Midwest MTB Report
The past few weeks I've had a handful of folks ask me how I think this winter will be snow and cold wise. I think we will have a snowy one. I'm not basing that on the Farmers Almanac or recent long term forecasts, it's coming from three things: 1) There are no acorns in northern Minnesota this year, 2) There are a lot of skunks this fall, 3) and the mountain biking this month has been one of the better ones for October I can ever remember! Last weekend was about as good as it gets with Saturday being absolutely stunning. Enjoy those fall rides if you can, things can change quick! This weeks report includes first hand recaps from Blacks Grove Crossing, Sawtooth Challenge, High School and Collegiate highlights, a few news and note items and a look ahead which still sees a few events on the horizon.
Blacks Grove Crossing
The energetic Blacks Grove cycling community hosted it's annual mountain bike race over the weekend. With the later date this year, it can always be a gamble with the weather but Saturday conditions could not of been any more ideal. Combined with a track that was buffed to perfection, the scene for riding and racing with race time highs in the mid 60's under brilliant sunshine and no wind was top notch. Black's is definitely a little gem in northwest Minnesota, located just off highway to west of Wadena. Situated among tall black spruce pines and much of the course weaving up and down the oak river, a most picturesque scene is provided, on one of the most technical race courses in the Midwest.
(Photo: one of the many technical drops at Blacks)
With the course only an hour away for me, I was really hoping to make it over. Initially it didn't look like it was going to work out to sneak over but last minute change of plans and rearranging of schedules allowed to make it, albeit arriving 15 minutes before race time. Registration only took two minutes which allowed for a 10 minute warm up and enough time to hear Ben Olson give out last minute instructions who was not racing on the day so he, along with fellow Black's members, could make sure the race ran flawlessly.
With two laps on tap, I was looking forward to riding a steady pace that featured a surprising 600 feet of climbing per each eight mile lap. Fellow team rider Isaac Hale took the hole shot off the start that featured a nice long prologue lap around the park, dipping into the ski trail before getting on the main course. Isaac continued the lead at the front until the "hillside" section, a series of quick up and downs with super tight switchbacks. I got around Isaac at that point and settled into a pace focusing on riding clean and smooth as Heath Weisbrod kept me honest. The course features so many technical sections that paying attention 100% of the time is key otherwise a tree hugging or dip into the river is possible with the course coming just inches from the soothing creek.
(Photo: singletrack along the Oak River)
The backside of the course features super tight singletrack around small trees that require a holding of the rear brake, while pedaling to keep upright and momentum going. It was also during this point of the course that saw female overall winner who also posted a top five finish, smiling along and have fun like always. When I came through for the second lap, most of the Black's crew was cheering and hollering on the lakeside section which was awesome. I had a second to give Ben and Denny Barry a jokingly hard time that there were four leaves on the course, a testament to the hard work they along with others did to have the course in top top shape for race day. My focus on the second lap was to try and ride a bit cleaner than the first one and maintain the same pace while taking in the gorgeous scene as much as I could, happy I was riding my mountain bike as fast as I could.
Post race riders gathered around the Black's shelter as local wood harvested from summer storms provided a heartfelt warmth and the smell of burning spruce lingered among the riders. Riders shared race memories while enjoying post race eats until awards. Great job to the Black's crew for an awesome race and everyone that helped make it happen.
Photos on Blacks Grove Crossing Facebook Page
Sawtooth Mountain Bike Challenge
The sweet mountain bike trails intertwined among the ski trails at Pincushion were host to the Sawtooth Challenge. The area is slowly developing more and more trail. Maybe not as fast as areas that have received more grant money and the gnarly terrain makes for challenging trail building but local volunteers and savvy trail builders are working hard to expand the super fun trail system. Griffin Myslveicek made the trek up the shore and provides a first hand report as he had an unfortunate fame break:
What memories do think of when you hear the name 'Grand Marais?' My Wife and I have taken several trips to this special town. We've spent time on the shores picking agate's (yes my wife is a serious rock licker), hiked, driven to and explored Grand Portage, eaten world famous donuts, embraced local artists at the studio's and farmers market, dinned at the Angry Trout among other good restaurants, and mountain biked along with other activities.
For nearly 30 years, Grand Marais has hosted this race. Dating back to times when they road on snowmobile trails, hiking trails, double track, and then back to snowmobile trails. According to Superior Cycling Associations Chair Jay, who also serves as Grand Marais Mayor and runs a bed-in-breakfast out of their home, the race went back and forth between random trails after the Forest Service told them, "You can't ride there..." pretty much every year. The race used to start in town, take you up the Gunflint and through whatever trails were in the race for that year. One year when the race went up and down the Gunflint Trail three times.
