Highlights

World Cup Beitostølen: Relays
December 9, 2018
The first big relay race of the World Cup season resulted in a sweep by the Norwegians as they took both the women's and men's titles on Sunday in Beitostolen, Norway. Sadie Bjornsen provided some major excitement leading off for the US as she led or was in second place throughout her leg but Norway's Therese Johaug broke things open in the second leg and Norway never looked back in taking the victory, Russia second, Finland third. Jessie Diggins pulled out a 5th place finish for the US women's team. Erik Bjornsen also started the US squad off well in the men's relay, handing off in 4th place and just 17 seconds off the podium. Norway and Russia would battle for the overall led with Russia going much of the pacing before a sprint finish, won by Norway's Finn Haagen Krough. Norway's second relay team took third place.
Related:
Results: Relays
US Ski Team: U.S. Women Fifth In Beitostolen Relay

World Cup Beitostølen: Freestyle Distance
December 8, 2018
With fresh snow falling, World Cup skiers battled in out in women's 15K and men's 30K freestyle races on Saturday morning in Beitostolen, Norway. Once again, Norwegian Therese Johaug dominated the field, winning by over a minute in front of Sweden's Charolette Kalla with Ingvild Oestberg third. Jessie Diggins led the US squad in 8th with Sadie Bjornsen 13th and Rosie Brennan 15th. Likewise in the men's field, Norway's Sjur Roethe collected another victory with teammate Martin Sundby second, and Russian Andrey Melnichenko third. A tough day for the US mens squad as Scott Patterson posted the top time in 47th place.
Related:
Results: World Cup Beitostølen 15K, 30K Freestyle
US Ski Team: Diggins Eighth in Beitostolen 15k

Elm Creek Series Kicks Off
December 5, 2018
The citizen racing season kicked off Wednesday evening with the start of the Elm Creek series. Dennis Curran and high school star Libby Tuttle took the freestyle 5K races with Tuttle repeating again in the 5K classic and only bested overall by Ben Mullin.

World Cup Beitostølen Weekend Series
December 5, 2018
The World Cup stays in Norway this week for another pair of weekend races, this time in the village of Beitostølen. The format on Saturday is 15K womens and 30K mens individual freestyle races, and then Sunday is the popular relays races (two legs classic, two legs freestyle). Live streaming on NBC Sports GOld Snowpass as well as Olympic Channel broadcast is scheduled, times Saturday are womens 15K freestyle 2:30 am CST, mens 30K freestyle 5:15 am CST; Sunday womens relay at 3:30 am CST, mens relay 6:30 CST.
Related:
NBC Sports Gold Snowpass
World Cup Beitostølen Website

World Cup Lillehammer: Classic Pursuit
December 2, 2018
The three day World Cup series in Lillehammer, Norway, wrapped up Sunday with classic pursuit format races. Norway's Therese Johaug quickly overcame her two second deficit to Sweden's Charlotte Kalla and went on to take yet another victory. Sweden's Ebba Andersson moved up to second place with Norway's Ingvild Oestberg collected third. The US woman notched three in the top 15: Sadie Bjornsen 10th, Jessie Diggins 13th and Rosie Brennan 15th. Norway swept the men's podium as Didrik Toenseth and Sjur Roethe finished 1-2 in a close race with Emil Iversen third. Erik Bjornsen had the top performance for the US men in 32nd.
Related:
Results: Classic Pursuit
US Ski Team: Bjornsen's Lead U.S. In Lillehammer Triple
Fischer: Johaug and Tønseth win Lilllehammer Triple

World Cup Lillehammer: Freestyle Distance
December 1, 2018
Second day of competition at the Lillehammer World Cup stop, Saturday featuring interval start freestyle distance races. Norway's Therese Johaug won her second distance race of the World Cup season, taking the women's 10K just nine seconds ahead of rising Swedish star, Ebba Andersson. Veteran Swede Charlotte Kalla rounded out the women's podium. The US women had a strong showing with three skiers in the top 12: Sadie Bjornsen 9th, Rosie Brennan 11th, and Jessie Diggins 12th. Norway flooded the men's leaderboard placing six in the top 10 with Sjur Roethe first, Didrik Toenseth second and Russian Denis Spitsov third. Erik Bjornsen lead the way for the US men in 43rd place. Sunday will wrap up competition with an exciting classic pursuit format.
Related:
Results: Freestyle Distance
US Ski Team: Bjornsen Leads U.S Team as Brennan Posts Career-Best

