Questions about 600K

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Sam Huffman

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May 14, 2009, 6:18:57 PM5/14/09
to Alaska Randonneurs
Hello,

My brother and I are planning on flying up for the 600K. I have a few
questions:

* Start time?

* What to expect in terms of road conditions? I assume the entire
route is paved, but should we expect potholes? Chipseal?

* Any 24-hour services between Gakona, Delta Junction and Tok
Junction, and Gakona?



Thanks!
Sam

Kevin Turinsky

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May 15, 2009, 7:50:14 PM5/15/09
to alaska-ra...@googlegroups.com, Huffman Sam
Hi Sam,

Our 600K course is really beautiful.

The road surface is very good. You'll probably see some frost heave
damage occasionally, and there may be some short gravel stretches
where summer construction might be taking place, but overall, it's in
great condition; no potholes. In fact, I believe it's smoother than
chipseal.

I'm planning on starting the ride at 08:00.

There won't be any 24-hour services along the route. There might be
one or two, but I don't know where they are, and I don't know if I
could even figure it out. Delta Junction and Tok have lots of
facilities, and riders will be able to make it to Delta Junction
during business hours.

I will, however, be driving a "support" van. Gear and food can be
thrown in and transported to the next control along the course. There
are hotels/motels along the way. The best resource for such services
is the Milepost http://milepost.com/

I'll also have a very large six-person tent to bring along the course,
and may have a pop-up camper trailer for tired riders to crash out in.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Looking forward to you joining us!

Kevin

Sam Huffman

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Jun 19, 2009, 8:48:28 PM6/19/09
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Thanks Kevin! Any need to register ahead of time? Or is day-of-ride OK? Will you be requiring headlights on the bikes, even though they'll likely be unnecessary? I will, of course, use a taillight.

And a uniquely Alaskan question: are mosquitoes generally a problem at typical riding speeds?


Thanks!
Sam

Kevin Turinsky

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Jun 19, 2009, 10:44:24 PM6/19/09
to alaska-ra...@googlegroups.com, Huffman Sam
Hi Sam,

Things are shaping up for the 600K! 

No pre-registration. I'm not that sophisticated yet. (I hope next year I will be though!) While it will be light out for a VERY long time, if it gets overcast or rainy during the late hours, a battery powered light will be needed. One of the Cateye 500-series lights, like the HL-EL530 or 520, should be fine. No need to bring your SON/E6 setup. Anyway, you likely won't need your light until after Delta Junction; you could leave it in your drop bag probably.

I'm aiming on updating the website this weekend. The start will be at the Gakona Lodge at 6AM on Saturday. I'll have room in my van for rider gear and food.

The bugs will be fine if you're moving. However, they can be nasty if you have to stop. In reality, you can never really tell. I've been up in that area at times when they're not a problem at all. Just be sure to keep your mouth closed at speeds over 20mph. ;-)

Let me know if you have any more questions

Give me a ring when you guys hit town.

Looking forward to meeting you guys.

Kevin

John Ingold

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Jun 23, 2009, 11:23:18 AM6/23/09
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Kevin,
6 AM start at the old burned down Gakona Lodge site or at the highway intersection
near the coffee stand (traditional start)?
Thanks. John

Kevin Turinsky

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Jun 23, 2009, 7:35:30 PM6/23/09
to alaska-ra...@googlegroups.com
I think you're right, John...the traditional start at the highway
intersection. I've not been up there for many years, so I was just
going off of what Bob e-mailed me, assuming it was pretty obvious.

Looking forward to seeing you up there. Look for the red VW camper van.

Kevin

John Ingold

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Jun 24, 2009, 12:18:53 PM6/24/09
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Kevin: Roger, that. See ya bright and squirrely Sat AM. John
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