I'm still a stout rider at age 63 and I'd say just finishing is winning and who cares if they're enjoying a second round of hot chocolate when you reach the chalet. 😀
@@ljhoule3394 lol, I just imagine the fancy Euro roadie fondos ending at a chalet. And my arrival just in time for some hot chocolate, sort of like a continental breakfast at night. 😀
Can’t remember the ride but, I did do a gravel race in Colorado in the last year or two, at a summit of some climb shots of a whiskey or bourbon were offered. Sixty+ years of racing in Alaska and I never saw that!!!
Your vids are so much fun, Ben, and as a long-ago Bay Area kid, I enjoyed seeing some representation from the East Bay. O and Santa Rosa, too, worked at a radio station there, KPLS, for a short time in '79, favorite moment was trying to sell an ad package to Joe at Joe's Texaco, who bellowed back at me after I had interrupted him over the phone, "I ain't interested!" And I understood. 😀
Here I am... back at this great resource video again! I did the 2023 BWR in San Diego and loved it! I'm heading back down to SD for the 2024 event and trying to figure out tire choices. Now that I've ridden BWR SD, I have a good reference of the course. I'm starting to think that my 45mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H's are a bit overkill for the amount of time that will be spent on the road. I might buy the 35s or 40mms. Thanks, Ben!
Well, I have a titanium gravel bike from a company cal WHY cycles, out in Carbonadale Colorado, full GRX 810 mechanical and carbon wheels, on a mostly road ride like this I would definatly go with my road (and light gravel) setup - 45mm deep carbon superteam wheels with 32mm panaracer gravel king SS tires, the "semi slick" ones with decent grippy small knobbed shoulders and nice center on them.
This was one of the more interesting videos I have ever watched. Tire choice along with pressure is what I am always trying to figure out. As a lifelong rider who thinks they know what they are doing, I still find it interesting to see what other riders are doing.... Ben, thanks for the excellent video. Great info, to the point, without all the hoopla. That's what we want.
Killed it! Well done sir! Exactly what I'm dealing with. Trying to decide which bike to buy so I can be down there nx yr. prepped and ready to go. Perfect segment.
We're stoked to be fueling The Ride! Traveling with instant craft coffee is like running tire inserts for BWR; using it might not always be plan A, but when you need it, it'll save the day. Alan's BWR bike - Canyon Grail AL (yes aluminum!) in that same yellow.
Cool video - I think I saw you this morning at the breakfast area at the Hampton Inn before BWR. Only did the short route, had to downgrade myself after getting RSV the middle of last month and still not back to 100%. I went with Continental Terra Speed 35mm....added a little extra psi in there today with all the road and climbing, so the super rocky sections were a bit more challenging but those tires did pretty well all things considered. A little sketchy in some of the sectors (especially the steep downhill dirt bits), but kept it upright and had decent traction. Those tires roll pretty fast on the pavement.
Glad you were able to get out after being sick, and that you were happy with your tire selection. Nice of the Hampton to have BWR-appropriate waffles for us…
Amazing video's, I love content like this. Zapp is the man 🤘The guy in blue with the Moots I think is actually working at Moots, i remember seeing him in their videos
Another great video, hope you had a great race. Curious how you approach pressure with the G One RS's ? I usually start with Silca and SRAM but curious how you approach it. Keep up the great work, follow you both here and on fastcat.
Thanks, Chris. Usually go just under 40mm I for 40s and a little more for these 35s. Weight dependent, of course. I was just going on the highly accurate thumb gauge out here, until I saw Big Tall Wayne at the start with a pump as he was helping Nicolas Roche. I had Cariveau in my head - that guy is like Yoda, and not just in age 😜 - so I was like, ‘I should do what Jon is doing, and added air.
Thanks Ben, lol, I might be over thinking it! Finally got out on a set of g one RS in 45mm and they were pretty epic. Might try lowing the pressure by one or two psi to get better traction on loose over hard and follow the instructions and change the rotation of the rear... Which I set up same as the front... 🤔🫣🤣
If we’re running this race: My Canyon Grizl CF with G-One RS, very similar set up lol 😂 mine are 45mm, I’m a big boi rider that loves off-roading my gravel bike
Most gravel races - and all of the BWRs - have multiple distances, so you don't have to go all in on the crazy mileage. BWR's Wanna option is 35 miles.
