The pinky side of the mitten: Lumberjack 100

What a trip.  It is a long, long drive and a huge commitment both in time and money.  Glad to report that it was worth all of it.  Yes, I did win, but that is not the only aspect of the trip that made the top 10:

10.  Jeff to share the drive
9.    Chipotle Grill
8.    Verizon overnighting a new phone to a remote cabin in MI
7.    Entering the twilight zone aka Brighton, MI
6.    Wonderful cabin accommodations
5.    Finding the race venue
4.    John and Bill to help offset the cost of said cabin and adding to the entertainment
3.    Three laps not four
2.    Touring MI and tasting local fare
1.    Two axes sharing the trip home

Jeff and I departed Thursday am to get a start on the long journey to MI.  The plan was to split the drive in two days.  On the way we usually search for the best eateries and on this day we were lucky to find a Chipotle Grill.  If you get the chance learn about its business ethics and get a taste of their wonderful food, you'll be hooked.  As for the Verizon business.  We like to be entertained on our drive by a gps and the internet while driving.  All was going fine until my Droid began turning off and on every minute or two and droning its name as it did so.  It was not looking good for the dear old gadget.  At our lunch stop we found a Verizon store and had it checked out.  It could not be saved.  Buying an extended warranty paid off and they set up an overnight delivery to where we were staying.  Not too shabby.  Luckily we had a back up GPS unit, but Jeff was not quite himself due to being unable to read the latest news or check his messages.  We decided to split the drive and stopped in Brighton MI.  A cool little town, but a bit on the weird side.  We got a great meal and a good nights sleep.  On Friday we finished our trip to Brethren MI.  We were able to find our cabin get unloaded and head out to the race venue.  Without the internet it was all thinking caps on to try and remember our way around.  Once we got pointed in the right direction memory came flooding back like yesterday.  After a quick lap around some of the trails we chatted with some peeps and made sure all had a place to stay.  We had originally booked the cabin with 5 people in the mix.  By the time Friday rolled around we were down to just 2.  Then John and Bill appeared.  They needed a place and we had a place.  What could go either way went the best way.  What great people.  We all should have been friends a long time ago.  Better late than never.

Race morning came all too quickly and the next thing ya know we are racing 100 miles.  I had a great start and hammered along the first lap at a fast pace.  I really wanted to try and get it done in 8 hours.  I paid dearly for my focus on time and not on my nutrition.  I failed to drink enough on the first lap and each consecutive lap became harder and took more time.  The second two laps I began to have the worst cramping in my legs.  I was really concerned that I would not be able to continue.  I had to slow way down put it in the granny gear on all the climbs because I was afraid that the muscles would tear out of my legs.  I also utilized the
midpoint aid station for cold water to put in and on myself and stuffed some bananas in my mouth and jersey hoping it would help.  I knew I had a good lead, but I also knew that I had to keep going forward or else be caught.  I was not too stressed about it, but really wished I could have put in the effort for a better time.

The course was so much fun despite the pain.  I love flowing single track and the the new section of fire roads helped spin out the legs.  It may not be the most technical course, but the constant twisty turns of the trail and the punchy climbs really take it out of you.  The race was well organized and at the finish we were awarded with a photo, a patch and a cold coke.  The organizer of the race was timely with results and awards and kept us  pleasantly occupied with full mugs of Founders Ale and dishes of yummy food.

After the race Jeff, Bill, John and I made our way into the town of Manistee.  Jeff and I were committed to seeing the big Lake.  We had not done it on our last journey to MI and thought that was lame.  It was beautiful, the cool breeze was welcoming and the sight of the Manistee River meeting Lake Michigan was magnificent.  Then it was off to dinner to eat some local fish dishes.  We were quite pleased with taking the time out to be tourists.

Overall the trip was successful and 12 hours in the car is always better when both passengers have an axe and good feelings to bring home.

Christian Tanguy, Lumberjack 100, open men, 2nd place

My preparation has been good, and I was approaching the Lumberjack 100 with confidence. This year, the course consists of 3 laps of 33 miles instead of the 4 laps of 25 miles. Due to the new course arrangement, friends and family are only allowed to provide assistance at the start finish area; that is 2 times for the whole race. My plan was to stop twice therefore I took an extra bottle to account for the extra distance between feed zones.


