Predict your Caesar's Head Time

[Chris Helwig]

Alright it has been a long winter and I am sure everyone needs some motivation to get through the trainer workouts. So let's start a thread posting what we hope to do up Caeasar's Head in March Camp.

For those that don't know, Caesar's Head is a 10 km climb in South Carolina with a 7% grade. The record set by Ryan MacDonald last year was just under 29 minutes. Previous to that our Camp record was just over 30 minutes held by Graydon Raymer. The assault on Caesar's is always the big event of March Camp.

No rules for posting times, good natured trash talking and or predicting other people's times is allowed.

I will start off. Last year my time was a bit better than the year before at just over 44 minutes. This year I weigh about the same and my wattages are similar, but just for some motivation I will say I want to go a little over a minute faster and go under 43 minutes.

As for others Jason Evaraert will do a good time, I would say about 32 minutes. Another group will be around 34 minutes including Marty, Peter Kofman, Leo and I think Trevor Dickenson will go faster this year and be around 34 as well.

[mann83]

Hey Jason,

Here's a little motivation for you. I've learnt the errors of my ways the last few attempts up the hill. This year I'll take a page out of the pro's book. Let the strong man go, measure the effort and attaack when the time is right.

Last years 34 minutes was a good start, but I want to see lower 30's this year. In February the hills are calling my name and I'll be answering the call.

As for you Helwig, what's with this 43 stuff. Please, I better see you cryin' when you reach the top.:eek::D

[Chris Helwig]

A few new people coming to camp this year so here are some guidelines for how to estimate your time:

Weight is a big factor as it all comes down to power to weight ratio. Most riders doing the climb in less than 35 minutes weigh less than 170lbs and are also very good riders. If you weigh between 180-200 lbs a good time is in the low 40's. Women top time I think is around 38 minutes. A solid time for females is low to mid 40's

[Jackattack]

I climbed the hill in 42 minutes last year, I want to break the 40 min. mark this year. I did not know that there was a flat(ter) section half way through so I did not go very fast in that section which cost me time.

[Wheels]

Sub 30 ....this year. I will admit that I don't have that climb figured out yet. From my memory you need to make good time on the bottom without red lining....so you can then handle the steeper sections. Ya I know..way easier said than done.( I also think my road skills have improved so that should help..I hope.haha)
The big key is....if you want a real good time....you had better have some fitness (good training) in prior to attempting it and be ready to SUFFER.
I don't think I have ever come into camp with good fitness....so I am hoping this year I will break my bad winter training habits and come into camp in better shape.

If I can do that ....then Sub 30 will be the theme for my camp.:D:confused::eek:

If not...then ...Ya 32 even (same as last year and the year before).

Bring IT...Marty....I'll wait for ya at the Top. :D

Should be a great camp...I can't wait!

[Wheels]

Who is going to camp anyway?

Don't be shy....get posting some predictions...Its all fun and keeps things interesting.

[Chris Helwig]

What about the fabled Pumpkintown sign sprint? The intermediate and junior group had some very hotly contested sprints last year.

In my intemediate group I have Jacques Bernier and Trevor Dickenson to contest the sprints or will one of the Winnipeg Duo of Gary and Tim team up to take the win?

Maybe we will have to have a joint intermediate and advanced group Furman Ride so I can have a showdown with Jason and Marty :eek:

FYI for those new to the camp most rides come back through Pumpkintown. It is a bit of a tradition to sprint for the town sign on the way back to camp.

[McRae]

Gotta love the trash talk threads :D

I'll guess 36 minutes for me, maybe below 35 if the next few weeks of training are good. Michelle will have to make her own prediction for herself.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

[Jackattack]

Gotta love the trash talk threads :D

I'll guess 36 minutes for me, maybe below 35 if the next few weeks of training are good. Michelle will have to make her own prediction for herself.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there.
Wow........ I know Andrew will not beat me up Caeser's Head........ a time 36 or even below 35 min. is just a dream buddy.

[McRae]

Whatever it takes to get you motivated Jacques...bring it on!

[Wheels]

Hahahaha....now we're talkin. Where are all the young guys and their smack. Surely Trevor has some smack to lay down or is he a little SCARED after last year:rolleyes:

OH and Yes that Pumpkintown sign is all mine!..............again;)

bwuuuhhahahaaaahaaaa

[Chris Helwig]

Caesar's Head is all power to weight ratio. If you have a high V02 Max you should be able to go fast up the climb. If you ranked everyone's V02 Max and then after the climb compared the rankings for the climb you would find they are very similar.

Andrew's V02 is over 70, so mathematically he should be able to go pretty fast up the climb.

[McRae]

http://www.mountainmapper.com/CaesarsHead.htm

:cool:

[Chris Helwig]

That distance is from the highway, but we don't start the official climb until the intersection. The part from the highway is rolling with some downhills, so that brings the grade down. From the intersection it is 10.2 km and 7% grade.

[Chris Helwig]

Hahahaha....now we're talkin. Where are all the young guys and their smack. Surely Trevor has some smack to lay down or is he a little SCARED after last year:rolleyes:

OH and Yes that Pumpkintown sign is all mine!..............again;)

bwuuuhhahahaaaahaaaa

Yes you did take me in February Camp, but my sprint was much better in March Camp. We will have to figure out the logistics for a pumpkingtown sign showdown this March:eek:

[Wheels]

Man....I thought that climb hit at least 12% in a couple areas.

