Unbound - Pre race Mechanic

[Dsteiker]

Hi,

Anyone know what the options are for pre race mechanic support at Unbound gravel?

local bike shops? I see Shimano will be at the expo, will they have mechanics available?

thanks
Dave

[Mikej]

I always make certain my bike is in proper working order before I leave. There will be a line, i'm guessing.

[Dave B]

I would make certain your bike is in top order before you go.

Bike shops are going to be slammed with folks showing up unprepared on top of already being slammed with service for customer bikes getting ready for summer and so on.

....or...bring extra cash to jump to the front of the line.

[Nomadmax]

Originally Posted by Mikej

I always make certain my bike is in proper working order before I leave. There will be a line, i'm guessing.

And have a spare set of wheels. Why add stress?

[Dsteiker]

Originally Posted by Mikej

I always make certain my bike is in proper working order before I leave. There will be a line, i'm guessing.

Bikes were tuned up 2 weeks ago - all is working well. Just looking to have a plan "If" there are any issues

[bthomas515]

I raced when it was DK pre-covid so things might have changed, but there’s a ton of folks offering aid. The team mechanic for EF (was there for Lachlan) fixed my fd while I was looking at their team store.

[azrider]

I would have to think their would be a SRAM truck and/or mechanic station. At Leadville there was a YUGE Sram tent and multiple other vendors with mechanics taking orders.

Most of the crits that I've ever competed at like Tulsa Tough, GATEWAY CUP, and most other National Criteriums have a SRAM and/or Shimano tent somewhere close to the start/finish line.

Like someone else mentioned. Just be sure to buck up and "over-tip" as dudes at those events are getting bombarded.

Oh and don't pull a Costanza, make sure the mechanic see's the $20 you're about to drop him

[azrider]

Originally Posted by Dsteiker

Bikes were tuned up 2 weeks ago - all is working well. Just looking to have a plan "If" there are any issues

Yeah man. Traveling for races is always a crap shoot. Plus, if you do any pre-riding whatsoever it's always nice knowing there is a good mechanic who can work out any kinks to get it dialed in for race day.

Good luck at your race dude

[Mikej]

Have a great ride, btw! Maybe post back with a report?

[Coffee Rider]

Bring some really good alcohol and you can probably make a friend there who can help you out. That's the only useful thing I have to contribute.

[Bruce K]

Watch your weather and be prepared for some epically bad stuff. One of the racers from the shop my son works at said they are expecting lots of rain, lots of mud, with a tornado watch a real possibility.

Good luck out there and stay safe

BK

[R3awak3n]

Eek.

I am actually registered 😂

I was going to do it in 2020 and then pandemic hit, then switched it to 2021 but pandemic was still a thing and so they forced me to switch it to 2022. I tried to get my money back twice and they would not so it (only 2020 they would have done it and my dumb ass switched it). Sad because they coulda sold my entry in 10 secs but its ok I get it. No way I have any interest in doing it this year so I will be there in spirit.

Hope the ride is good but if it is indeed that bad of weather I am glad I am not there… but at least should cool things down.