Ben, How was the ride in the Grail? It's a little bit different gravel bike with the doubledecker handlebar. Still also looking af the Grizl for my self, but I ride 70% on good and solid gravel roads and 30% tarmac on most of my rides.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney If you swap the s15 seatpost to a s14 seatpost, it seriously improves the performance. The s15 seatpost has too much flex and there is a loss of power in your pedal stroke.
Okay, so that's a question, Ben, do serious competitors, the riders competing for victory, actually start races with plugged tires or no? It would seem to me that fresh tires would be the way to go, all that effort to get there and line up and contend for the win.
No, no, it’s all good. He is a very deadpan person. Every year he rides part - sometimes all! - of the course in the days before the event on a road bike with road tires. That was my comment about tradition. Needed better context, I realize.
I’m surprised all the people running pathfinders, I rode on them all last summer, fast rolling, yes, but the least supple tire I’ve tried- it accentuates bumps and vibrations in my experience. I don’t care for that. A tire like the Maxxis Receptors or Vittoria Terrano Dry are just as fast,grippy, and way more supple in my opinion….
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney yeah it’s durable and fast, but they just left me feeling beat up after some long gravel rides, and I never get that way on the Vittoria or Maxxis or Schwalbe gravel tires, and so far haven’t flatted on any of those either-
I hear you. I was surprised when we got the Wheel Energy data back on the Pathfinders that showed them as fast, because there is just so much rubber on the tread.
Nah. It’s just the conundrum of 90 miles of road in a 130mi race. Here is Flavia’s bike, for instance: instagram.com/reel/CrFSz_auRkZ/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney It's only a "conundrum" because BWR created a route with 90 miles of road, is it not? No wonder serious riders opted for road bikes with basically semi-slick tires, just like the "gravel" world championships. Please call it like it is - a road race with a bit of gravel, similar to the Strade Bianchi race, perhaps.
Maybe we don't need to be so close to these people's face, haha. I like talking to regular people. I do not give a flying eff what the "pros" are equipped with.
Love seeing normal peeps sharing their plans and ideas. Nice to see Alexey too. Great video and good vibes!
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
Same here! It's much easier to relate to non Pros and get "real" world opinions.
Ben, winning is not impossible! When one is in his/her late 60’s; Winning is simply not finishing last! Enjoy the ride!!!
I'm still a stout rider at age 63 and I'd say just finishing is winning and who cares if they're enjoying a second round of hot chocolate when you reach the chalet. 😀
Hot Chocolate how about a Single Malt! It’s gravel baby, gravel!
@@ljhoule3394 lol, I just imagine the fancy Euro roadie fondos ending at a chalet. And my arrival just in time for some hot chocolate, sort of like a continental breakfast at night. 😀
Can’t remember the ride but, I did do a gravel race in Colorado in the last year or two, at a summit of some climb shots of a whiskey or bourbon were offered. Sixty+ years of racing in Alaska and I never saw that!!!
Bighorn Gravel in Gypsum?
Great to see all those people with their different setups and riding styles!
Maybe my favorite “The Ride” video yet. Wish I was there with you guys! Have fun!
to the man on rim brakes and 26c tires, salud!!!!! loved this video, from the ultra bling to the ultra practical to the ultra whacky bikes.
"GRAVEL RACING MAN" says it all. That's why we loves it.
Your vids are so much fun, Ben, and as a long-ago Bay Area kid, I enjoyed seeing some representation from the East Bay. O and Santa Rosa, too, worked at a radio station there, KPLS, for a short time in '79, favorite moment was trying to sell an ad package to Joe at Joe's Texaco, who bellowed back at me after I had interrupted him over the phone, "I ain't interested!" And I understood. 😀
Here I am... back at this great resource video again! I did the 2023 BWR in San Diego and loved it!
I'm heading back down to SD for the 2024 event and trying to figure out tire choices.
Now that I've ridden BWR SD, I have a good reference of the course. I'm starting to think that my 45mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H's are a bit overkill for the amount of time that will be spent on the road. I might buy the 35s or 40mms.
Thanks, Ben!
