Midwest MTB Report
This past weekend reminded us how unique and awesome the sport of mountain biking is. Racing options on the upper Midwest included point to point racing, series racing on one of the original courses in the Midwest and the single speed USA championships on another classic trail system with post race shenanigans. Recaps from all three events plus a look ahead highlights this weeks report.
Ore to Shore
The Ore To Shore has grown to be one of the most popular point to point races in the Midwest with larger fields each year. Among the elite riders, it is known as the first race in the "triple crown" of Midwest mountain biking with Chequemegon and the Iceman Cometh rounding out the other three. Although the area like other areas in the Midwest has seen an explosive of contemporary trail build and development, the Ore to Shore course remains true to its beginnings offer a mix of atv trail, logging roads, a touch of pavement and a winding descent into Marquette on the famous Noquemegon ski trails. Former Pro Kyia Anderson who retired a few years back from full time racing has been keeping the wheels moving nicely this summer and rolled up to the start line with some great form. Kyia had a excellent race, just missing the third spot in a sprint with fellow Minnesotan Sara Kylander-Johnson to take fourth officially.
Kyia's report:
Another Ore To Shore in the books! While I am officially retired from racing I found myself riding a lot of group road rides this summer and was gaining some good fitness. Since I planned to set up my Podiumwear display at the Expo I figured I may as well do the race! At the start I played it a little conservative riding in the top 5. I battled back and forth with Sarah Kylander Johnson and the eventual women's Hard Rock winner, Kaitlyn Patterson. Near the half way Kaitlyn disappeared, as did SKJ. Jenna was dealing with a slow leaking tire on the side of trail and Cooper Dendal had some seat issues. Riding in 4th around Missery Hill I was looking forward to the descent off of 510, I jumped into a good group of guys and they pulled me up to SKJ on 510 who was riding alone. I was confident that I could separate myself from her on the last half of the race course and put an effort in going into the double track. I kept pushing the pace when the guys slowed and then out of nowhere my right foot clipped a rock and kicked it up and it slammed into my rear dérailleur. Instantly my chain came off. I shifted down and got the chain back on but the drive train felt awful! I chalked it up to all the mud I had picked up along the way.
Charging towards the finish I was able to hang with this group till the wood chip climb. My legs were tiring and the climb felt like I was riding on Velcro. I had a tough time staying with groups as they passed the last mile and when I turned onto the railroad bed I noticed SKJ in a group of guys coming up behind me. I gave it my all and just as we got back onto the road to start the chicane into the finish the group was on me. I held up a bit and jumped on. As we got closer to the finish I had confidence that I could win this sprint but SKJ had that extra dig. Lost by half a wheel and smiling ear to ear! What a blast!
After cleaning the bike and riding the next day I realized that I bent my rear derailuer pully causing my chain to drop between the cage and pulley creating serious drag... Hey that's racing!! Had fun riding up near the front again!
Red Wing Classic
The bluffs of Red Wing, more specifically the Memorial Park was host to race #7 in the Minnesota series. Rain earlier in the week was timely to set up near perfect conditions and as expert winner Jeff Colbert stated "probably the best condition Red Wing has ever been in". The Red Wing has a long history of mountain bike racing with National races hitting up the nearby Welch Village ski area which had the infamous "wall" and "drop" sections that still up great race memories. Over the years, the course at Memorial Park has been tweaked but still has included the infamous "stairway to heaven" which is one of the rare fall line climbs found in race courses in the Midwest. John Wessling continues on his consistent season and sent in a recap from the day:
I'm often reminded how awesome Minnesota's mountain bike trails are with every new race course I go to, and the Red Wing Classic was no exception. I was able to get out to Red Wing the Wednesday before the race and ride the trails for my first time. Although that I have been living in Minneapolis for about a year, I still forget Minnesota has hills and Red Wing was a nice reminder that they still exist. At first I thought the course was going to be like the St. Cloud Jail Trail, with a lot of tight and slow technical sections. After about five minutes of winding my way around the trail, it opened up into some fast double wide sections and steep climbs that I knew would be great come race time. Unfortunately, we skipped out on the quarry section for the race, but I enjoyed that section during my preview. Last but not least, the stairway to heaven was tough...this 9% grade hill consists of rocks that are bigger than what is on a gravel road, but small enough that you are able to roll over them, not to mention the hill is off-camber. There is a constant battle between your cadence, weight position, and the traction needed to get up this tough climb.
(Photo: Todd Bauer Images)
At the start of Sunday's race it was humid and sunny andthe elite pack rolled out in typical fashion...FAST. I always have to remind myself I have about 1:59 minutes left of racing after the first minute. Nonetheless, I went out as hard as possible and dove into the single track trailing Eric Thompson, Josh Bauer, and Brendan Bellew. After about ten minutes it was clear Eric and Josh were on another level and were competing in their own race, as Brendan, Jack Hinkens, and I worked in the chase pack. The second lap was similar, but in more pain; crank on the up-hills, flow on the down-hills, and try your best not to un-clip on the stairway to heaven. I found my flow in the single track on laps two and three, as Brendan was dropping me on the up-hills and I would slowly reel him in on the tighter sections. The 2014 250cc motocross champion, and current 250cc points leader, Jeremy Martin, came out of nowhere and dropped Brendan and I on lap three. Jeremy raced the Pro Motocross race the day before in New York placing 3rd overall (HINT: The guy is an animal). At the finish it was Eric, Josh, Jack, Jeremy, Brendan, Me, Alex (Jeremy's brother, also a top competitor in Motocross racing), David, Ryan, and Reece in the top 10. I swear every week it gets harder and harder to break the top ten. This week was the closest finishing time from 1st-10th in the elite class of the year. It was great racing by all, and as usual a great job by the organizers. See you all in Duluth!
