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Posted by: bpace
I race all of the GNCC's and have been to Boyers several times and will be there again in three weeks for the next one. As far as getting to race, all you have to do is show up at the track and sign up that morning. You will be required to join the AMA if you are not already a member. This will be an additional $29. You do this as you sign up for the race. Other cost will be a $10 gate fee and $30 entry fee, unless you run Pro, which has a $50 entry fee. As far as the track, it will be anywhere from 8-12 miles in length and the race is a timed event that runs for two hours. Typically we will run five laps at this event in the allotted time. Being that you have never raced before, you should plan on a four lap race because you will most likely be lapped by the Pro riders. The track itself is not the most difficult on the circuit as it does not have any steep hills or extremely tight sections. It does have a lot of very rocky areas which can tear a tire to shreads and several sections which have been logged allowing for a lot of hidden tree stumps. Parking is typically a problem so get there early on Saturday to get a good spot. Better yet, if you can come on Friday and rope off an area for yourself.
Posted by: bpace
This is how it works. You can wear whatever you want but you must have a helmet, goggles and over the ankle boots. The bike must have a tether kill switch and there is a bike inspection prior to the race to ensure such a device is installed. You will also need a silencer on the bike because they check sound levels. Straight pipes will not cut it. You have to be at least 16 years of age to race. If under 18 years must have a parental consent form signed by one of your parents. There are a total of 16 different classes which are run. You choose the class you want to run based on riding ability, bike type, age or a combination of the above. They start you by lining up the different classes in rows in an open field with the Pro class going first, then 250A and so forth with the C class in the rear. Each class then uses a dead engine start one minute apart.
Posted by: bpace
It will vary from race to race. This year in Florida there was somewhere around 180 riders. At Loretta Lynn's there were 376. Loretta's is usually the largest but you will average around 250-275. Considering what you ride and your experience, probable the 'C' class. It will be the largest class by far but most of the people will be beginners. The worst thing about this class is being that most are beginners, it is usually one of the more dangerous groups as far as rider control and getting run over. You could also run 4 stroke mod, Junior, Vet, Senior or Open B. I would stay away from the 4 stoke mod class as they are quite fast. If you don't want to run 'C' then I would try the Senior class next. Then again, you can always get on the front row.
Posted by: bpace
Glad you made it. I hope it was all that you had hoped for. The track was just a little bit on the slick and muddy side this year resulting in slower laps. We usually run five laps at this race. Don't feel bad about your finish, after all, it was your first and to finish is what it is all about. We put four bikes in the race and only one finished(1st in 4 stroke mod), 1 blowed motor, 1 drowned out in the creek and one blowed all the antifreeze out and had to pull out. The worst thing is we drove 8-1/2 hours to do this. If you happen to make it Brownsville, I'll let you know now that it is a much easier track.
Posted by: bpace
We'll be in Brownsville. Me and the guys I ride with follow the entire series. We havn't missed one in three or four years. As far as the Ohio races, Millfield is a very fast and usually very dusty track. It would tend to be more like the Brownsville track in complexity. It also includes a large MX track as part of the trail. Typically it is somewhere around 10 miles in length. One thing you have to be careful about is cows in the trail as it cuts across several pasture fields. Uhrichsville was a new location for last year and turned out to be one of the better trails. This trail is more like Boyers but without the rocks. Tight trail is the norm here with limited open areas. If I remember correctly, it has some very good hill climbs included.
Posted by: talon400
I ride there about 4 times a year (1 for GNCC others just for personal enjoyment). We only live about 5 miles away and ride our quads to the track. Definitely there are rocky areas and some really BIG ROCKS that you will need to climb over or FLY your preference! Great time and alot of fun, I would say pack up the truck, get the quad on the trailer and get up here!!! Have a good one and hope to see you there.