World Cup Lillehammer: Freestyle Sprints
November 30, 2018
The three day World Cup series in Lillehammer, Norway, started Friday with freestyle sprint races on a rather warm, wet and dirty course. Sadie Bjornsen continued her strong season start, skiing smartly through the heats and moving up at the right moment to take third place and a podium spot in the women's final! Jessie Diggins and Rosie Brennan both qualified for the heats but were edged out in the quarterfinals. Simi Hamilton was the lone US mens representative in the sprint heats, dropping out in the quarterfinals. Saturday's events will be mass start freestyle distance races.
Related:
Results: Freestyle Sprints
US Ski Team: Bjornsen Earns First U.S. Podium In Lillehammer Sprint

World Cup Lillehammer Weekend Series
November 28, 2018
The World Cup ramps up this weekend with a three day event in Lillehammer, Norway. Friday are freestyle sprint races, Saturday freestyle individual start races, concluding Sunday with classic pursuit start races. A number of Midwest skiers will be competing including Ben Saxton, Kevin Bolger, Adam Martin and of course, Jessie Diggins. Live coverage will be available on the Olympic Channel and on NBC Sports Gold via their Snowpass subscription. Live race times (CST): Friday 5 am sprint heats; Saturday 3:30 am womens 10K skate, 5:15 am mens 15K skate; Sunday 3:15 am womens 10K classic pursuit, 4:45 am mens 15K classic pursuit.
Note: The Loppet Foundation will be hosting viewing parties at the Trailhead this weekend, including early Friday morning!
Related:
NBC Sports Gold Snowpass
World Cup Lillehammer Website
Biathlon: Live World Cup Coverage this Weekend

World Cup Ruka: Classic 10K, 15K
November 25, 2018
The World Cup opener in Ruka, Finland, wrapped up on Sunday with individual start classic races. Norway's Therese Johaug returned from her 18 month suspension and immediately resumed her position at the top of the podium, taking first in the women's 10K by 22 seconds over Sweden's Charlotte Kalla with Ebba Andersson, Sweden, third. Sadie Bjornsen led the way for the US taking 8th, Jessie Diggins was 14th. In the men's 15K, Alexander Bolshunov completed the weekend sweep in first, Emil Iversen, Norway, second and Sweden's Calle Halfvarsson third. Erik Bjornsen was the top American in the race, taking 31st place. The World Cup moves to Lillehammer, Norway, for racing action next weekend.
Related:
Results: Classic 10K, 15K
US Ski Team: Bjornsen Leads U.S. in Ruka Distance
Fischer: Therese Johaug wins first World Cup after her comeback

World Cup Ruka: Classic Sprints
November 24, 2018
The World Cup season got underway Saturday with classic sprint races in Ruka, Finland. The US squad advanced three women into the sprint heats: Sadie Bjornsen, Sophie Caldwell and Ida Sargent. Bjornsen made it into the semi-finals before dropping out. The womens race was a close one with Sweden's Stina Nilsson tripping herself in the final corner, allowing Russian Yulia Belorukova to take the win ahead of two other Swede contenders. Norwegian superstar Johannes Klaebo appeared to have miscalculated the finish as Russian Alexander Bolshuov pulled ahead at the line to take the victory, Klaebo second, and teammate Eirik Branssdal third. Sunday will feature interval start classic races.
Related:
Results: Classic Sprints

FIS Beitostoelen Weekend Races
November 18, 2018
A few members of the US Ski Team joined the action in one of the opening FIS race series of the season in Beitostoelen, Norway. Starting her 2018-19 campaign with a great results was Sadie Bjornsen who finished on the podium in third place Sunday in the womens 10K freestyle race. Scott Patterson was the top skier for the US, finishing 22nd in the mens 15K skate. The World Cup kicks off this coming weekend in Ruka, Finland.
Related:
Results: Beitostoelen

US Ski Team: Cross-Country Team Named for 2018-19 Season
November 13, 2018
A 16-member 2018-19 U.S. Cross Country Team was announced Tuesday by U.S. Ski & Snowboard, with a strong focus on the 2019 World Cross Country Championships. The team kicks off the 2018-19 FIS World Cup Cross Country season in Ruka, Finland, Nov. 24-25. The Midwest has strong representation with Jessie Diggins (A team), Kevin Bolger (B team) and Ian Torchia (D team).

