2011 Honey Badger

After the success of the SCV Flahute, the route planning for the next big ride began almost immediately.  Being that we had used most of the Rogue Valley’s quality gravel roads, the decision was made to look toward some of the lesser maintained roads. Of course a full on mtb epic was out due to the ever present low snow level, but if a nice chunk or two of trail could be thrown in, well that would be great too. In fact, the idea of doing a big loop that didn’t offer much in the way of shortcuts, easy outs, or even a sag wagon was pretty appealing.  Yup, the idea of doing a big stupid loop to test how tough we are was just the ticket. So out come the maps and Google Earth and a route was planned. At first, the amount of climbing was going to be a bit more limited and rest stops and aid stations were planned, but just as Otter from Animal House so famously said, “No, I think we have to go all out. I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody’s part!”. Well SCV is just the somebody to do it and hence, the 2011 Nasty Ass Honey Badger Spin was born.

Why call is the ride named after the honey badger?  Well, honey badgers are notoriously fearless and tough animals, having been known to savagely attack their enemies when escape is impossible. They are tireless in combat and can wear out much larger animals in physical confrontations. Which perfectly describes the mindset needed to conquer this route.  Plus, this little video pretty much cracks up every time we see it and after a few beers it just seemed like the thing to do.

Okay, by now you’ve clicked on the link  and discovered SCV is a sucker for adolescent humor (like you didn’t already know) and are probably wondering what the actual 2011 N.A.H.B.S. (Nasty Ass Honey Badger Spin) is all about. 2011 N.A.H.B.S. is a 56 mile bike ride covering paved and gravel roads, washboard, singletrack, and even an irrigation ditch or two.  It has over 7000ft of climbing and takes a rider from the Rogue Valley over to the Little Applegate and then back again.  There aren’t any water stops, so bring at least a camel back and a water bottle or some way of filtering water.  Food is good. You should take enough to get you home. Once you’re over the hill in the Little Applegate, there isn’t any mini-marts and there is no cell reception to call for help.  A cross bike or a mountain bike would work fine, the Honey Bagder doesn’t care. Throughout the day, whatever bike you choose will be the wrong choice, but on the flip side, you’ll also be really happy with whatever rig you’re on a vast majority of the time. Using a GPS wouldn’t be a bad idea, although there will be a rudimentary route chart. If you have a GPS, you can download the route here.

The 2011 N.A.H.B.S. leaves SCV at 9:00 am on Sunday the 22nd.  This isn’t a race, although the first person back probably will get at least a beer bought for them. While you need to be able to take care of yourself out there, if someone is in need you’re expected to lend a hand and make certain no one is left behind, otherwise I’ll give search and rescue your phone number and have them come and get you to pay for the search.

Here’s the flyer.  Feel free to swing on by if you need an analog copy printed on Staple’s cheapest office paper.  Or just come on in to shoot the crap and find out anymore details I’ve undoubtably forgot to mention.

Also, feel free to email or call if you have any questions, and see you at the 2011 Nasty Ass Honey Badger.