Muddy Help

[dkostel]

I have a question or two regarding the muddy buddy. First is a mountain bike absolutely necessary? I'm coming in from Chicago and am having trouble securing a bike. To bring mine would cost $50 each way + the cost of a bike box. I have called around & the only place in Orlando I found that rents mountain bikes has them all committed to a triathlon on that day. So right now my choices are buying a cheap mountain bike at Kmart or renting a single speed cruiser style bike at Ft Wilderness to use. My team has no delusions of winning but we do want to be able to finish. Is a mountain bike necessary?
Any other suggestions? Know of any other rental places? (Davids world is booked).

thanks in advance
Donna

 

[ADP]

I have a question or two regarding the muddy buddy. First is a mountain bike absolutely necessary? I'm coming in from Chicago and am having trouble securing a bike. To bring mine would cost $50 each way + the cost of a bike box. I have called around & the only place in Orlando I found that rents mountain bikes has them all committed to a triathlon on that day. So right now my choices are buying a cheap mountain bike at Kmart or renting a single speed cruiser style bike at Ft Wilderness to use. My team has no delusions of winning but we do want to be able to finish. Is a mountain bike necessary?
Any other suggestions? Know of any other rental places? (Davids world is booked).

thanks in advance
Donna

Hi Donna,
I'm running the Muddy Buddy with 5 other DISers on May 9th. I've kicked around ideas with my partner about the bike. I'm running with Dave Parfitt; you may know him. We are actually barrowing a bike from a local resident.

We were going to purchase a bike at Wal-Mart ($75 - $125) and possibly donate it after the race before the barrowing opportunity came up. I don't think you need a mountain bike....Really any bike will do. I believe the terrain will be on grass and dirt, but I'd think any bike that fits you would be fine.

I checked some rental places as well and found renting with delivery would be just about the same as buying a bike at Wal-Mart. Renting from Ft. Wilderness maybe your best bet as well.

Best of luck with the race!

 

[scuba diver]

I have done the race for the last two years.

The trail is flat, but will be sandy so skinny tire road bikes.

It does not have to be a mountain bike. A single speed big tire bike would be fine. No one really blasts through the course on their bike because they are on the same trail as runners.

 

[rKyDeX]

Donna,

A single speed cruiser will do ok on the pavement and short grass, but will drain your energy in the deeper grass and dirt. With a multi-speed you can gear down and relax a little.

The other thing is that I don't think FW rents the bikes out overnight, and the bike barn wouldn't be open early enough in the morning.

How tall are you and your team mate? My son is racing with me and we are using my 29'er, but he has a small framed 26" mtb that I could get him to bring down from UF.

Chester

 

[dkostel]

Chester,
Thanks that is a very kind offer. I'm 5'7 and my niece is 5'2 so any bike with a quick release seat should work. If your son wouldn't mind I'd like to take you up on your offer, if it is a hassle for him just let me know.

Thanks again and thanks everyone for the info.

Donna

 

[rKyDeX]

Donna,

I spoke with my son and he is bringing the bike with him. We'll be on site early Saturday morning and will meet up with you then. Be sure to bring something with you to decorate the bike with so that it will stand out and make it easy to pick out from the other bikes that will be parked at the obstacles. A lot of people use crepe paper streamers and pool noodles.

Also, don't forget bike helmets for both of you.

Chester

 

[dkostel]

I pm'd you with my email and cell phone. Thanks again!