Midwest MTB Report
It's a great time of the year to be riding with hours of daylight at a maximum. The rainy spring and warm temps has exploded the underbrush keeping trail crews busy in order to have good clean sight lines. Kudos to all those keeping the dirt fresh. This weeks report is highlighted by recaps from the WORS event, Red Eye Rendezvous, the 25 hour event of Dirt Wirx, links to Aaron Gwin's sick downhill run with no chain and the look ahead.
Red Eye Rendezvous
With no Minnesota race on the docket last weekend, it was a border battle so to speak in Wausau with a handful of Minnesota riders scooting across the border to take on Wisconsin's finest. Jennifer Nowlin from Minneapolis posted a solid result with a second place finish that saw Cooper Dendel of Marquette post yet another win. (Photos: WORS)
A nice battle in the Elite men race once again as top 20 placers Samuel Olson, Brian Bellews, Dominic Talerico and Josh Bauer from Minnesota take on the top riders in the Elite class. One of the top younger riders in the Midwest, Casey Hildebrandt of Wausau posted another top 10 result, this time moving up to the 7th spot just getting edged out by Josh Bauer and files a report from his "home" course:
It's always nice to have a race close to home, but 9 Mile was where I competed in my first ever race so it holds a special place in my heart. The area is great and I'm happy to call it home. Although it was a very wet week and rained on Saturday, I wanted to check out the trails because I have only been out riding on them once this year, which was last weekend. The conditions were okay and I enjoy sloppy conditions so I was prepared to rip around!
I had an okay start but moved up to sixth wheel right before the first section of singletrack as the pace slowed and the swarm happened. After a few seconds I took a local line and moved up to fifth wheel and I maneuvered around a rider. Matter, Schouten, Piontek, Guerra, and myself. Guerra went down a few turns later and that opened up a decent gap. Josh Bauer brought me up to the lead group, but I popped off as we made contact and hit Ho Chi Minh for the first time. I let a few riders by on the climb, but bridged back up to Chase 1 halfway through the lap. My group of 5-7 place consisted of myself, Bauer, and Ben Senkerik. We were only 10 seconds back from the lead group of four after we completed lap one, but we never bridged up to them which was a huge mistake, in my opinion.
I felt pretty good all day but dropped my chain once on lap two (I HAVE A CHAIN KEEPER ON MY BIKE NOW). With rigid, I have been having a few issues but they are hit or miss. I went two months without dropping and now drop once every few rides. Regardless, my setup is dialed and the Wolf Tooth Components rings keep me set to go. I don't always take the smoothest line and I've been running slightly higher tire pressure, so I have only myself to blame. I was able to bridge back up to my chase group and was very confident it would come down to a sprint for fifth, which I would have been more than content with. There were some interesting moves and issues the last lap and I bobbled once, so I was off the back. I rolled in for seventh which is not great, but okay for now. I've been slowly moving up a spot each race so far, but I will get everything together in a race soon and do what I can to get on the top step of the podium.
I am happy to be back racing bikes and am being patient with my results. Eventually they will come around. Thank you to everyone for the love and support!
Results: http://wors.org/results/
Dirt Wirx 25 Hours
The first ever Dirt Wirx wrapped up over the weekend with a 25 hour event. Earlier in the week saw dual slalom racing!
(Photo: Shockspital Dual Slalom racing)
Jeff Bushendorf put in an incredible effort riding 21 laps to take the win. This is hard to comprehend. Solid effort to all that gave it a go and for those that did all five events!
David Jenson had a go at it and recaps the importance of being prepared while enduring the challenging conditions racing at night:
I was on the top of the world last night ! I had creeped my way to the top of the leader board, and I felt great. However, things took a turn for to the worse when the sun went down. I was reminded of how important proper gear is in an event of this nature. Having not ridden off road at night, I had no idea what to expect. I honestly didn't think a 25 hour race would be conducted on such a technical trail. Every 10 ft there were roots, rocks, and sharp corners. It was the scariest thing I'd ever done. I literally watched my life flash before my eyes 6 or 7 times as my body catapulted over the bars into darkness. Fortunately, dirt usually broke my fall. However, I knew my luck would eventually run out. All around me were experienced night rights with what appeared to be semi-truck lights attached to their helmet and bike handle. Their lights lit up the trail like the sun. I did my best to hang with a couple of them, but it didn't work so well. To make a long story short, I decided just before midnight to throw in the towel. The frontrunners would be logging laps all through the night, and there would be no hope for me in the morning. I considered my options, and decided I was content with my 11 laps (roughly 90 miles). I decided to get a few hours of shut-eye so I could go to church in the morning. Needless to say I learned a valuable lessons this weekend. It doesn't matter if 90% of your bases are covered. The 10% you neglect is going to bite you in the butt.
Results: http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0077/8191/25hrs_of_Hellside_Results_2.pdf
No Chain, No Tread, No Problem
Aaron Gwin is known as one of the best downhill racers in the world, putting some incredible runs riding smooth and clean even with a tire blowing up (see video below) but last weekend he took it to a whole new level, sticking a beauty of a run and amazingly taking the win a after breaking a chain on the first pedal stroke. Gwin rode about a minute with the chain still dangling to the bike before it dis lodged itself. (Photo: Red Bull Content Pool)
Anyone that correctly numbers how many times the announcer says "no chain" you will be recognized in next weeks report. Ha! Good stuff. Check out the video.
Video from a run with a tire blow up
Canna Camp
With marijuana being legalized in Colorado, you knew this was coming...
Colorado is known for its world class resorts where guests can hike, ski and relax. For one camp resort, campers have the freedom to smoke pot from the front of their cabin porch.
CannaCamp combines together a traditional ranch resort, the use of recreational marijuana and educational workshops to create a one-of-a-kind getaway experience for its guests.
Pot related activities such as yoga, cannabis-infused massage therapy and cannabis cooking classes are some of the options offered at the camp. In addition, guests can also enjoy the leisure of average outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and zip lining. Check out the full article.
Looking Ahead
Fathers day weekend looking pretty light with no series racing in Minnesota or Wisconsin but a few events that will see riders putting in some huge miles!
The Crazy Chequamegon 100 takes place in Cable area, featuring two events including a full 100 mile event and a metric 100 for those not quite ready to test both physical and mental endurance on the sweeting singletrack in CAMBA.
Wild Ride Buzzard Buster takes place at the Lewis Mound Trail system hosted by the Neillsville Area Trail Association (N.A.T.A). The event will feature 2, 5 and 10 hour events.
Mid-week Racing
Mid week racing keeping riders tuned up with the Thursday night series #2 at Buck Hill, dual slalom racing in Marquette or group rides throughout the Midwest hosted by various bike clubs.
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. |