Red Bull Romaniacs 2020 "Vertical Madness" Race Discussion

XC706
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XC706 10/29/2020 7:52pm
10/29/2020 7:52pm
XC706 wrote:
Is your Dad Nick ?
JKMX61 wrote:
Yes he is.
Your Dad is a good dude, I have raced against him for years throughout 40A & 50A. Hope he can finish in the top 10.
flatout111
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flatout111 10/30/2020 6:33am
10/30/2020 6:33am Edited Date/Time 10/30/2020 6:34am
Off-road Day 3

Graham
Manni
Wade
Alfredo
Billy
Mario

Going into the final day tomorrow the Silent Assassin leads Manni by 3m 57s. Everyone else is over 15 minutes behind. Anything can happen but barring anything crazy it looks like it will come down to Graham or Manni.

Amazing. Graham is twice his age. What a beast and legend Jarvis is in Motorsports.

Looks like Taddy did not ride Day 3 and is out with a shoulder injury though no confirmation just yet.

Should be an amazing finish. Martin Freinadanetz and the track makers had to cut out a few sections due to heavy rains and the fact the riders were struggling extra on steep sections and would run out of fuel if no track adjustments were made.
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Blackie59
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Blackie59 10/30/2020 6:36am
10/30/2020 6:36am
One of the videos has a comment by a rider that depending on the terrain the bikes have different gearing. On the really rough stuff, what gearing are they using?
LungButter
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LungButter 10/30/2020 6:48am
10/30/2020 6:48am
I’m a big Manni fan but Jarvis is a LEGEND.
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Rad76
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Rad76 10/30/2020 6:50am
10/30/2020 6:50am
LungButter wrote:
The traction even a consumer gummy tire has compared to a normal compound tire is crazy. You gotta think these Factory Level guys with Michellin, Metzeller...
The traction even a consumer gummy tire has compared to a normal compound tire is crazy.

You gotta think these Factory Level guys with Michellin, Metzeller, Golden Tyre etc. are probably getting even better stuff than we can buy.
The Michelin guys runs the stock tyre, it is that good.
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Rad76
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Rad76 10/30/2020 7:00am
10/30/2020 7:00am
Jeff_Brines wrote:
Day Two Overall... https://www.redbullromaniacs.com/results/2020/day2/offroad-day-race-progress/ 1) Manuel Lettenbichler 2) Graham Jarvis 3) Wade Young 4) Alfredo Gomez 5) Billy Bolt 6) Mario Roman Taddy had something go...
Day Two Overall...

https://www.redbullromaniacs.com/results/2020/day2/offroad-day-race-pro…

1) Manuel Lettenbichler
2) Graham Jarvis
3) Wade Young
4) Alfredo Gomez
5) Billy Bolt
6) Mario Roman

Taddy had something go wrong, clearly. Slid back to 15th

Impressive showing for Michael Walkner. If memory serves, he's the Dakar dude, and his sister is one of the best big mountain freeski women in the world.
Michael Walkner is not the Dakar dude but they're cousin i think. Rupert Walkner, Michael's dad, was a solid GP rider in the 80/90's, even won a GP 500 moto in 1996 i think. He's a tester/development rider at KTM, riding bike you'll see in 5 years.
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flatout111
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flatout111 10/30/2020 7:02am
10/30/2020 7:02am Edited Date/Time 10/30/2020 7:27am
Blackie59 wrote:
One of the videos has a comment by a rider that depending on the terrain the bikes have different gearing. On the really rough stuff, what...
One of the videos has a comment by a rider that depending on the terrain the bikes have different gearing. On the really rough stuff, what gearing are they using?
Here is an article I wrote transcribing a personal phone call I had with Hard Enduro legend Paul Bolton who is injured but working for Red Bull to cover Vertical Madness.

This is his setup for Romaniacs 2018. Some great info here.

