2019 Wrightwood 50

I think that was part of the fun the first time J and I did it. Neither of us had ridden any of the trails before. With no course markings, and only cue sheets and a GPS track to follow, we almost got lost a few times... And then the red cooler appears like an oasis.

A third of the elevation gain is done in the first few miles... On foot. After that it's a manageable amount. The only other really tough climb is after Manzanita, and it's mostly HAB on the single speed. Tough course, but doable...

 

@mountaingirl sara, if you decide you are going to do it, I will be going up there a few times before to get an idea of what is ahead. I have ridden most of the trails but there are a few climbs that I have only descended. I have ridden Acorn but never climbed it, I have also ridden Manzanita a couple of times but never climbed Big Rock Creek which is the climb back up after the Manzanita (High Desert Trail) descent, if I have the direction of the trail correct. This has some amazing trails, but, is definitely going to be a challenging course.

 

Was your mindset on race pace or just normal riding? I don’t want to be an anchor and slow anyone down..

 

I’ve ridden up there once, really enjoyed the trails, but would have no sense of direction as I just followed the gang
Message me when you go plz

 

In regards to the distance/elevation.....keep in mind that 1500’ of ascent will be HAB. No sense in burning all those matches going up Acorn.

 

We are back of the packer’s...:just ride to finish.

 

The climb after Manzanita is 3 miles of paved hwy, followed by 4 miles of loose fire road.

Acorn turns into a HAB....especially on the SS. It’s way to early in the ride to kill your self trying to clean it.

 

To get a true sense of the Acorn climb, start from the Yodeler... The first 1.5 miles are on pavement and gain about 750-800 feet on Acorn Drive. When it turns into Acorn Trail, it has another 2 miles and 1500 feet.

The climb after Manzanita is fun. That section always gets hot... It can be 30 at the start, but it will be in the 80s down there. Three miles on the pavement for another 1,000 feet, and then the Big Rock Creek climb, which is a true Jeep road in spots. Loose, rocky, steep... And it starts at mile 32/7500.

 

I know I am going to get Sh!t for this one... What is "HAB"?

 

Hike-A-Bike

 

Oh, got it!

 

It's what you do before rehab.


My condolence, I'll be here all week.

 

This event was on my radar, but they announced the date a few days after I paid for the 2019 FILTHY 50+

I had never done the Filthy, and I know it wouldn't be as hard as the WW50. Easy decision for me.

 

Someday I will do this ride... not this year. 9500' climbing, yikes!

 

I only caution you this is a climbers nightmare in my opinion. Just keep thinking about your knees and what they went through before you decide to do this ride. Me personally? I would never ride the WW50.

 

11,500ft of climbing in 2017

By the time we finished my Garmin was exhausted!

 

Yep... I don’t know how Eric got the 9500 figure. My Garmin has been between 10k and 11k on this route. I got 9500 the year I bailed early...

 

Ummmm...well....no....I don't have 50 miles in one sitting in my legs, IT bands, or head for that matter. However, I would be more than happy to come out and cheer ya'll on

 

Yeah its a hard day, but IMO this is one of the "easier" hard rides out there since a lot of the climbing is on fire road and the climbing on singletrack, aside from Acorn, is almost all rideable. Most of the climbing elevation comes from 5 distinct climbs not from a lot of rolling terrain and that helps as well IMO. And each time you finish a climb you know you've got a fun descent next to revive your legs. There are a couple key bailouts toward the end if you're having doubts. Skip Manazanita and/or the final Table Mtn climb. Give it a try!

Pavement from start and Acorn - 2,300ft. As mentioned everyone will hike up some or most of Acorn
Mountain High climb - 650 ft
End of Leprechaun to cooler - ~1700ft
Road climb South Fork back to cooler - 2500ft
Jackson lake - Table Mtn - 1000ft
That's over 8,000ft right there.

 

Well sh!t, now I’m on the fence again, I was about to make the leap to the dark side.
Great info you guys, it really helps a lot...so thanks! And yes, I’ve seen the RR’s

 

With gears.....i'd imagine it is an easy spin.

On the SS....it is tough, but still doable.

 

Whadya say Mikie, let’s give ‘er a go!

 

Thanks for the breakdown, it sounds more doable in smaller chunks!
My biggest hesitation comes from being a burden on other riders..not so much a fear of bonking or a DNF

 

Yeah, maybe you could do a chunk of it!

 

That is why we aren't racing it.....just go out ride it and finish. Pace is what it is as a group.

 

Just signed up

 

Sorry, @Mikie ... She's coming over to the dark side. 10,000+ feet of descending in a single ride. Oh, and there's a little climbing, too.

 

FWIW, I went through ACL tear and surgery last year as well. Surgery in May, back riding trails in Sept. Rode WW50 in October. Got my best time yet.

 

You are on your own on this one Sis!
I have no desire for a 50 mile sufferfest. I wish you the very best!

 

If she gets hurt, Mikie’s wrath WILL come upon you.

@mountaingirl sara , I predict several dropped FBombs. Just remember I said that hahah!