All the more reason to do the real Sasafrass climb.....I thought someone said it hit 18%:eek:.....now that would be fun.

Blueridge Parkway was a super great climb last year...except Marty went down hard on the way back down the Mountain.......gotta thank Greg for that Epic day.

Perhaps we should hit that climb again eh ..Marty. You have some unfinished business with that sucker and I will tag along for support.....huh what ya say?

Chuck Norris ....you out there....C'mon out of retirement and join us for some fun suffering. If Lance can do it surely Chuck Norris can too!

Chuck Norris never has to climb....he just punches a hole through the Mountain so he can have a nice flat TT.

[Wheels]

Yes you did take me in February Camp, but my sprint was much better in March Camp. We will have to figure out the logistics for a pumpkingtown sign showdown this March:eek:


As you know I am always game for a showdown....hmmm who can I bribe for a good lead out. hmmmmm

[Brownie]

prediction for the all-weakly Wheels on the climb......

3 hours

[Suprvedov]

Brownie! Good to hear from you. I was just getting ready to make a post asking if all the trash talking was done because I was looking for more to get me motivated to consider doing camp again. Are we going to hear from you at all this summer?

[Brownie]

gonna try and make tuesdays, just race and not train. can't afford to lose my large muscled frame to too much endurance training haha

[Chris Helwig]

The rumour mill has it that two of the Camps most seasoned Vetarans are making a return to SC Camp 09. One of these mystery riders will help lead a fast group Blue Ridge ride. More details to follow.

[JaJa]

One little hill, god you would think you have never climbed a mountain. Come out west where we race up mountains!

[Greg]

Today, Suprvedov and I confirmed our spots for this year's camp.

I'm looking forward to the assault on Caesar's and the adventure of riding up to the Blueridge Parkway.

[Suprvedov]

Super pumped about camp this time since it will be the first week worth of outdoor riding since June last year (thanks to Palmer for the last minute call). So no trash talking from me regarding my Ceasar's climbing time. I'll be just happy to get up it. Looking forward to the Blueridge epic; suffered like a dog last time, but the descending was well worth (Marty keep the rubber side down this time). See you dudes in March!

[Suprvedov]

JaJa, I take it your enjoying your mountains and probably won't be returning to the flatlands anytime soon?

[Wheels]

prediction for the all-weakly Wheels on the climb......

3 hours


Typical for Brownie...All Show with NO GO....They must just love you up there in the North.
Spin Brownie Spin..Hahahahahahahahaha!

[Wheels]

Alright Greg and Suprvedov...great news....Blueridge here we come.

Any chance that the YETI could make an appearance. The best slipstream ever...even better than Sibo.:D

[mann83]

Alright, I've been watching the posts for a bit and it's just getting too good not to respond. So here it goes:

1. Wheels - I'm comin' for ya and I'm not gonna stop (flats included).

2. Helwig - You'll have to wait for the dust to settle, courtesy of my rear wheel, before you see the pumpkintown sign.

3. Vedov - lookin forward to being your neighbour out in St. Thomas, but I'm going on the Blueridge this year.

AND FINALLY

4. Blue ridge - your a@* is mine this year (even if I left a bit of mine on you last year)

MARCH, GET HERE NOW:mad: Looking forward to this years camp, she's gonna be fun.

[Jackattack]

With all this trash talking from the "A" group boys I might want to train a bit harder this winter so I can graduate from the "B " group, I don't want to miss all the action !

[Chuck Norris]

Chuck would like nothing more than to come down there and improve on his lousy 37(??) minute ride. Work and life prevent me from doing so though - ah well, maybe next year. I'll bring a keg. That oughta piss off Chris in a big hurry!

Love,

D

[mann83]

Hey everyone,

Check this link out for some motivation for camp and climbing.:D:eek:

http://video.bicycling.com/video/Lance-Trains-in-Kona

[McRae]

Cool video.

Here's another one--just in case people think a 44 minute climb is long:
http://www.ryderhesjedal.ca/

[Allan.L]

Under 40! I have no idea what that entails but, thats what i want to do! ahhahaha

[Chris Helwig]

Under 40! I have no idea what that entails but, thats what i want to do! ahhahaha

Under 40 should be doable for you based on what I saw you do in the Scratch race at Winter Nats. Last year most of the juniors like John Carden and Trev went I think about 38 minutes. We should get you tested before camp, then I will have a better idea of your current power to weight. Book something with me tomorrow at weight group.

[Chris Helwig]

Camp is almost upon us. Can't wait.

Extended forecast is for mostly highs of 14 degrees and not too much rain. (Not that I have that much confidence in forecasts that are more than 24hrs out :eek:

I think I have a shot at under 43 minutes. Last year I did 44:14. Last Sunday I averaged around 270 watts for all 5 of my 5 minute Z4 pieces and I am a few pounds lighter than this time last year. Anyone that thinks they want to do 42 or 43 minutes let me know and we can ride up together.