Paul Bolton's Bike, Equipment and Setup Tips for Red Bull Romaniacs & Hard Enduro

With Red Bull Romaniacs "Sweet 16" Edition just around the corner, Paul and Lisa Bolton were kind enough to share some preferences in his personal bike equipment, gear and setup tips. Paul is currently recovering from injury but he and Lisa have a brand new baby on the way so there are good times ahead for the Bolton family. Can't wait to see Bolts back at the races. He is the heart of Hard Enduro!

Let's take a look at Paul's bike, equipment and setup tips.

KTM EXC 300 TPI

Renthal 996 handlebars

Bolt's DirtBikeSpec Tips:
Paul's handlebars are set a little more forward than you would normally run them to help with the longer uphills so he can get his weight a bit further forward. But not too far forward as for the downhills they have the opposite effect.

Garmin GPS units, ROST GPS mounts

Bolt's DirtBikeSpec Tips:
With regards to GPS mounting for Romaniacs, Paul removes the bar pad, takes the bar mount off completely so there is a bit more flex which is good for relief of fatigue, as well. He mounts the ROST GPS holders direct to the handlebars. One GPS is slightly forward for standing and the other is a bit angled flatter and more back towards him on the bike for sitting down, faster riding. The GPS units are zoomed to 120 and 80, respectfully.

USWE Ranger 4 Hydration Pack

Bolt's DirtBikeSpec Tips:
The Ranger 4 bladder is around 3 liters but Paul usually uses 2-2.5 liters of fluid with an energy drink. Also, Lisa puts the Romaniacs emergency map and mobile phone and spare contact lenses in one of the compartments of the Ranger 4.

Tools/Misc.

All tools, etc., emergency stuff goes in the airbox
Levers, etc. on the inside of the frame, cable tied down.
Small waterproof jacket stuffed behind the headlight

Bolt's DirtBikeSpec Tips:
Paul does not use a fanny pack, or "bumbag", as he likes to call it ??, as they tend to jump around a bit too much but he is considering, for shorter races, using a tool belt or hydration belt so that he will get a bit more air on his back. But for long races like Romaniacs the hydration belt wouldn't work as not enough fluid in there.

Bike Protection/Equipment

Double rim locks on the back for the bike
Mousse-181EX(back) and MO121 (front)
Mitas tires- 9200 GS(front) 9200 C-19 (back)
Race FX billet aluminum clutch cover
Bulletproof Designs rear disc guard
Bulletproof Designs chain guide swingarm protector
Moose Racing wraparound hand guards
Cooling Fan with thermostat bypassed so there's plenty of air flow

Bolt's DirtBikeSpec Tips:
Paul re-maps the the direction indicator switch (used if the bike was on the road) to manually turn on and off the cooling fan. The cooling fan is not regulated on a thermostat so that Paul can, himself, monitor the engine temperature at all times with feel and listening to the bike and turn the fan on or off manually. This also helps preserve the battery.


Bolt's DirtBikeSpec Tips:
Paul, personally, has not used the caliper protector so far but may consider it for Romaniacs/Erzberg. He also chooses not to use a front disc guard as he tries to be right neat with the front end and thinks that sometimes a front disc guard can catch on more things and give you more problems. He also doesn't bother with radiator braces. With that being said, though, he would still recommend them.

Bolt's DirtBikeSpec Tips:
Paul puts his split link on the inside of the chain so when he does knock the chain guide in then it doesn't wear the link off so he always runs a link in case he needs to take the chain off, in any situation.

Bike Setup

13/50 gearing
5
agn5009
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agn5009 10/30/2020 7:17am
10/30/2020 7:17am Edited Date/Time 10/30/2020 7:25am
Blackie59 wrote:
One of the videos has a comment by a rider that depending on the terrain the bikes have different gearing. On the really rough stuff, what...
One of the videos has a comment by a rider that depending on the terrain the bikes have different gearing. On the really rough stuff, what gearing are they using?
13-50 or possibly 13-52 in the tighter stuff.

