Team MotionBased

Some may say the XC course in Sonoma is the antithesis of Mammoth. While the Mammoth event was held at a ski resort and was characterized by a steep climb with rocky, dusty, technical descents, the treeless Infineon course is being held around the NASCAR race track and surrounding hills, with more gradual power climbs and quick non-technical downhills. Instead of dealing with the thin mountain air, riders will endure blistering temperatures and consistent wind. The average high in Sonoma in July is 90. The loop, which is similar to last year, is roughly 8 miles. If consistent with other national events, the Pros and Experts will do 4 laps and the fastest time will be a little over two hours. Of course, the weather (wind and heat) will be the deciding factor. I would say the course rides like the L.A. NORBA, less the technical descents. The climbs are of roughly the same pitch and length, both having 1400 feet of climbing per lap. Here's a look at a sinle lap: The opening climb, which begins on a paved road then switches to dirt halfway is about a mile and climbs 300 feet. It is gradual but you can count on a 10-20 mph headwind. The later in the day you race, the stronger the wind will be. After crossing a field, racers will head down a single track into a short steep climb into an off-camber switchback downhill. When I test rode the course the dirt had a hard clay-like composition yet had the potential to loosen with traffic. The single track is bumpier than you would think because of the hoof-prints left by grazing cattle this past wet, winter making the next steep climb somewhat technical. After several short fire-road, paved and single track climbs and fast descents about 3 and half miles in racers will face the “long climb.” (400 feet elev. gain) It starts out on a gradual, yet rough and wind exposed single track, which empties into a gravel/dirt road. After a short downhill, the climb continues for a mile wrapping around the hillside to highest point on the course. It starts easy with a tailwind, but gets steeper as you reach the top. Take in the scenery if you have the time. This vista offers nice views of the SF Bay, Mt. Diablo and Mt. Tamalpais. Most of the climbing is now over and the rest of the loop is flat to rolling with a descent through the venue to the finish. Though the course may seem unexciting and racers may have to negotiate through literally miles of tape, it will still be difficult and fun, and the best racers will prevail. The course designer did a good job given the terrain and “environmental” restrictions imposed by the county of Sonoma, which limited moving any dirt during wet weather. To my knowledge he was able to incorporate the only eucalyptus grove and rock garden in the area. As far as the other National Championship events, the courses are still being built. The Marathon will most likely be multiple loops, 8 or so of the XC course. The Downhill, Short Track XC and Mountain Cross will be very similar to last years’ courses. The Super D will probably be the rolling fire road section towards the end of the XC course into a descent with “obstacles” such as bridges and logs. It will be about 3 miles in length, tending to favor the stronger XC riders. And for the Single Speed National Championships, I recommend and will probably use a 2 to 1 gear ratio. The climbs are gradual for the most part, and the steep ones are short. There are not a lot of extended, flat sections on the course so I do not think getting “spun-out” is an issue. Good Luck! And have fun out there!