Midwest MTB Report
The past weekend was one of epic proportions with multiple events occurring not only in the Midwest, but also out West. A good-sized group of riders from the Midwest competed in the Leadville 100, and a handful of folks were waving the flag from Minnesota at the start line of the Breck Epic. Locally, the big events were the mighty Ore to Shore in the UP of Michigan, the GRIND at Giants Ridge, and, probably the most challenging gravel event in the Midwest, the Day Across Minnesota. This week's report includes special recaps from the Leadville 100 and GRIND, as well as highlights from the Ore to Shore. Links to a couple of mountain bike related articles are also included, in addition to a look ahead as the end of August is quickly approaching with a lot of events.
Ore to Shore
Over 2,000 racers toed the line among various events at the unique Ore to Shore. The main event of course: the Hard Rock—a 48-mile race over fast rolling double track, ski trail, and forest roads. With the event cancelled last year due to the pandemic, the area was eager to welcome motivated riders. Also bringing extra motivation was Caleb Swartz. Having just missed out on being named to the U23 National Mountain Bike Team for World Championships, Swartz rode a smart race to take the win (and a large paycheck) over Daxton Mock and the cagey veteran Brian Matter.
Swartz posted on social media:
"I always wanted to be like Brian Matter when I grew up, so figured I’d better start by winning myself a big rock at Ore to Shore! I ate a bee, crashed twice, broke my shoe, got away with Daxton Mock with 15 miles to go, won the sprint finish and went cliff jumping into Lake Superior as a cool down. What an absolute treat to be back in the Midwest race scene and see so many familiar faces!"
In the women's race, Leia Schneeberger repeated her victory from two years ago, working her way to the front, then setting a pace the others could not match. Julie Medema and Sheri Mix filled the steps on the post race podium.
Schneeberger's description on Strava: "It was questionable, rode my race and was able to reel in the leader with 17 to go and put the hammer down!"
And from Medena: "Bummer to be 30 seconds off 1st but still a fun day on the bike and pretty good paycheck."
Ore to Shore Coverage in The Mining Journal
Leadville 100
Another good contingent of Midwest riders made the trek to the high elevations of Colorado in search of the coveted belt buckle, the commemorative recognizing the riders that complete the Leadville 100. With the event being held mid-August, the threat of severe weather is less, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't happen, and heat can always be a factor, as was the case this year. A rider from the Midwest (in particular Fargo, ND) made the trip west and finished in an impressive time. Steve Hausman of Great Northern Bike Shop in Fargo sent an exclusive recap:
"Last Saturday, August 14, 2021, I completed my first Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race in Leadville, Colorado. It was a journey I began Thanksgiving of 2019 when I signed up for the 2020 edition of the Lutsen 99er, which is a Leadville qualifying race. I was inspired by videos I'd seen on YouTube like the EF Education 'Gone Racing' video about racing Leadville and the Race Across The Sky movies. The race quickly became a 'bucket list' race for me like it does for so many people. My plan back then was to train hard and race Lutsen well enough to earn myself a Leadville spot. Then 2020 and COVID happened, and almost all races were cancelled. My race specific training ended, but I still had my Lutsen registration and I decided to transfer it to the 2021 race. Flash forward to January of this year and things with COVID were starting to look positive. I was hopeful there would be racing again this year and I wanted to be prepared either way, so I started training again on January 4th for the Lutsen 99er."
Read Steve's full detailed recap here.
Jan Guenther of Gear West was another local rider on the line, but despite not finishing, offered a positive attitude and reflection on what is important in endurance sport:
"I explored the toughness of the Leadville’s 20 mile section from which we were cut. I got in 80 but Columbine would have laid me flat. So much humbleness - And so much more mountain bike talent we needed in order to finish. An emotional experience for many reasons... and isn’t that what many of us seek?"
Giants Ridge GRIND
Giants Ride was host to another cross country race this past weekend, opting out of gravity events this year. The course featured a variety of terrain, challenging riders over a 35-mile course in the long event. Despite a wrong turn for some riders, good reports were still posted. Daren Czech provides a personal recap:
"I absolutely love this course. It has a little bit of everything!"
"The race went very well... I kept a faster pace in the first 10 miles through new singletrack and rolling hills. But that extra effort would quickly be rendered obsolete due to a course marking blunder. A course arrow had been turned sending us all the wrong direction. Count it as a "bonus mile". Thankfully the chaos quickly faded as we found ourselves back on pace through the flatter portions of the 1st loop."