Elm Creek Series Evolves for 2018-19
November 13, 2018
The Elm Creek series, this year under the direction of RJ Ochmann, has announced a number of changes designed to improve the race experience. Cumulative points series, an optional full series entry, and field size limits are all part of the updates to this venerable series.

Fall Rivet Run Coverage
November 11, 2018
Eve Graves reports: We had record numbers Sunday for the Rivet Run/Walk which is held at Pattison State Park and supports the Nordic trails at the location. Almost 150 were registered and 114 participated. With 4 inches of fresh fluffy snow and temperatures in the 20's participants navigated a new course again due to the flood damage this past summer. Alex Kasperek age 21 won the event with a time of 19:48 and Keri Jensen was the first female with a time of 25:12.
Related:
Photoset from Eve Graves: Rivet Run Fall
Results: Rivet Run Fall

Mora Adds First Chance Race
November 8, 2018
Mora will harness their expanded snowmaking operations to host an opening ski race, First Chance Race, on Saturday, Jan 5th at the Vasaloppet Nordic Center. A ski expo is also planned.
Related:
Full Racing Calendar

Biathlon: Six Olympians Headline Opening World Cup Roster
November 6, 2018
Following the completion of the Rollerski Team Trials last week in Soldier Hollow, Utah, U.S. Biathlon has announced the roster for the opening IBU World Cup events in 2018. Midwest athletes make up a significant portion of the roster as veteran Leif Nordgren is joined by Paul Schommer for the opening races at the end of November, and then Deedra Irwin, Jake Brown, and 19 year old Vasek Cervenka will compete in the second Cup event in mid-December.

Up, Up and Away Rollerski Coverage
November 4, 2018
Madison area held their annual Up, Up and Away rollerski race on Saturday morning at Blue Mound State Park. Chris Pappathopoulos held off a field of tough field of juniors to take the classic 10K title, Jack Jones skated to the mens 10K freestyle victory. Mia Case won the womens 10K classic, with Anna Engel posting the womens fastest 10K skate time. The race was part of the new CXC Rollerski Cup which will conclude next weekend with two races at the Grinding Up Granite event. Results and photos posted.
Related:
CXC Rollerski Cup Series

Birkie Warriors Contest Opens
October 31, 2018
Each year the ABSF selects three skiers to portray the original Birkebeiner Warriors and Inga, mother of Prince Haakon. The trio serves as Birkie Ambassadors throughout event week and skis the 55K Birkebeiner classic from Cable to Hayward on traditional wooden skis and in full period costume. Submit your application today!

Biathlon: World Cup Coming to Soldier Hollow
October 29, 2018
The International Biathlon Union, Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation and U.S. Biathlon will partner to host the world's top biathletes at the BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon February 14-17 on the Olympic venue at Soldier Hollow, Utah. The event will showcase top athletes from over 30 nations in the final World Cup before the World Championships in Sweden. Plus details on TV and streaming coverage has been announced.

Midwest MTB Report
October 23, 2018
Jay Richards winds up his season of Midwest MTB reporting with a recap from the Black's Grove River Crossing, highlights from the Wisconsin State High School Championships, notes on Collegiate Nationals, and a look ahead to the final big point to point in the race, the Iceman Cometh.

CXC Rollerski Cup Series
October 22, 2018
CXC has announced a new rollerski series incorporating some of the popular rollerski events in Wisconsin into a season series. The inaugural season will feature three races: Up, Up, and Away on Nov 3rd and Grinding Up Granite on Nov 10th (two races). Matched rollerskis will be provided at the events.
Related:
The Current State of the Nordic Rocks Program

Birkie Tusen Takk Tour
October 18, 2018
Thanks to the generosity of thousands, Phase 2 of the ABSF's Honoring the legacy – Ensuring the Future Capital Campaign is complete! To celebrate, the ABSF invites you to join Ben Popp and team at one of the Birkie's Tusen Takk Tour gatherings as a way of saying a "thousand thanks" (Tusen Takk in Norge) to all for helping to make Birkie dreams a reality! Plus get up-to-date on all the latest Birkie news. Check out dates/locations near you.

