This may be my favorite gravel race I've ever done. Quick course summary – there is a ton of sand, some of which is rideable, some pretty sketchy downhill single-track (around 8 total miles of single-track, maybe half of which is downhill), and lots of wind. There are rails to trails sections that feel like they basically took up the rails and said "job done," leading to really rough, bouncy sections. Some of the rails to trails has loose gravel as well. After it was over, my entire body hurt (I'm still a little sore). And I will absolutely go back if the timing works next year.
I did the first VoT two years ago; that course was a little longer but didn't include the single-track. The early sections were the same, though the sand in that early bit was not quite as bad as two years ago. The course is a figure-eight; the changes were all in the first loop. The back loop includes a long road section that is mostly downhill. The first year, there was a nice tailwind on that section. This year, it was a cross-headwind blowing at 15-20 MPH. This is followed by a ~20 mile rolling gravel section, finishing with a bit more rails to trails. Two years-ago, this section wasn't terribly sandy (all easily rideable). This year, there were more sandpits on the backside, including one short, somewhat steep climb with deep sand. It was hard as hell. Oh, and I get held up by cattle running on the trail just as I was starting to catch someone right at the end of the race.
This year, I was on my Ari Shafer 3.0 with 55 mm Schwalbes – RX pro in front, RS in the rear. This was much better than two years ago on my Lauf True Grit with 42s. I was way more comfortable both in the sand and on the really rough Rails to Trails sections. I love this bike more and more with each ride.
I guess what I love about this race from an amateur perspective is the atmosphere, the challenge, and the scenery. On Friday night, they have a dirt crit for the pros which is a lot of fun to watch. This year, they had the collegiate national gravel championship as well. Cap Rock Canyon state park (where I camped) is beautiful, and the riding is unique. It is hard; the wind is likely to be a factor, and while you know there will be sand, you aren't always sure where (except the first 7 miles – it's going to be deep sand). Again, it is quite hard. While there isn't a ton of climbing, there are plenty of challenges. Unless it is snowing or storming, I'll do my best to be out there again next year.
by ericcoxtcu