"Begining the 2nd loop, I managed to escape harm when a rider trying to imitate Van Der Poel in Tokyo went OTB directly in front of me. A last second save gave me a boost of adrenaline for the upcoming climbs. A nice mix of steep switchbacks and fast downhill on this loop."
"The 3rd loop is the true test. Techy, rough, rocky, steep climbs that seam to never end. Even the lightning fast descents were demanding as it took lazer focus to avoid any rocks or ruts hidden in the tall grass of the xc ski trails. I managed to leave just enough gas in the tank for a sprint to the finish giving me a position just outside the top 5. So much fun!"
"The weather was hotter than anticipated but overall an absolutely gorgeous day. Hats off to the organizers of this top notch event. Great value, great people, awesome scenery and an included ticket to a live concert after the race! And a big thanks to Roger Schmitz and the Midwest MTB report for turning me on to races like this."
Breck Epic
A group of Midwest riders from Minnesota-based Holiday Camp Cycling Club are in Breckenridge, CO competing in the Breck Epic. The Epic is a 6-day mountain bike race held in and around the backcountry surrounding Breckenridge, CO. Each stage begins and ends in town, allowing racers to stay in one place for the entire event. In general, the race is 220-240 miles long and ‘features’ roughly 40,000′ feet of vertical gain (and loss!) Courses get tweaked from year to year as new trails get built, decommissioned, or authorized. Highlights to follow in next week's report!
North American eMTB Championships
Cole House made the trek to Tennessee for the FIM North American eMTB Championships and reports:
"A little late but oh well. A last minute trip- The Do More tour took us to Tennessee for the FIM North American E-bike championships... a slight over sight left me a little out gun'd in short I was riding a 250 vs 450s ... ooops! There's a big difference between a LEVO SL in comparison to the LEVO. I really had no idea what to expect, just decided show up and see what this E-Bike racing is all about. Turns out a hefty $10,000 prize list will bring out some big names. Fun times for sure. I'll be back again."
Ideas for Supporting New Mountain Bikers and Helping Them Enjoy the Ride
For those that have been riding a long time and have experienced the awesomeness of mountain biking, we are always eager to share the love. Singletracks.com recently posted a good article on how to introduce new mountain bikers to the sport and help them enjoy the ride. Personally it was always a challenge not to push the boys or the better half, but finding the balance is very rewarding.
A great learning moment occurred in Copper Harbor on a trip there a few years back when we came upon a person crying, and then shortly after, met their spouse. Not what you want to see. Be patience and enjoy the ride!
Mountain Bike For Mental Health
Growing up as a Mexican-American kid in an anti-immigrant environment, Eric Arce had to deal with a yearslong struggle with anxiety and depression. In a great essay, he explains how biking has helped him and how his story resonates with so many people:
"Mountain biking provides a freedom unlike any I’ve experienced. Trail riding allows me to feel weightless, like I’m flying past trees, yet at the same time I’m grounded. I focus on the dust and the turns ahead; I feel the presence of every rock and root I roll over. To me, mountain biking is the physical embodiment of the concept of mindfulness: it requires you to be in the moment, because if your attention wanders, the consequences can be severe. Biking helps me momentarily forget that I’ve spent years wrestling with anxiety and depression."
Looking Ahead
Handlebar Mixer at the Mountain
Detroit Mountain will be host to a "Handlebar Mixer" on Friday, August 21st. Featured will be group rides (women, family, and advanced), post ride food and beverages, and a chance for area mountain bikers to network. It will also be a bonus day for the lifts, spinning 4-7pm.
Seeley Lions PreFat
The PreFat is the Seeley Lions' major annual fundraiser that allows the Lions Club to carry out their many yearly projects to provide help and service to the local community. Thanks to the sponsors and participants who make this possible! A great grass roots event with no ego and awesome friendly volunteers.
Cuyuna Crusher
More than 500 mountain bikers and their friends and families will come to Crosby the weekend of Aug. 21-22 for the Sixth Annual Cuyuna Crusher Race sponsored by the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber and the Minnesota Mountain Bike Series. The Cuyuna Crusher takes place in the Mahnomen Unit of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.
The Levis Mound Fat Tire Festival
In the tradition of the bike festival formerly know as Gnomefest comes the Levis Mound Fat-Tire Festival set for September 10th thru the 12th at the fabled Levis Trow Mountain Bike Trails! This is an event for all of the folks out there that love mountain biking that maybe don’t get their kicks from racing. Activities include group rides and lots of bike games!
Keep the wheels moving!
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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 mountain bike team and enters his 31st 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 |