I've tried 13-52 and wasn't a huge fan but I ride with a few really solid hard enduro guys who like it. 13-50, which is the stock set up, is really good.
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Tuna
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Tuna 10/30/2020 8:26am
10/30/2020 8:26am
LungButter wrote:
The traction even a consumer gummy tire has compared to a normal compound tire is crazy. You gotta think these Factory Level guys with Michellin, Metzeller...
The traction even a consumer gummy tire has compared to a normal compound tire is crazy.

You gotta think these Factory Level guys with Michellin, Metzeller, Golden Tyre etc. are probably getting even better stuff than we can buy.
Graham runs a 140 off the shelf Michelin Enduro Extreme with a soft drilled 120 mousse.
1
Tuna
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Tuna 10/30/2020 8:28am
10/30/2020 8:28am
AxlBundy wrote:
Those FIM knobby’s are really short compared to what we run in the us. Super gummy tho
Tall knobs don’t Grip roots and rocks very well. A well used FIM soft rear actually works a lot better than a new tire in many conditions.
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Tuna 10/30/2020 8:30am
10/30/2020 8:30am
LungButter wrote:
That seems like a pretty legit set up for that style riding. Seems as though Mousses should last longer in that style of riding due to...
That seems like a pretty legit set up for that style riding. Seems as though Mousses should last longer in that style of riding due to the lower speeds but I suppose there is always wheelspin and faster 'transfer' sections between the extreme stuff that will wear them down.

If you don't mind my asking, what is a ballpark cost to do a trip like your Dad did?? Travel, bike rental, parts, tires, hotels, etc. Seems like a dream trip, I'd love to do ISDE someday but might not ever have the speed again, so something like Bronze class at Romaniacs would be a close second I suppose.
Jeff_Brines wrote:
I was signed up for this year but moved my registration to next year. All in you are looking at $7K at the low end, $10K...
I was signed up for this year but moved my registration to next year. All in you are looking at $7K at the low end, $10K at the high end.

Bascially...

Entry: $2000ish (includes a lot)
Bike Rental: $2000-2500
Mechanic: $800
Tires & Parts: $1000
Flight: $1200


Obviously this doesn't include your time around the event, beers, having fun etc.

Come join me next year!!
I can get you a good deal on a Jarvis rental bike with tech support for next season if you are interested.
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Tuna
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Tuna 10/30/2020 8:36am
10/30/2020 8:36am
flatout111 wrote:
It's not everyone's cup of tea, but some of my favorite moments are the downhills where they have to traverse sometimes off the bike and with...
It's not everyone's cup of tea, but some of my favorite moments are the downhills where they have to traverse sometimes off the bike and with the engine killed. Terrifying but exhilarating.

There was a clip last year of Grimbo passing someone on a ridiculous descent with the engine off. The Silent Assassin living up to his name! Smile
Turning the motor off helps in the descents quite a bit, you can hear what the tire is doing and tell if it’s locking up or keeping traction. First time I rode with him in Spain he suggested to shut it off.
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LungButter
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LungButter 10/30/2020 9:34am
10/30/2020 9:34am
Pretty crazy how big of a gap the super elite guys put on the next tier of guys.



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LungButter
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LungButter 10/30/2020 10:14am
10/30/2020 10:14am
All of these Factory Level guys have a Sprinter and a Mechanic to themselves it seems like, so here’s my question... How many exhaust systems do they have stuffed in the van “just in case” for a race like Romaniacs?
Tuna
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Tuna 10/30/2020 10:24am
10/30/2020 10:24am Edited Date/Time 10/30/2020 10:27am
LungButter wrote:
All of these Factory Level guys have a Sprinter and a Mechanic to themselves it seems like, so here’s my question... How many exhaust systems do...
All of these Factory Level guys have a Sprinter and a Mechanic to themselves it seems like, so here’s my question... How many exhaust systems do they have stuffed in the van “just in case” for a race like Romaniacs?
One or two. Team members are almost always running the same equipment so there are spares available.