LNR Time Trial Coverage
October 13, 2018
LNR Juniors along with some guests from up north, as well as Jake Brown back from out East, participated in a brisk rollerski time trial on Saturday on the roads near Afton. Jake Brown bested the mens field with the only sub-20 minute time on the 8K course, Alex Nemeth led the junior men with Sarah Olson topping the womens field.
Related:
Photoset from Chris Harvey: 7 photos
Results: 8K Freestyle

Urban Portage Coverage
October 13, 2018
A unique event debuted Saturday with the Urban Portage, a padding and long distance portaging event from Cedar Lake all the way up to the Trailhead at Theodore Wirth. Participants had to haul their boats along some long trail segments including south Wirth and a long golf course climb on the north end, as well as navigating winding Bassett Creek segments.
Related:
Photoset: 167 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Results: Urban Portage

Midwest MTB Report
October 10, 2018
This weeks Midwest MTB Report by Jay Richards includes an in-depth recap from the Oz Trails Festival, highlights from the Wisconsin Cycling Season, a couple of interesting mountain bike related items and a look ahead to a few events near the end of the month.

MTU Hall of Fame Rollerski Time Trial
October 4, 2018
In honor of Kristen Owens induction into the Michigan Tech sports Hall of Fame, the team will be hosting a free rollerski time trial next Saturday, Oct 13th. Freestyle or classic, 7K with interval starts.

Birkie Trail Run Coverage
September 29, 2018
A frosty start to the Birkie Trail Run on Saturday as hundreds of runners poured over the famous trails and singletrack in the annual fall run. In the National Championship half marathon event, Joseph Gray held off Andy Wacker to repeat as mens champion with Tyler Sigl just a short distance back for third. The womens title went to Megan Roche, Samantha Lewis second and Megan Lacy third. Marathon winners by a wide margin were Zach Rickenbach and Erin Mullan-Towns. Taking the 5K victories, Joshua Halverson and Barbara Swenson. And finishing off the 100K ultramarathon late on Saturday, Jeff Cook and Linda Kobilarcsi collected the titles.
Related:
Photoset: Marathon Start - 21 photos, Marathon Mile 3 - 111 photos, Marathon Mile 9 - 65 photos, Marathon Relay Mile 3 - 23 photos, Half Marathon Mile 3 - 87 photos, Half Marathon Mile 7 - 64 photos, Half Marathon Finish - 81 photos, Marathon Finish - 22 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Results: Birkie Trail Run
Press Release: Runners From Across the Nation Podium at the 17th Birkie Trail Run Festival

Loppet: Minneapolis to Host World Cup Event in 2020
September 28, 2018
The International Ski Federation (FIS) today officially confirmed that Minnesota will host a World Cup cross-country ski event in Minneapolis in March, 2020. U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the Loppet Foundation will serve as hosts of the World Cup event, taking place at the new 'Trailhead' facility in Theodore Wirth Park.
Related:
MPR: Minneapolis to host World Cup cross-country skiing event

Midwest MTB Report
September 25, 2018
Jay Richards Midwest MTB Report this week covers two Midwest epics: the Marji Gesick 100 and the Maah Daah Hey 150, with firsthand recaps and highlights, as well as a look at some of the upcoming events.

Trail Loppet Coverage
September 22, 2018
A crisp, sunny fall morning on Saturday for the Trail Loppet races at Theodore Wirth. Heavy rains just days before the event forced some course changes, and the new Trailhead building start/finish added some extra challenges, including a nasty stairclimb, as over 1000 athletes participated in the races. In the half marathon, Brian Gregg won the sprint finish over Matt Liebsch with Jeff Lanners third. Alex Gits topped the womens field with Erica Wagner and Vivian Hett rounding out the podium. Seven mile championships were Shaheid Shamsudeen and Jennifer Carpenter. Samuel Swartzendruber and Angie Voight won the 5K division.
Related:
Photoset: Half Marathon Start - 34 photos, Half Marathon Mile 3.5 - 116 photos, Half Marathon Mile 8 - 49 photos, Half Marathon Top Finishers - 59 photos
Photoset from Karin Rea: Age Gap Relays - 24 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Results: Trail Loppet

Midwest MTB Report: Chequamegon Recap
September 18, 2018
Jay Richards Midwest MTB Report this week focuses on the epic 2018 Chequamegon 40! This week report includes first hand recaps from the big race, a quick highlight from the Wild Goose Chase in Moorhead and a look ahead.

