Gotland Grand National 2016
 

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/evenem...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?

Looks fun.

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

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.

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.