Well, I have a titanium gravel bike from a company cal WHY cycles, out in Carbonadale Colorado, full GRX 810 mechanical and carbon wheels,
on a mostly road ride like this I would definatly go with my road (and light gravel) setup - 45mm deep carbon superteam wheels with 32mm panaracer
gravel king SS tires, the "semi slick" ones with decent grippy small knobbed shoulders and nice center on them.
Love this!! Also love Alexy!!! Fan favorite always
This was one of the more interesting videos I have ever watched. Tire choice along with pressure is what I am always trying to figure out. As a lifelong rider who thinks they know what they are doing, I still find it interesting to see what other riders are doing.... Ben, thanks for the excellent video. Great info, to the point, without all the hoopla. That's what we want.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video as always and such a cool ending :D
Thanks! 😄
I’m hoping to someday do the BWR in Arizona and this is exactly the video I need to decide a bike setup.
Glad it was helpful. I’ve got a video on BWR AZ too.
Excellent vid loved hearing from a great selection of riders
Thanks. It's fun to talk to people when they're out having fun.
Killed it! Well done sir! Exactly what I'm dealing with. Trying to decide which bike to buy so I can be down there nx yr. prepped and ready to go. Perfect segment.
Wow do I love your vids. Thanks Ben!
Great Video Ben. I’m hoping to get over next year from the Uk so hopefully this advice will be useful. Enjoy and keep safe👊
Cheers, hope you can make it.
We're stoked to be fueling The Ride! Traveling with instant craft coffee is like running tire inserts for BWR; using it might not always be plan A, but when you need it, it'll save the day. Alan's BWR bike - Canyon Grail AL (yes aluminum!) in that same yellow.
Haha, nice!
Cool video - I think I saw you this morning at the breakfast area at the Hampton Inn before BWR. Only did the short route, had to downgrade myself after getting RSV the middle of last month and still not back to 100%. I went with Continental Terra Speed 35mm....added a little extra psi in there today with all the road and climbing, so the super rocky sections were a bit more challenging but those tires did pretty well all things considered. A little sketchy in some of the sectors (especially the steep downhill dirt bits), but kept it upright and had decent traction. Those tires roll pretty fast on the pavement.
Glad you were able to get out after being sick, and that you were happy with your tire selection. Nice of the Hampton to have BWR-appropriate waffles for us…
I love my PERC Coffee instant! Super convenient wherever you're traveling for a bike race AND it'll beat the pants off any hotel coffee!
Sage titanium Barlow. Roval Terra C wheels with Panaracer gravel king SS in 35mm. Oh and I didn’t do the ride. Maybe next year!😂
Amazing video's, I love content like this. Zapp is the man 🤘The guy in blue with the Moots I think is actually working at Moots, i remember seeing him in their videos
Yeah, Zap *is* the man and Jon Cariveau is the man at Moots. Legends, both.
Awsome vid like always!! Enjoy the Ride!!🙌🏼
Another great video, hope you had a great race. Curious how you approach pressure with the G One RS's ? I usually start with Silca and SRAM but curious how you approach it. Keep up the great work, follow you both here and on fastcat.
Thanks, Chris. Usually go just under 40mm I for 40s and a little more for these 35s. Weight dependent, of course. I was just going on the highly accurate thumb gauge out here, until I saw Big Tall Wayne at the start with a pump as he was helping Nicolas Roche. I had Cariveau in my head - that guy is like Yoda, and not just in age 😜 - so I was like, ‘I should do what Jon is doing, and added air.
another way to answer: Silca and ENVE both have great charts. I like ENVE’s because there aren’t any steps to enter and I’m lazy
Thanks Ben, lol, I might be over thinking it! Finally got out on a set of g one RS in 45mm and they were pretty epic. Might try lowing the pressure by one or two psi to get better traction on loose over hard and follow the instructions and change the rotation of the rear... Which I set up same as the front... 🤔🫣🤣
If we’re running this race: My Canyon Grizl CF with G-One RS, very similar set up lol 😂 mine are 45mm, I’m a big boi rider that loves off-roading my gravel bike
I did this in 2021 running the pathfinder pro 42mm and though it was overkill.
Yeah. Lotta rubber in the Pathfinders. Bet you didn't flat, though!