This year again, the tempo on the road was just right to stretch the group of racers without requiring a max out effort to stay at the front. I perfectly placed myself and I reached the single track in second place, just behind Jeff Schalk (Trek).

I was feeling pretty good and eventually went to the lead for few minutes while the lead group was taking shape. Then, we reached a double track section where Mike Simonson (29er crew) and Derek Graham (Bissell/abg) placed several accelerations. Shortly after, Mike pulled on the side to repair a flat tire. Meanwhile Derek stayed in the lead. At each climb, he took the opportunity to place a good effort.  Unfortunately, he suffered a flat tire and pulled on the side.

As we completed the first lap, the lead group was only 4 racers strong. Jeff and I had a smooth stop at the aid station and right after the aid station, we end-up just the 2 of us. I started not to feel so fresh anymore but this is pretty common for me to have short periods where I feel fatigued before I feel better again.

So far, the race scenario was the best possible; I was left alone with Jeff. All I had to do was to stay with him before the fatigue will cause one of us to drop off the back. Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened to me pretty much exactly at the 50 miles marker. I was experiencing one of those fatigue period that just cannot be ridden thru. My stomach was like a balloon, my vision was shaking up and down and every part of my body was telling me to stop in the shade and take a 2 hour nap.


Regrettably, I was no stranger to those conditions as I experienced those 2 years ago at the Mohican 100. I was feeling so awful I wondered if I was going to reach the start finish line or if I was going to collapse before that. Of course, my speed drop quickly and as much as I would like to ride with Jeff; it was no longer sustainable.

I barely completed the 2nd lap and while my stomach was full of fluid, I was very thirsty. Although I refrain to drink more, I realized I already emptied a 26oz bottle on the spot. It probably did not help with my digestive problems but I though that the "5 hour drink bottle" I just drank could help me wake up.


I was still in the race and I was still in second place. I was the first to be surprised because for half a lap, my riding was anything but smooth and fast. The race reality got more palpable when Mike Simonson came down to the aid station just as I was leaving it. It did not take long before I pulled on the side to let him by. My condition

was not deteriorating and I thought that eventually the effects of the 5 hour energy could help me regain some composure.

After 20-30 minutes, I started to feel a little bit better and was able to up the pace a tiny bit. Before I knew it, it was Mike who pulled on the side to let me by. However I was not flying down the trail or placing attacks. I was barely moving; grinding on my small ring. I had a long stop at the aid station with half a lap to go. If I was going to have a breakdown, at least I want to have some food.


With a quarter lap to go I gathered all my motivation and energy to crest over the steepest trail that went straight up the hill without having to push the bike. I still cannot believe I could do it in regard of my sleepiness and digestive issue. Incredibly, I reached the finish line in 2nd place. I am glad I could put Team CF on the podium
and keep my chances alive for top 3 at the N.U.E. overall classification.

Big Bear 2X12 featuring Levi's Mountain Momma x 2

I do have to say that the Big Bear 2x12 was by far the most fun I have had at a relay race.  It allowed for all the hard out efforts of a race, but also allowed for a fun relaxing atmosphere with support crew and team members due to it not being a 24 hour event.  I went there to race first, but I also made a mini vacation with family and friends out of it.

I was very excited to have my son and husband on the trip with me.  They don't do that often and it was a special treat for me.  Big Bear offers a great venue and the 2x12 was also a festival with bands playing after the race.  It was a family friendly event and a great place for kids to rat around.

After arriving at Big Bear we set up camp and soon after went out for a look at the race loop.  I got to ride with my SMT chicks friend Meredith and it was nice to catch up with her.  We were pleasantly surprised with some of the course changes and excited about how fast the course would be the next day.  When I was done it was Lee's turn for a ride.  He is not into racing, but he loves to ride and I was pleased that he would be able to do some riding while we were here.  Dinner was by the camp fire and then we retired to our tent.  Darn if I didn't remember about the West Virginia Night Club boys.  Ear plugs should have been on the list of items to bring.  Fireworks are not the best to fall asleep to.  Once they died down it was dream land and a good nights sleep.

