Well done to all

I'd like to do that one year.

Thanks for all the messages folks - both from before the event and afterwards

Here's my write-up of the event: http://www.wildcatgear.co.uk/rovaniemi-150/

Ian wrote:Here's my write-up of the event: http://www.wildcatgear.co.uk/rovaniemi-150/

Chapeau sir for the ride and thanks for writing it up and giving such good insight into racing in that environment...

Fantastic effort by all, great work

Well done everyone

& great write up Ian

Out of interest ... now that people have seen the build-up, watched trackers and read write-ups, is anyone considering going next year? BTW, this isn't a subtle way of saying I'm considering it, the only appeal I can see is the big pizza

Stu,

Rhys, Clare and myself are considering it for next year, dont know whether to do the 66km first and then try the 150 or just jump straight into the 150k.

Not aiming for great times but to just to go and enjoy the whole experience.

s8tannorm wrote:Out of interest ... now that people have seen the build-up, watched trackers and read write-ups, is anyone considering going next year? BTW, this isn't a subtle way of saying I'm considering it, the only appeal I can see is the big pizza

Not had a chance to read Ian's report yet but...

I'd like to tour but not race. Besides, I haven't got a fat bike so would need to cope with the widest tyres I could fit on my 29er.

Out of interest, was everyone on a fat bike?

Out of interest ... now that people have seen the build-up, watched trackers and read write-ups, is anyone considering going next year? BTW, this isn't a subtle way of saying I'm considering it, the only appeal I can see is the big pizza

Did I read somewhere that there would be a longer distance than 150K?

bookwyse wrote:Stu,

Rhys, Clare and myself are considering it for next year, dont know whether to do the 66km first and then try the 150 or just jump straight into the 150k.

Not aiming for great times but to just to go and enjoy the whole experience.

I would've loved to do the 150 but I definitely had to be on a plane back to the UK on Sunday. As it was "good" conditions I might have been able to do it this year but some deep fresh snow or thawing would have left me high and dry! If you aren't constrained by time then definitely do the 150. Get out there a few days in advance and go for a shakedown ride that'll give you the opportunity to take some pics and play with tyre pressures. It was interesting how letting out a few psi could make a world of difference......right up until I let out too much and the bead popped out and made for very wobbly handling, and the use of a full size track pump to re-seat it! I didn't take any pics while racing as I though that I didn't have the time to make up for stops, whereas in the 150 I'm sure stopping for a breather to take a photo would be beneficial!

Richpips wrote:

Out of interest ... now that people have seen the build-up, watched trackers and read write-ups, is anyone considering going next year? BTW, this isn't a subtle way of saying I'm considering it, the only appeal I can see is the big pizza

Did I read somewhere that there would be a longer distance than 150K?

66/150/300 and......900!

66 http://www.polarguide-logistics.com/66ºnorthen/

150 http://www.rovaniemi150.com

300 http://www.polarguide-logistics.com/roavve300/

900 http://www.laplandextremechallenge.com

*edit* You'll have to copy n' paste the 66 URL, doesn't like the degree symbol I think...

s8tannorm wrote:Out of interest ... now that people have seen the build-up, watched trackers and read write-ups, is anyone considering going next year? BTW, this isn't a subtle way of saying I'm considering it, the only appeal I can see is the big pizza

Stuart - I've got the Rovaniemi itch to scratch and Brant has already offered me the loan of the necessary low temperature sleeping bag needed to be able enter.

I'd not be going for the race but for the experience. I'll need to look into the logistics then speak with the wife (in that order) and I'll let you know.

Did everyone fly from London with Finnair via Helsinki?
Oh god I'm looking already......

66/150/300 and......900!

Maybe the 300 or 900. I'd not justify travelling all that way for a 24 hour race.

JohnClimber wrote:

s8tannorm wrote:Out of interest ... now that people have seen the build-up, watched trackers and read write-ups, is anyone considering going next year? BTW, this isn't a subtle way of saying I'm considering it, the only appeal I can see is the big pizza

Stuart - I've got the Rovaniemi itch to scratch and Brant has already offered me the loan of the necessary low temperature sleeping bag needed to be able enter.

I'd not be going for the race but for the experience. I'll need to look into the logistics then speak with the wife (in that order) and I'll let you know.

Did everyone fly from London with Finnair via Helsinki?
Oh god I'm looking already......

John,

Same as us then not racing but for the sheer hell of being able to say we did it. Any news on the Mukluk sale yet?

Jeff

Maybe the 300 or 900. I'd not justify travelling all that way for a 24 hour race.

It appears that you must have completed the 150 first Rich.

Richpips wrote:

66/150/300 and......900!

Maybe the 300 or 900. I'd not justify travelling all that way for a 24 hour race.

I think the 150 is a prerequisite before you can do the 300.

Edit: should have read to the bottom first. What Stu said.

Or a few other races.. Not that they are closer to your nick of the woods..


EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Participants must have finished at least one of the following winter racers:

Rovaniemi 150
Susitna 100
White Mountain 100
Sheep Mountain 150
Arrowhead 135
Yukon Arctic Ultra
Tuscobia 75
Tuscobia 150
6633 Ultra
Iditasport 100
Iditasport 225
Frostskade 100
Frostskade 250
Frostskade 500
Lapland Extreme Challenge.
Iditarod Trail Invitational.

bookwyse wrote:Any news on the Mukluk sale yet?
Jeff

Sorry mate, 99% chance it's going to the first guy, but you're 2nd on the list I promise

Ian and I flew from Heathrow but Simon flew from Manchester iirc.

Richpips wrote:

66/150/300 and......900!

Maybe the 300 or 900. I'd not justify travelling all that way for a 24 hour race.

Have you looked at what the 900 entails?!

It appears that you must have completed the 150 first Rich.

I'm out then.

I tell you what though I was thinking that the Cairngorms loop with just enough snow might be fun.

I really fancy a proper winter event, race or trip or something. The R 150 could be the taster for such.

Maybe next year.

Don't be mislead by my write up. I'm glad if it inspires you, but the event isn't a push over by any means. You still need to pedal or push a loaded fat bike through 150 km of snow. In good conditions it was still hard. Also, in colder temps it would all have been very different.

JohnClimber wrote: Did everyone fly from London with Finnair via Helsinki?

John, Finnair direct flights also go from Manchester.

Congrats to all.

Did you finally finish off pizzilla?

Ian, do you believe you would have benefited of full fat?

Last weekend I was out with a friend. He ran 90 mm rims (guess) and 4.5" Juggernauts, I 83 mm rims and 4.8" Bud/Lou. We both believed to see a slight difference. Of course it's difficult to say due to pressure and tread of tires, but he seemed to struggle more on really soft stuff.

Love the idea to ride for days up north from Rovaniemi. Be it in a race or not.