I'd be very interested to hear your thoughts on the Grail after the race.
Yep, coming up.
im trying to get in shape to get out to them events fck looks like fun
Most gravel races - and all of the BWRs - have multiple distances, so you don't have to go all in on the crazy mileage. BWR's Wanna option is 35 miles.
@The Ride with Ben Delaney how do I found out about upcoming gravel events?
@@Casual_BackPacking www.gravelcalendar.com/.
Interested in the CARBONDA bike .. and it’s paint job … NICE 👍 would like to get one myself .. anyone that can help ?
Ben: Will you do The Tour of the California Alps (The Markleeville Death Ride???
Never heard of this. Will have to look it up.
Ben, How was the ride in the Grail? It's a little bit different gravel bike with the doubledecker handlebar. Still also looking af the Grizl for my self, but I ride 70% on good and solid gravel roads and 30% tarmac on most of my rides.
Video coming up on that asap. Short version: only buy the Grail if the cockpit matches your geo - because you cannot adjust it!
Ben, why the Grail this year?... from a curious owner of the Grail and Grizl and
Just filmed a video here on that. Will get it edited and up asap.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney If you swap the s15 seatpost to a s14 seatpost, it seriously improves the performance. The s15 seatpost has too much flex and there is a loss of power in your pedal stroke.
600 usd? with that paint job? where?
Okay, so that's a question, Ben, do serious competitors, the riders competing for victory, actually start races with plugged tires or no? It would seem to me that fresh tires would be the way to go, all that effort to get there and line up and contend for the win.
No, no, definitely not. I have. I have no idea why Alexey had that tire with him.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Maybe we need greater gravel understanding. 😀
Michael didn't seem very happy about you saying he was running 32c road tires 😬
No, no, it’s all good. He is a very deadpan person. Every year he rides part - sometimes all! - of the course in the days before the event on a road bike with road tires. That was my comment about tradition. Needed better context, I realize.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Oh nice then!
There should be at least one Ridley on Belgian Waffle Ride.
No one is using my fast gravel tire of choice: Maxxis Receptors.
I ran those at BWR KS and really liked them.
y’all missing out…. nobody rolling WTB Byway’s.
Still waiting for the taste test.....
I’m surprised all the people running pathfinders, I rode on them all last summer, fast rolling, yes, but the least supple tire I’ve tried- it accentuates bumps and vibrations in my experience. I don’t care for that. A tire like the Maxxis Receptors or Vittoria Terrano Dry are just as fast,grippy, and way more supple in my opinion….
I think a lot of folks appreciate the puncture protection. I’ve never flatted one - knock on wood!
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney yeah it’s durable and fast, but they just left me feeling beat up after some long gravel rides, and I never get that way on the Vittoria or Maxxis or Schwalbe gravel tires, and so far haven’t flatted on any of those either-
I hear you. I was surprised when we got the Wheel Energy data back on the Pathfinders that showed them as fast, because there is just so much rubber on the tread.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney but you still choose the Schwalbes…you say fun but you really want to win
Clark Jeffrey Lopez Michael Perez Edward
Garcia Anna Harris Charles Johnson James
Zaaaaaaaaaaaaaap!
Lewis Shirley Johnson Donna Rodriguez Cynthia
0:23 "Most of the pros are on 32s and road bikes"? 🤣🤣🤣 Is BWR becoming a gravel joke or something?
Nah. It’s just the conundrum of 90 miles of road in a 130mi race. Here is Flavia’s bike, for instance: instagram.com/reel/CrFSz_auRkZ/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney It's only a "conundrum" because BWR created a route with 90 miles of road, is it not? No wonder serious riders opted for road bikes with basically semi-slick tires, just like the "gravel" world championships. Please call it like it is - a road race with a bit of gravel, similar to the Strade Bianchi race, perhaps.
Thompson Nancy Wilson Jessica Clark Sandra
Perez Angela Lewis Maria Hernandez Susan
Jones Anna Lewis Patricia Moore Mary
Maybe we don't need to be so close to these people's face, haha. I like talking to regular people. I do not give a flying eff what the "pros" are equipped with.
whether your riding a tire without a bicycle or a complete bike. LMAO