Quantico Race Loop vs. FH?

[memmert115]

How does the Quantico race loop compare to FH in terms of elevation change? I did my first race there this weekend and am hooked. I won't have a chance to ride Quantico before the race and want to avoid redlining in the first 3 miles like I did at FH!

[ChrisJ]

I think the climbs at Quantico are longer and there are more of them. You are either going up or down it seems like. Not nearly as many roots. Lots of smooth fast sections. Other should chime in.

[slowWes]

IMHO, FH has lots more climbs. Just watch out for the elevator trail, it's a tuffy.

[thelankymanx2]

Both of the trails are pretty hilly. They are just different.

Quantico is mainly just overgrown fireroad. So the climbs are alot smoother although they are alot longer. So there is more longer climbs and descents.

FH is alot of ups and down. Most are pretty shortish but they are alot rougher. So there are roots and rocks to be worried about.

Another thing to think about is that Quantico during the Crankey 12hr was very hot and vey humid. Will see if it rains before to bring up the hunidity.

I think that Quantico is alot easier. Just not as challenging in terms of terrain. Just watch out for the fireroad climb up under the powerlines it is a challenge. There is also alot more spots to pass which is nice.

[Pinoy Rider]

I ride Quantico at least once a week after work, rode it today as a matter of fact. I agree with most that it's not as rootie and rocky consistently throughout the course. There are a lot of smooth fast sections. Not many technically hard climbs outside of how the top of elevator was rerouted. The biker bumps at Quantico remind me of FH, minus dodging the piles of horse crap.

[eloach]

How does the Quantico race loop compare to FH in terms of elevation change? I did my first race there this weekend and am hooked. I won't have a chance to ride Quantico before the race and want to avoid redlining in the first 3 miles like I did at FH!

Well, it's pretty easy. Redline FH? I think Quantico lends itself more to that than FH (at least for me), but you know the drill now... keep the leaders in sight (or be one). At Quantico there is generally plenty of room to pass and as mentioned you will not be bouncing about as much. It's a fun, fast course. I use to call it WF with hills, but actually, after racing WF, I think it's even easier in a race because there are better/more chances to pass and longer straight sections.

To say it's mostly double track/FR isn't quite true though. I would say about 2/3s of the course is single track, but perhaps my memory fails me.

[eloach]

The race loop from last year at CM 12 hour was longer than FH by a good bit, but my time per lap was not that far from my FH TT times. That should provide a little bit of an idea. I am an intermediate sport rider.

[tsunayoshi]

Personally, I think the Quantico course is harder than FH (going off of the 12 hour course, which is little longer). The uphills are more painful (longer, but not as technical), but the downhills are more fun as well. And I think the long fireroad descent is still part of the CM series course, flying down that at nearly 30mph is FUN FUN FUN.

[memmert115]

Thanks for all the comments. Very helpful. With a lot of passing opportunities, I may try to start out easier and pace myself this time. I got 5th in the beginner race (35+) at FH, so figure I'll give the Sport class a try at Quantico. Not sure I'm in shape to do 18 miles, but what the heck.

[g_barr]

Personally, I think the Quantico course is harder than FH (going off of the 12 hour course, which is little longer). The uphills are more painful (longer, but not as technical), but the downhills are more fun as well. And I think the long fireroad descent is still part of the CM series course, flying down that at nearly 30mph is FUN FUN FUN.
Agreed. Agreed. AGREED! I can only think of two FH climbs that are similar to a greater number of equal/worse Quantico climbs. The Quantico fire road (toward the end of the course) was awesome. But there was a joy killing left turn at the end last year.

[JFritsch]

I've often heard Quantico refered to as a epic course. I'd say it's more of a classic old school MTB course. A little bit of everything connected together with some fire roads. I find the climbs not as hard as FH. Most the FH climbs are more like an interval work out. Overall the climbs while longer flow better with the trail overall. I think Quantico one of the most fun trails we race on in the area.

Make sure you have enough water and maybe a gel or two. Starting a bit easer and using extra energy left on the last lap is a good idea.

[Pinoy Rider]

For those who are not preriding the course, Quantico trails are pretty dry right now. Fireroads are loose with lots of gravel. Single track is fast. All in all you who are racing are gonna have a great time!:p

[kleinhead]

I also did not get a chance to pre-ride and I've never ridden at quantico.

Should I plan on bringing the hardtail or should I use the full-suspension?

[eloach]

I also did not get a chance to pre-ride and I've never ridden at quantico.

Should I plan on bringing the hardtail or should I use the full-suspension?

I was out there today on the HT for 3 laps. Pretty HT friendly stuff, so if you want to do a HT race, this is the place. Nothing at all like FH in terms of roots and bouncy stuff. All pretty buff ST.

Dually is normally faster though, unless it's a pig.

[kleinhead]

My Cannondale Killer V 900 HT weighs in at 24lbs

My Klein Mantra Race FS is about 28lbs

I'm bringing both and decide when I get there...:D

[eloach]

My Cannondale Killer V 900 HT weighs in at 24lbs

My Klein Mantra Race FS is about 28lbs

I'm bringing both and decide when I get there...:D

Either way it should be a bunch of fun for you. I like the course layout they have setup. It's just a really fun place to ride. There is enough going up and down so that you don't get bored and get a little exercise, but at the same time it's buff enough to make you feel really confident about racing there and you can carry pretty good speed through the course.