Gotland Grand National 2016

[Anders]

The world's biggest enduro race (~2850 racers) is run this coming weekend.
I'm loading my EC200 into the VW Transporter tomorrow morning and set out (with my Orange-riding mate) on a 600km trip to Nyn?shamn where we take the ferry to Visby, Gotland.

http://en.nordicsportevent.se/evenemang/gotland-grand-national


Our race is on Saturday. As we arrive very late Wednesday evening (after midnight), we have one day sightseeing Visby and Gotland and then Friday is used for check-in and studying of the track. The track is approx 22km and the race goes on for 3 hours. I hope to be able to complete 4 laps. The fast guys e make 5 laps or even 6, but I am somewhat slower. OTOH, a lot of people also go 4, 3 or even 2 or one laps, so there are all sorts of speeds.

I am, as usual, racing in the 50-65 year class.

Anybody else going this year?

 

[scratch250]

Looks fun.

By the way, Wednesday evening after midnight would actually be Thursday early morning. Sorry I couldn't help myself.

 

[Anders]

I made it through this year as well
As stated earlier, I'm not among the top guys, I came in as number 301 (out of 432) in my class and ended on 1918th place (out of 2852) total in the race. This is a nice improvement compared to last year's result.
The weather was windy with a very low-sitting sun in the morning, creating some visibility challenges. The ground was wet, slippery and muddy after days of rain. I did 4 laps on the 22km track.

 

[RBrider]

Congratulations on a decent finish on what sounds like a tough track. Just the sheer number of riders would've made me stay home.

RB

 

[Anders]

Congratulations on a decent finish on what sounds like a tough track. Just the sheer number of riders would've made me stay home.

RB

Thanks!
Yes, there are riders everywhere
There are always someone trying to pass you, or someone you are about to pass.
With 2200 riders on a 22km track there will be a rider for every ten meters (33ft) if they all are spread out evenly, which of course they are not.

 

[MargusV]

http://enduro21.com/index.php/40-general/1554-3200-riders-make-gotland-grand-national-roaring-success