The next morning my teammate Cassie Smith arrived.  We had decided that I would start the relay.  I had never started the relay before, but without having to start Lemans style I was game.  The first lap added on a hill climb to help separate the field prior to entering the single track.  This was not much fun, but I got a good position in and only had to pass a few riders to get a clear run at the trail.  The 12 miles of this course has such awesome variety that you don't get bored and it gives one, well at least me, motivation to push during all sections.   There are technical sections with rocks and roots,  piney sections to haul on, twisty fun stuff, rocky descents to get your thrill on and then of course the night club likes to add surprises to their section of trail.  This year it was a rock jump!  Oh yeah,  I almost forgot about the exciting ending to the course which takes you on a flyover that is more like a bridge.  Once over the bridge it was baton exchanging time and Cassie was off.  My first lap time was about 1:11, second 1:09, third 1:10.  I have not seen official times yet.  I am pretty sure that Cassie's first lap was a 1:08:57 and she scored the fastest women's lap.  Go Cassie!!  It was a bummer that we were racing against ourselves due to there not being another duo female team.  To make it exciting we started gunning for the co-ed class.  We almost got it, but Gunnar and Betsy won the day!  Oh yeah, and what would a race be without a huge orange and red radar making thunderstorm.  While Cassie was completing her second lap and I was readying for my final lap a doozy of a storm threatened our existence.  Fortunately the 45 mile per hour winds and torrential rain swirled by us, but we did get some boomers and steady rain.  Whoopie  another mud fest!

Cassie finished her last lap in time to help lead the little ones out for their race.  Both our Levi's raced the two lap single track loop and they both won their respective age groups.  

Big shout out to Mark for making such a great race happen and having the drive to put on events that keep people smiling.

Selene talks Trans-Sylvania

To say I was scared going into Trans-Sylvania last weekend is like saying the Pacific is damp. I was quite literally out of my head with visions of sinking like a safe and tanking out on the unforgiving trails of central Pennsylvania, wondering why I choose (often gleefully) to put myself through this time and time again. 

Home sweet home. (photo courtesy WTB)

Fortunately, Sunday morning was blissfully sunny and warm as we pulled the two-ton loaded-to-the-grill Tacoma out of the driveway and headed west to begin our adventure. At this point, though still buzzing with nerves, I was definitely ready to get the show on the road. The 10-mile prologue was scheduled to go off at 3 p.m. that afternoon. So we wanted to get there with plenty of time to settle in and warm up before go time. We pulled into camp at about 10:45. When I say camp, I mean camp. The event was based out of the Seven Mountains Boy Scout Campground and we were staying in the rather rustic Rimmey Lodge complete with a resident mouse (or three) and bunk style beds we’d be sharing with about a dozen fellow racers including Rebecca Rusch and her partner Greg Martin; fellow CFers Kristin Gavin, Nikki Thiemann and Christian Tanguy; Mark Weir and the WTB crew; and Mike Wissell out of Back Bay Cycling, just to name a few. I looked at Dave and over at Rebecca who seemed as shell shocked as I was. “We’re gonna be pretty cozy this week, huh? In truth, the little sociology experiment that was Rimmey cabin and TSE ended up being awesome. It was a delicious blend of personalities that made for endless entertainment throughout the entire race.

The race is on. (Photo:© A.E.Landes Photography)

The event kicked off Sunday afternoon with a 10 mile ripping dusty prologue. I had kitted up a couple hours before and got in a pre-ride of the loop with the WTB boys, Mike Wissell, and Mike Cushionbury . It started on a long fireroad climb and then bombed down a fairly sketchy descent before sweeping through the forest on some very smooth, sweet singletrack before returning to some rocks and service roads. It was a perfect mix of climbing and singletrack and I felt confident that I’d do well. I was slated to go off at 3:24, second to last, right after Karen Potter of MTBracenews.com and one minute before Rebecca. I was nervous, but also really ready. Race director Mike Kuhn counted me down and I shot off the line. About midway up the first big climb, I started passing people in the women’s field. About 3/4 of the way up, I passed Karen, who turned it up and caught me as I dove into the woods. We volleyed back and forth on the singletrack until she came around for good near the end. As I crossed the line, I was elated. Rebecca never caught me and I was right behind Karen, who’d started a minute ahead. A few minutes later, I got the word: I’d won. That night I’d pull on the leader’s jersey. Suddenly I was the one to chase. I was thrilled…and yeah, more than a little jittery.