Singlespeed USA
Having mountain biked for 25 years, I've accumulated quite a fleet of mountain bike with different wheel sizes and gearing. All which make cycling such a incredible sport with all the options available to keep the wheels moving. In this assortment of bikes is a single speed 29er. The ss 29er has been fun for rainy days exploring backcountry trails that aren't susceptible to trail damage when riding. However, I have never raced in single speed mode even as many races have adapted single speed divisions. Probably one of the most impressive race performances I have ever witnessed was Jesse Lalonde win the Chequemegon 40 on a single speed, not needing a special class to showcase his skill. For those that have battled for the coveted top spot that has been held by Brian Matter and Jenna Rinehart in recent years, can appreciate the incredible performance by Lalonde on that day.
The Singlespeed USA event is unique in that obviously it only allows single speed bicycles. To be honest, it is sometimes hard to take the race seriously and not that one should with all the post race shenanigans, but for anyone who competes once the starter says go, it is fast and furious with riders entering the pain cave. Griffin Mysvileck, who has had a busy summer working on his MBA, enjoyed the day racing and focusing just on mountain biking and files a behind-the-scenes report:
Friday night criterium racing required a three-finger full gob of peanut butter and can of beer between each lap. Saturdays 27-mile cross country race/ ride was won by John F***ing Travolta (aka Jesse Lalonde), Men's and Women's bike derby belts were claimed by Jesse Lalonde and Kristy Henderson, and roller derby finals were claimed by Doug from Pennsylvania and his team. Doug, a middle aged heavyweight who quit smoking two years ago, showed up with a single speed Beargease and will be hosting next year's event (He has been riding for two years now)! These are some of this year's highlights at Single Speed USA - Hosted by Spinner and his crew from the Levis Mound, WI area.
Single Speed USA has been going on since the late 90's and operates with little to no organization or governing body according to attendees. The events are insured but not sanctioned. Every year, through a series of drinking games, states compete to, "have the least fun of anyone at the following year's SSUSA because they'll be in charge" according Spinner.
The beer check-point included a variety of beer (obviously), peanut butter and jelly pretzel pickle tortillas, and cheese curds. After the race a converted fire truck with a wood fired pizza oven feed us well. The roller rink provided a taco bar that had three different homemade salsas (the mango was my favorite)! The head cook told me her food provider tried hustling her some their salsa but it didn't come close to her own recipes - boy was she right! Did I mention awesome swag too?! Eight rubber ducks were hidden along the cross country course. If you were lucky enough to grab one of the three blue duck, you won a set of Surly Knards!
Random firecrackers thrown at the crowd's feet, footballs chucked at competitors with wooden spoons in their mouths, heavy drinking, and absurd costumes are just the beginning. This is by far the most outrageous, memorable and unique experience you may ever have if you choose to attend next year.
Trail Tidbits
Last week I had a preview of the Pincushion trails with a link to the Sawtooth Challenge but was informed and by the organizers the link was incorrect. (Thanks for reaching out and also the communication on riding at Pincushion and the Grand Marais area!). Check out the correct link for the Sawtooth Challenge to be held on October 17th
Lebanon Hills hosted a kids mtb camp and posted a fun video hosted by Valley Bike and Ski.
Big news coming out of Duluth Last week was the city being designated a Gold Level Ride center by the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA). Duluth now boasts 60 miles of mountain bike trails as reported by the Duluth News Tribune and is "laying down trail faster than anyone in the country", according to members of the Cyclists of Gitchee Gumme.
Looking Ahead
Duluth area bikers, especially the gravity dudes, are gearing up for the big Duluth Bike Festival which will feature four stages including downhill, enduro and cross country racing at Lester Park which is part of the Minnesota Mountain Bike series. New trail fixings at Lester with the favorite post race dipping in the flowing river make this a fun stop on the series. Added to the festival this year will be road rides. Race organizers report: 2015 gives a whole new experience for the Great Hawk Chase. Shorter laps, new singletrack, and the Duluth Traverse flow trail has just been buffed by the COGGS trail-building crew, one of the best trail crews in the world! There is also a large section of spectator friendly singletrack up seven bridges road to watch your favorite riders ascend along the road -- all new this year!
The Wisconsin Off Road Series resumes after a break since the WORS Cup with Colectivo Coffee Mountain Bike team, in association with the Waukesha Bicycle Alliance and Waukesha County Parks, hosting the Colectivo Coffee Bean Classic on some of the "newest and best trails in the Midwest". If you like coffee, this is the race to go to with free java served to the racers!
Keep the wheels moving!
 | About the author... Jay Richards maintains a very active lifestyle. He somehow finds time between managing a full-time resort (Maplelag) and bringing up a family of four boys with his wife Jonell, to compete in both mountain bike and a few cross-country ski races. Jay rides for Maplelag Resort, manages the Maplelag/Paramount/Podiumwear mountain bike team and enters his 25th year of racing and promoting mountain bike races. |