Northshore Inline Marathon Rollerski Race Results
September 16, 2018
A field of nearly 50 athletes turned out Saturday for the rollerski division of the Northshore Inline Marathon. Alexander Vanias and Jenna Ruzich collected the titles.

Bangin In The Brush Coverage
September 15, 2018
Dan Delestry and Jillian Johnson took the titles in the Bangin in the Brush trail run Saturday at Korkki Nordic in Duluth. Nearly 100 runners turned out for the 10K event.
Related:
Photoset from Dave Johnson: Bangin In The Brush
Results: Bangin In The Brush

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival Coverage
September 15, 2018
After a number of dry weeks, the skies opened up Saturday morning for a couple of heavy rainfalls including one that forced the delay of the Short and Fat race, for the annual Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival. The big 40 race was a tough, muddy affair that saw a number of lead changes in the mens field before Payson McElveen pulled away, repeating as Chequamegon 40 champion, winning by nearly four minutes. Cole House took second place, just ahead of Brian Matter. Jenna Rinehart dominated the women's race, taking the victory a full five minutes ahead of Sara Kylander-Johnson with Jenny Binkowski collecting third. Short and Fat titles went to Daxton Mock and Zoe Camp.
Related:
Photoset: Start - 62 photos, Mile 20 - 188 photos, Finish - 109 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Results: Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival
Press Release: Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival Results

City of Lakes Loppet Reverses Course
September 12, 2018
Big news on the City of Lakes Loppet Festival for 2019 -- most of the events will be based around the new Trailhead building at Theodore Wirth, including reversing the course of the races. For the first time in the event history, the races will start on the Chain of Lakes and finish up at the Trailhead building. Registration is now open!

Midwest MTB Report: Chequamegon Preview
September 12, 2018
Jay Richards MTB Midwest Report this week features the mighty Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival, the final year with director Gary Crandall in charge, and highlights the favorites for men and women, plus epic results from the UCI World MTB Championships, recaps from Copper Peak, and a busy look ahead.

Bemidji Canoe Derby Coverage
September 10, 2018
A beautiful day Saturday for the Bemidji Canoe Derby. The race was held downstream from Lake Bemidji and back - one lap for solo and citizen boats, two laps for the pro boats.
Related:
Photoset from John Arenz: 76 photos
Results: Bemidji Canoe Derby

US Ski Team: Diggins, Saxton Win at Snowfarm
September 6, 2018
Minnesotans Jessie Diggins and Ben Saxton scored victories in the final event of the New Zealand Winter Games, taking the 5K and 10K classic titles respectively.
Related:
US Ski Team: L.L.Bean, Swix Announce Partnership
US Ski Team: Bolger, Caldwell Win Winter Games NZ Freestyle Sprint

NorthShore Rollerski Marathon Coming Up Sep 15th
September 6, 2018
The annual NorthShore Inline Marathon is coming up in mid-September and is one of the few events offering a marathon distance rollerski division.

Midwest MTB Report
September 4, 2018
Jay Richards cranks out another Midwest MTB Report, this week covering their own huge event at Maplelag over the Labor Day weekend, as well as a brief recap from Copper Harbor, some top 10 trails, a fun winter downhill video, and the usual look ahead.

