Course and Elevation

Rhode Island's highest point is Jerimoth Hill checking in at a staggering 812 feet.  Day one of Trans Rockies starts at almost 10 times that elevation.  So in other words we have not been training at the same elevations that we will see in Colorado.  Hopefully when we get there in a few days we will be able to get accustomed to breathing heavy and hard and by race day we won't even know the difference!

The race course at TransRockies has around 20,800 ft of elevation gain over the 119.5 miles, so it should make for an interesting voyage for these two Rhode Island flat landers.  The course consist of 37% Dirt & Gravel Roads, 33% Non-Motorized Single and Double Trails, 18% 4-Wheel Drive and Motorized Trails and 12% Paved Roads and Pathways.  So the trail footing won't be too much of a big deal.

As I said before though, there will be some elevation involved in this 6 day race, however we won't be sky high for the whole race.  

The breakdown of elevation is: 

• 7,000' to 8,000' - 3%
• 8,000' to 9,000' - 31%
• 9,000' to 10,000' - 28%
• 10,000' to 11,000' - 27%
• 11,000' to 12,000' - 10%
• 12,000' to 13,000' - 1%

So the question is, will a beer taste the same at 10,000' as it does at sea level?  We will soon find out.