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LungButter
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LungButter 10/30/2020 11:19am
10/30/2020 11:19am
Tuna wrote:
One or two. Team members are almost always running the same equipment so there are spares available.
It's actually pretty amazing how few of them actually FULLY smash their pipes. Sure they get some dents and dings but it seems pretty rare that a top guy puts a huge dent in one. At least from the photos/reports we see.
Jeff_Brines
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Jeff_Brines 10/30/2020 2:18pm
10/30/2020 2:18pm
Tuna wrote:
I can get you a good deal on a Jarvis rental bike with tech support for next season if you are interested.
MASSIVELY interested.

Also, loving all the posts in this thread.

Despite what they say, the internet can be a really awesome, non argumentative place Wink
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Tuna
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Tuna 10/30/2020 2:25pm
10/30/2020 2:25pm Edited Date/Time 10/30/2020 2:27pm
Tuna wrote:
I can get you a good deal on a Jarvis rental bike with tech support for next season if you are interested.
Jeff_Brines wrote:
MASSIVELY interested.

Also, loving all the posts in this thread.

Despite what they say, the internet can be a really awesome, non argumentative place Wink
PM’s suck on here, shoot me contact and I will get you connected. Rentals will be available at a couple more races as well. Lagares is a great race and not far from Jarvisland so you could come and ride there before or after the race if you were interested.
Tuna
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Tuna 10/30/2020 2:31pm
10/30/2020 2:31pm
Tuna wrote:
I can get you a good deal on a Jarvis rental bike with tech support for next season if you are interested.
Jeff_Brines wrote:
MASSIVELY interested.

Also, loving all the posts in this thread.

Despite what they say, the internet can be a really awesome, non argumentative place Wink
You can message me on TT, you have been commenting on my thread about Xact set ups.
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LungButter
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LungButter 10/30/2020 3:09pm
10/30/2020 3:09pm
Welp, that's a pretty cool connection to have made, good work bros.
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ZOBITO
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ZOBITO 10/30/2020 3:23pm
10/30/2020 3:23pm
ZOBITO wrote:
Watching the best extreme riders in the world pushing and pushing, then pushing again gets a bit boring after a while...
Dry
flatout111 wrote:
There's a good amount of physical pushing but also there is a lot of flowing trails as well. I just don't think they highlight that nearly...
There's a good amount of physical pushing but also there is a lot of flowing trails as well. I just don't think they highlight that nearly as much as the extreme stuff.

It kinda has it all. Ascents, descents, pushing, flowing trails, navigation.. And the gorgeous scenery of the Carpathian Mountains. If you ask most riders, Graham Jarvis included, they would say it is their favorite race of the year.
I know... I was just talking about the daily highlights vids.
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AxlBundy
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AxlBundy 10/31/2020 5:10am
10/31/2020 5:10am
Results are in
1st- Mani Lettenbichler
2nd- Jarvis
3rd- Gomez
3
LungButter
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LungButter 10/31/2020 7:14am
10/31/2020 7:14am

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Ingjr1
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Ingjr1 10/31/2020 7:28am
10/31/2020 7:28am
ZOBITO wrote:
Watching the best extreme riders in the world pushing and pushing, then pushing again gets a bit boring after a while...
Dry
The truly nice part is you don't have to watch it.
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flatout111
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flatout111 10/31/2020 7:29am
10/31/2020 7:29am
Another epic race. Absolutely my favorite event of the year.

Huge congrats to Manni and Graham for putting on the battle of a lifetime. Manni is on a roll and Graham, well, he lost by 25 seconds, and if hadn't had that crash before CP1 today...he would have taken his 7th Romaniacs title.

Great job, fellas!
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flatout111
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flatout111 11/1/2020 5:10am
11/1/2020 5:10am Edited Date/Time 11/1/2020 5:28am
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