Worldloppet: Diggins Wins Merino Muster
September 3, 2018
The Merino Muster Worldloppet race Saturday at Snowfarm in New Zealand had a very Midwestern vibe to it as the top of the results was full of local athletes. Jessie Diggins repeated as the 42K freestyle women's champion, with Alayna Sonnesyn 3rd and Mattie Watts 4th. The men's 42K was won by Simi Hamilton with midwest stars Adam Martin and Kyle Bratrud rounding out the men's podium, less than 30 seconds back.
Related:
Results: Merino Muster
US Ski Team: Diggins Earns Another Early-Season Victory

Laddies Loppet Short Track Coverage
September 2, 2018
Racing action wrapped up Sunday with the fast-paced short track events for Laddies Loppet at Maplelag. Heavy rain overnight provided a few slick spots on a course that weaved through the Maplelag grounds. In the expert race, Jeff Hall completed the weekend sweep, breaking away early and going on to win by nearly a minute. Sara Kylander-Johnson and Eleanor Bacso dueled for the women's expert title with Bacso pulling ahead in the final laps to take the victory.
Related:
Photoset: Kids Comp - 31 photos, Citizen - 42 photos, Sport - 49 photos, Comp/Expert Women - 98 photos, Expert Men - 95 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Results: Short Track

Midwest MTB Report
August 28, 2018
The Midwest MTB Report by Jay Richards this week features a wrapup on the WORS series, featured articles on the evolution of MTB equipment, Staci Nash (runner turned MTB champion), ski resort MTB scene, and the usual look ahead, including the famous Laddies Loppet this weekend at Maplelag!

Gitche Gumee GranFondo Coverage
August 26, 2018
A foggy start for an otherwise beautiful late summer ride on Saturday for the Gitche Gummee Gran Fondo events in the Cable area. Kelly Randolph was out on road catching images.
Related:
Photoset from Kelly Randolph: Gitche Gumee GranFondo

International Junior Camp Update
August 26, 2018
Abby Jarzin of the Ashwaubenon Nordic Ski Team was selected to participate in the elite International Juniors Camp in Sjusjøen, Norway earlier this month. Ann Jarzin provides a brief recap, along with a highlight video from NNF.

Midwest MTB Report
August 21, 2018
Jay Richards Midwest MTB Report this week features Midwest racing action at Cuyuna Crusher, Flugly, and Pre-Fat, as well as Minnesota rider reports from legendary big field races out West! A highlight on the start to the Minnesota high school racing season, spotlight on Duluth and top peaks around the world, and the usual look ahead, round out a big report.

Mighty Miss Results
August 19, 2018
Rollie Ring-Jarvi reports: Mighty Miss had a beautiful Saturday to paddle on the Mississippi River for three race distances 55 miles from St. Cloud, 25 miles from Monticello, and 12 miles from Elk River all finishing at Mississippi Point Park in Champlin. Emily and Chris Boderson won the 55 mile paddle in 7:15.01 overall with Terrance Maglis and Elise Magalis France winning the kayak division. The 25 mile event was won by Ryan Peterson overall on a Surf Ski in 2:55.04 followed by Erik Hendrickson and Mike Brumbaugh also on Surf Skis. The first canoe was Devin Arenz and Kate Ellis 3:05:35 followed closely by Joe Manns and Lilly Brick. The 12 mile race was won by Rick Lorenzen and Jose Matuta in 1:35:36 with Ed Arenz and Jon Kilgore in second.
Related:
Results: Mighty Miss

Bluff Tuff Coverage
August 18, 2018
Hazy and humid conditions Saturday morning for the Bluff Tuff races at Battle Creek. The event featured a 17K loop that wound through ski, singletrack and some asphalt trails providing a challenging course.
Related:
Photoset: 35K - 15-18K - 121 photos, 24K - Start - 46 photos, Kids Race - 67 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Results: Bluff Tuff

Biathlon: North American Roller Ski Biathlon Championships Recap
August 16, 2018
Last weekend the North American Rollerski Biathlon Championships were held at the Ethan Allen Firing Range Venue in Jericho Center, Vermont. For the Senior Men and Women, these were the first races in the series used for selection of the US teams to the IBU and World Cup races early winter. Nearly 20 Midwest athletes competed in the events and scored very well, including division victories by Sam Stertz, Kaisa Bosek, Leif Nordgren, and Emma Stertz.

Midwest MTB Report
August 14, 2018
Jay Richards weekly MTB report: Despite a scorcher of a weekend, riders took on the heat as a extra challenge in Midwest events including the Ore to Shore and Duluth Bike Festival. First hand report from the Duluth Bike Festival and highlights from the Powder Monkey. Also a look ahead to a busy third weekend in August as series racing starts to wind down and High School cycling cranks up!