway and small groups will solidify for the run to Lippencote with riders chasing hard to make contact.
--- I didn't ride this section. Seems like a descent description. This is cardio work, nothing really technical.
Sektor 2: CP#1 to CP#2
Features: Lippencote Tr. descent; Rt 30; WigWam "Run" Up
Rolling along the top of the ridgeline to Lippencote the front runners may test each other but alliances form here so that those who are off the back don't get the chance to get back on. Then comes Lippencote which can be carnage or bliss depending on how smooth and light you can ride the rocks. You can't hold back though because a minute lost here can prove very difficult to pull back. Lippencote will almost certainly put paid to at least one front runner's day, but those who can float this descent can then fly on the flats of Rt 30 around the end of the ridge. But awaiting all is Wigwam, IC's infamous run-up. Often a decision maker in this race, it is not unusual to see groups enter the trail to Wigwam together only to emerge at the top scattered over minutes of trail as they enter CP#2.
-- The miles approaching lippenconte you will be riding a park road (gravel but smooth, nothing like hilly billy).
-- It is pretty much rolling hills and fast so u should be in a group.
-- At some point you will see a clearing coming, that is powerlines. These powerlines are very close to the LEFT_HAND turn into Lippenconte. I think it is super important to not get caught behind a bunch of technical slowpokes. Get up front as best as possible at the powerlines and get ready for a semi-short technical trail climb. I rode it on my single speed mtb with cx tires. But it was dry. Point being, positioning up front seems to be really important. After the semi-short climb is the big descent. This thing is classic michaux. Take ur time and ride or run it as necessary. But take comfort that you put a bunch of slowpokes behind u at the hole shot.
-- at the base of the descent u come to a road. there is a lot of road from here so find a group and chill (lot of downhill for many miles).
-- eventually u will start getting back into the forest (on roads) and are getting near a biiig road/gravelish (smooth) climb. Several minutes to climb this. if u got gapped and are in a group that is kinda slow, this is where u make a move to catch the next group. At the top of that climb the road will flatten out and the reservoir will be on ur right.
-- basically with the resevoir on the right u are approaching the Wigwam run-up. But it really is four parts.
1) As you leave the reservoir a left hand turn is coming. This turns immediately into some single/double track that is kinda a technical climb (very hilly billy-esqu). steep and kinda loose. It was totally rideable dry. So u want to get into this section towards the front of ur group and drill this hill.
2) u come out to a powerline field and have to ride the flat (tall grass) field to the base of wigwam. put everyone behind u that u possible can before this run-up.
3) Hike wigwam as fast as possible. but avoid getting on ur toes and trying to run. Overall u'll be faster if u hike quickly/smoothly. Ur heart rate will be max.
4) At the top of the run-up u bike for a bit on double track but have another rocky run-up in about 1/4 mile. hike (and possibly run) that one fast too. At the top of that you have officially finished the run-up. slog ur way in the field (tall grass) to the road. IF u have a group to ride with from here u will probably never see people gapped behind u ever agian! Sektor 3: CP#2 to CP#3
Features: Repeat climbs, Long Paved Section, Super Fast Descending
This Sektor would be a hoot except that is it preceded by that run-up and that makes things ruff for a bit. Once you get your legs back under you you'll start rolling across a ridge top road that, if you're lucky enough to be with some buds, can be some fast stuff. A short sweet climb leads to more rolling ridge riding and perhaps the fastest descent of the day - keep your head up and watch for the off-camber bit! Hit the pavement along the base of the ridge; it is great to have friends to share the work on this bit of the course too! Keep your head up for those turns though as there are couple of them to keep you on the right course, both on the ground and on the telephone poles (and if you don't see the confirmation arrow then you probably missed something!). A final right off the pavement and a slight upgrade mean you're just about to CP#3 where they'll great you with a smile, a smile that hides their pity for what you are about to experience.
-- I didn't ride the first half of this section so take the description for what its worth.
-- The second half of this section is pretty tame and fast gravel road so u'll be happy to be in a group.Sektor 4: CP#3 to Finish
Features: Hogshead Climb; Woodrow Descent; CP#4, Final Singletrack; Last Run-Up (?); Pavement Finish!
And now we come to it. The final sektor of Iron Cross. We don't take it easy on you so don't expect to coast home. First it's Hogshead, probably the biggest meanest bitch on the course. This thing is relentless. You think you're at the top. You're not. Keep going. And then go some more. Then swear at the guys that came up with this course. Then rub out the cramps. Then keep going and you're close. Next up is the descent of Woodrow. Watch those corners, it's loose and sketchball. Down the descent to CP#4 and some fun double and singletrack a short road bit and more trail for next few miles. If it's dry a lot of the folks up front will rip through this bit with a couple steps here or there and one last run up to get back to the ridge top. The really fast guys ride that last run up in the dry. If it's wet...YMMV. From there you'll smell the finish. Well, that's actually your stank but it does smell, I'll give you that. Rip across the ridge and then it's down the paved descent (where it is the only time of the day you're wishing for bigger gears) and into the finish at Pine Grove Furnace and the Iron Masters Mansion.
-- Pat and Sug will destroy the Hogshead climb. It pails in comparsion to SM100 climbing but its long and tough.
-- The woodrow Descent is where Sug/Alex/Goat crashed back in 2007ish. So take these fast loose turns with care. It really helps to have the course displaying in your garmin (i found). I could see the hairpin or gradual turns coming on the map.
-- Survive the trails. The description is very good though. It is a lot of rideable stuff. But definitely favor the run if ur unsure.
-- Goat and I missed the run-up they mention at the end of the trails so I've got nothing to add to that.
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