Chuck (99 scrambler)
Posted by: 98Lakota
I rode my first Hare Scramble yesterday, it was a blast. Like NTHEWIND says, ride your own pace and stay within your abilities. I would definitely recommend getting boots, gloves, a breathable jersey and a kidney belt. Most of all just go to ride and finish. If you don't get crazy you will not finish last. (There is always someone in your class that will break)
Posted by: Dan98Warrior
Does anybody know if the trails that are used for the GNCC in Boyers PA are open any other time than the race itself? I talked to a local that didn't ride but she couldn't answer. I did take a look at where she told me they park and it was gated off. Maybe I'll just go to the race and try to get more info there. Has anyone ever race there? How long is the loop, how dificult, etc. Not being a racer, I think it would be interesting to see how a casual rider like me would fare on a track like this. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!!
Posted by: Dan98Warrior
Don't you have to be a member of the AMA or some other sanctioning body? If so, can you just show up at on race day and join? I don't know anything about GNCC races but, how long are they, is it more than one lap? It sounds like fun but I am definately no racer.
Posted by: Dan98Warrior
What riding gear is required? I usually just wear jeans, long sleeves, Timberland boots, gloves, helmet, and goggles. Does every body race at the same time or do different classes start at different times? Do they have age classes in the novice class? Any other info would be appreciated. Thanks.
Posted by: Dan98Warrior
How many racers are usually entered in these races? This sounds like a lot of fun. I'm trying to talk one of my riding pals, who has about the same abilities as me, into going with me. He is not very competitive though. I ride a modified Warrior, am 43 years old, and have no racing experience at all. What class do you think I should be in?
Posted by: Dan98Warrior
Well, I went to Boyers! What a trail! Today is Tuesday and I am just now getting the use of my hands and arms back. I ran in the novice class and got off to a good start. There were two pretty big jamb-ups before getting int the woods and when I finally got through them, I was near the back of the pack. Looking back, rather than trying to move up immediately, I should have paced myself better. Well anyway, I wore myself out in the first half hour. My forearms were so pumped up, I couldn't even hold onto the bars. After I realized I was no longer in the race, I just took my time, stopping when i need to, and stayed out of everybodys way. Brad, I didn't decide to go until Friday night or I would have made arrangements to hook up with you. Thanks for all your help and info. Even though I finished in last place, I had a great time. Brownsville is pretty close to me and I would like to try it, but I won't be able to make it.
Posted by: Dan98Warrior
It was a lot more than I expected. Are you going to Brownsville? If my plans change I really would like to go. This could be addicting!! I am not at all disappointed with my results; actually I am proud of myself for even attempting it. Like I said in my original post, I was just looking for a fun ride on a big boys trail. I can't say enough about the people I met or the GNCC staff. The riders meeting took away all the anxiety that I had and everybody I met couldn't have been more friendly or helpful. The two races in Ohio-how do they compare with Boyers or Brownsville? Hope to maybe see you there sometime!
Posted by: NTHEWND
Dan-Some friends talked me into 'racing'at Loretta Lynns when the GNCC ran there.I am not a racer at all,I rode a bone stock 300 Bayou 4x4 in the stock utility class.I had a great time. You should think about racing/riding when they have the race there.
Posted by: NTHEWND
I know that you are suppose to have a tether kill switch.They let me ride without one.(must have felt sorry for me)But they said if I rode in another race I would have to have one.I can understand your worrys Dan,this was the first time I was in one of these.Just don't ride too fast for your abilities,pace yourself,2 hrs did'nt sound like a long time at first...and move over for the faster riders,and mostly have FUN!
Posted by: NTHEWND
Dan Ha Ha I'm 45 years old. Rode at LL in my first race.I rode a bone stock Bayou 4X4 in the stock utility class.With your Warrior I don't know what class you would have to be in.DONT WORRY ABOUT A CLASS!! Just line up where they tell you and just 'ride' your own race.Let the faster guys by and have fun! It was a real blast seeing some of the guys there that I've only read about.I have heard of some guys not even lining up but waiting till everyone leaves the start.Remember to move over for the faster riders. I found out the better riders will hoop and holler be for they get to you so you have time to get over.JUST DO IT! Let me know.