This year the expert and sport class consisted of a small portion of ski trails, to help spread things out, and the rest single-track. The new single-track rides like a mini copper harbor – Thanks be to Aaron Harju and other local trail builders! The original trail "The Back 80," along with the "Canadian Rift" and "Rock and a Hard Place," are challenging. My average speed going up the Gunflint trail as I was warming up was 10+mph. During the race however, I came down to 8+mph. Mind you, I was 15 minutes behind the first rider crossing the finish line and my frame broke off half way through the second lap and final lap underneath the seatpost clamp.
Smaller races such as these give a cyclist a good dose of appreciation for all the work that goes into the trails, community, advocacy, and support that makes these events possible. Jay did a great job gathering swag from local business, most people left the awards with something. The race was well staffed and supported by other local community members too. If you're looking for a memorable, laid back, unique, and challenging end of the season race/ ride, come Grand Marais next fall for the Sawtooth Challenge!
Photos on Superior Cycling Association Facebook page
High School Highlights
The high school is winding down with the Minnesota State Championships slated for this upcoming weekend at MT Kato just outside Mankato, MN.
The MN NICA website has a blog that features some nice stories including a first time race experience shared by Cuyuna Lakes rider Chris Boucher. Chris states:
There were so many people, and the sights and the sounds were amazing. All the kids and adults performing maintenance on their bikes. You could hear squeaking brakes, tire pumps, hubs spinning, and anything else you could think of. When my coach took us out to warm up just before the race, I again heard my all-time favorite sound: tires on pavement. As you're speeding down the road with your peers, you hear that glorious sound of your tires humming. It's amazing. Then the race began.
Read Chris's full account
Wisconsin recently wrapped up their season and Brian Burns from the LaCrosse composite team recaps their season with links to results and photos:
(Photo: Lacrosse composite team rider in the mix, credit Brian Burns)
Last weekend the team competed in their last event of the 2016 season, #5 - the State Championships. The race was held at Iola Winter Park. The team finished 3rd out of 30 teams...1 point from tying for 2nd. And 2nd in the year end standings...Up 3 places from 2015!!! The team welcomed 1 new middle school racer wheel the line for their very 1st MTB race! And achieved a team record and season high of 25 racers for the final race of the season.
Team racers are students at the following school districts:
- Holmen - High school & middle school
- Onalaska - High school
- West Salem - High school
- La Crosse - High schools & middle schools
- Aquinas - Middle school
Results
Final Team Standings
Race day pictures
Related:
Growth in New England
Growth in Colorado
Collegiate Highlights
Collegiate Nationals were held this past weekend at Snowshoe, West Virginian. The weather leading up to race weekend was most epic with rain, mud and a shot of snow to make things even more challenging. The weekend ended nicely however with sunshine and great conditions as titles were awarded to nearly all disciplines in mountain biking.
(Photo: Max Fierek having fun in the mud, snow and rain at collegiate nationals)
Otso Cycles
The gang at Wolf Tooth has recently launched their new Otso Cycles brand of bikes. Otso isn't just another bike company. They've launched with several new ideas built into them. For example, the new Voytek offers the smallest Q-factor of any current fatbike. Also, the Warakin and Voytek come equipped with the Otso designed "Tuning Chip" dropouts.
Mountain Bike Radio recently visited with co owner Brendan Moore to discuss the new brand and what they are up to. Otso's are currently in stock and shipping, so be sure to head over to the Otso website if you're interested.
Red Bull Rampage
The Red Bull Rampage was held last weekend with surprisingly only one injury. Check out Brendon Semenuk's run which is pretty much insane and features the highlights nicely with commentary.
Looking Ahead
2016 Stump Farm Trail Races will take place on October 30, 2016 and include a 5k run on wide rolling ski trails, A half marathon run on the mountain Bike Trails and a 15 mile and a 30 mile mountain bike race using the half marathon loop. The race is put on and benefits the Ashwaubenon Nordic Ski Team and helps keep dues low and the stoke high! Race day registration is available!
(Photo: singletrack ready at the Stump Farm, credit: Scott Putman)
The Extreme North Dakota Twelve Hour Mountain Bike of Enduring Delirium - is an annual epic halloween themed bike race. Taking place in Turtle River State Park, the riders will ride solo or as part of a relay team to try to get in as many laps as possible in 12 hours. The course has lots of windy single track, some fast double track, and even a smidgen of road riding. There is warm place to chill out and get cozy between laps by the fire.
Probably the most popular end of season point to point race in the country, the Iceman Cometh is set for another year. The race draws riders from all over the country including top pros dicing it out for big prize money. More than just a bike race with many events going on for all riders and fans. The website has lot of good content related to the Iceman.
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/LaMere/Paramount/Jake's Bikes mountain bike team and enters his 26th year of racing and promoting mountain bike races. Have an event or mountain bike related information to share from the Midwest? Feel free to contact Jay at |