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Four of us are heading to Virginia City, NV to run the local off-road GP.  Why?  I have no idea.  We’re not going to win.  Its twelve hours away.  And its about three times longer than I have ridden at once in twenty years (granted, its open two-track versus single-track).

Its probably going to be around 120 miles and probably 5-6 laps.  We figure, based on the past results, that the race will last about four hours.  After so many of the actual fast guys finish, they end the race with all participants finishing the current lap.

Every year the track is a little different in terms of route and lap length.  Another guess is that the laps will be around twently miles each.  I figure I can get three laps per pit stop - hoping for only one!

To check our endurance and to see how out of shape we really are, we plan on riding 120 miles of a popular two track hill climb called the ‘back road to Crown King’.  We figure four times up and down countinuously will be a good simulation of the course and the physical requirements.  Because its a popular Jeep trail, it’ll have to be done during the week.

As to the why, I think its more about checking the box than anything else and it sounds like a pretty good time.  I’ve also taken an interest in the tests of endurance which is the main reason I enjoy the single-tracks.  This is much more about finishing with the rubber side down tan anything else.  Oh yeah, there be some good campfire time too. 

Of course, there is a huge to-do list that has to happen before I leave including a major tune-up, new tires, and a spare wheel set acquisition.  Among other things, the carb has to come off, be cleaned, and jetting mods to accomodate the higher elevation.  More of the labor of love I guess.

Heh - this will either be an annual pilgrimage or one of the dumbest tings I’ve done in a long time.