24-9 update

Solo Class Update for 24-9


Just receive this email From Moriah,

Moriah Munsch
to teammoosen, bmccaffrey, dan.clasen, me, graphics, SNGLTRK2061, the4kents

show details 1:31 PM (6 minutes ago)


Reply


Dear Concerned 24-9 Solo Racers,

We have received a lot of feedback on the 2009 solo classes at 24-9. Though we made our decisions back in February about classes for our whole 2009 series, we had another meeting today to discuss the emails and phone calls that continue to come in from 24-9 solo racers such as yourselves. We really want this year's 24-9 to be as successful as it has always been, and we want the racers, their support crews and families, to have a good experience with Granny Gear, now and ever after. The racers are why we do it, after all!

So we have decided to update our classing decisions by adding a Solo Just For Fun class (two, actually - Mens and Womens), as well as an Open Duo Just For Fun class. These classes will be modeled after the Solo Freak classes from previous years at 24-9: there will be no prizes for the classes, and they will be priced per person the same as our other non-pro classes. It will take our IT guy about a week or so to add the new classes to our computerized registration system. After that, you'll be able to register for $100 until April 15, and then the prices go up incrementally as we get closer to the race.

I sincerely hope this is encouraging news to you and that it's not coming too late! If you have already registered for one of our other classes and would like to switch, please contact me; I will be able to override the no-refund policy for you. Also, if you have any further questions or suggestions, keep the emails coming! We put a lot of thought into our decisions, and racer input is a huge part of that.

Thank you again for your feedback, and I hope to meet you all at 9 Mile!
-Moriah

PS. A reminder to please be patient with the registration system; Zack our IT guy says it'll probably be the end of next week before the new classes are ready to roll. Thanks!

**************************
Moriah Munsch
Production Manager
Granny Gear Productions
P.O.Box 189, 24 Fourth St.
Davis, WV

AAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well I know I'm no pro cyclist, I'm barely considered avid. But last night when I found out that 24-9 was soley run by Granny Gear and there would be no solo freak 24 hour class, I was pissed.
Why wouldn't you offer a category for the sport class rider who wants to test himself in one of the most extreme tests of will and fortitude the sport can offer? This was the reason I am on this blog right now, this is why my ass is chaffed, my wallet is bare and my spirits are elevated with the vision of crossing the finish line after 24 hours on my own. . BUT NOOOOOO.... Granny has said no mediocrity for you old man ... You have 2 choices you may ride in the pro level with Etough,Hendershot,and Marenchin. OOORRR you can ride in some catagory they call the Just for fun class, which from the description is anywhere from a solo rider to teams of 10 members all competing against each other. My response was this idea was proposed by someone a bit out of touch. A 10 member team would only encourage extreme novices on the trail which would only cause headaches,confusion,and accidents. And probably a few drunks on the trail too. I looked at the results of other granny races and yes the amount of competitors was few and far between , but Wausau had 36 pros and 36 solo freak riders I think that is very commendable Wisconsin. Home of the largest mountain bike racing series. I told her I did understand that maybe some of the racers in the freak division were not up for it but who are they to decide.
My other issue is that now that I have gone from 12 hour solos to "Professional Status"With out the free volvo mind you. My entry fee went from 80 ish dollars to any where from 280-340 dollars . To clarify half of that fee goes to the Purse And I'm all for that I have always chipped in for the leaders and anything to make it a worthwhile event for them. What about the other 60 - 80 bucks difference where does that go and why is it not distibuted equally. And don't say it's to get the average rider to sign up because that's me you're talking a bout .


I guess I'm going pro this year, on my Trek 8500 HT . Please contact me with donations. I'll have your name stenciled on my bike. I figure if I keep the fuel going ,the coffee brewin'.and a hammer gel I V I should be just fine.

BE WELL...

Here I will begin my blog . Deciding to do this is thoroughly self serving with no true intention of readership or fan ship merely to force myself to journal each day publicly so as to discipline myself to the necessary rigors of training to meet my cycling goals of this year. Which include competing in 5 or more 12 hour solo races this year and not only finishing but doing well in the 24 hours of nine mile race in Wausau this year, in the solo freak non champioship division. I got back on a bike in fall2001, raced 2002 in citizen class 10 overall for age, miscelaneous races in the sport catagory, and then in 2005 I did a couple 6 hour races and in 2006 I did one 12hour solo. did 99 miles and 6th out of 10 riders. I never knew I could get lapped so many times. It was a lot of fun and I had a basic attitude of take it easy and just finish it. 2007 no races, 2008 started training in winter but that faded when I realized gas costs and what not, along with a back injury. When the weekend of the 24-9 race came around I truly regretted not training and competeting. I hope not to repeat the scenario this year. I am in the process of base building again as well as more intensive weight training to gain the tone and musculature I feel is healthy for a 38 year old man whose abs became stomach and hopefully never become belly. I will be reading more blogs especially those of the career cyclists and if you have visited me through their sites feel free to comment or offer training advice. Please keep in mind I get up at 5 or 6 am drive 30 mins to an hour work very hard each day and am not alotted the luxury of a 5 hour training ride each day. "Go Etough!" AND of Course GO LANCE! My current bikes are a raleigh fixed rush hour,(yes still have hand brakes on it, but can skip stop pretty well, a trek 6500 xt/xtr, and my Trek 8500 ,which I love , and willhave to do until I race all year , then I'll see about upgrade.