The next morning the race took off in earnest with 40 miles the hard way over some of the roughest terrain central Pennsylvania has to offer. It was also Africa hot with thick pollen-filled air and soup-like humidity. The day started like many with a fast, hard climb to thin the field. I’m not much of a strategic racer, but I decided to play to my strengths this week with one very simple strategy—go like hell off the line and climb with the lead men for as long as I could to gain an early gap on the women’s field. I knew Rebecca could smoke me on the smooth, flowing stuff and Karen has great trail skills and power. They both could likely catch me on long descents, so I had to go early and often if I wanted to defend the jersey. I was off to a great start Tuesday until midway up the first long climb of the day, I caught a stick with my rear wheel, which immediately wrapped itself around my rear cassette and wrenched my back derailleur into my spokes. I stopped and assessed the damage. “$#%@!” Thankfully Chris Eatough (our team coach and all around good guy) was right behind me to help. He kept talking me off the ledge as he slowly but surely unmangled my bike. As I stood working on my dwindling Zen, Karen passed by. “$#%@!” A few moments later, Rebecca passed by. “*&^%!!!” Eatough, still muttering reassuring words, finally got the bike in passable working order, but the shifting was anything but smooth and my gear choice extremely limited. With time ticking away, I jumped back aboard and made the best of it. I ended up catching and passing Rebecca who was struggling to control her asthma in the heat and thick air. But I never caught Karen, who ended up gaining 3 minutes on me that day and taking the leader’s jersey that night. I was disappointed; but I also knew there were five more days of hard racing. I’d get my bike repaired that evening and barring more bad luck, I could work my way back up. That night as Mike and Ray described the profile of stage three—45 miles of mostly fireroads with a few significant climbs—I knew I’d have a chance to make my move.

Happiness is a high speed bridge. (© A.E.Landes Photography)

Tuesday morning brought showers and cooler temperatures. I felt energetic, happy and strong as I rolled out of my top bunk and milled about the cabin. I can always feel a good day and I knew this was going to be one. In fact, it was one of my best. I took off from the gun and never looked back. It was one of those joyful, chainless affairs. A few of the racers grumbled about the lack of singletrack on the day; but the course was stunningly beautiful as it rolled through Amish country, along riverbeds, and even through a pitch black, rustic tunnel. Simply gorgeous. I rolled into the finish about 7 and a half minutes in front of Rebecca who took second on the day and 16 minutes ahead of Karen. I was back in the leader’s jersey that night.

Wednesday was Raystown, the most hyped stage of the week, and frankly the one I feared most. The Raystown Lake trails are like a giant rollercoaster, supersmooth and flowing with lots of berms and jumps. I almost went hind end over head during my last trip to these trails by carrying more speed than I had skill for. As I fretted about the cabin getting ready for the stage, Dave said, “You can’t win it today, but you can sure lose it.” I put those words in my pocket and vowed to ride smoothly and efficiently, but not over my head. I was happy to see the day started with a very stiff, steep climb. At least I could have a fighting chance to get into the woods first. Indeed I did. And I fell into a small train of riders, including Mike and some of the singlespeeders. As we breezed through the trails, I settled in and rode loose and fast,

A real post race cool down. (Photo: Rebecca Rusch)

completely enjoying myself and the beauty of the day. About halfway through, however, we blew a turn and went off course briefly, but just long enough for me to see the bright red Specialized jersey of Rebecca breeze by. Damn! I turned around and jumped onto Mike’s wheel as we sped up to her on a long piece of grassy service road. As my luck would have it, it was a long enough climb for me to get back into the lead. But it wouldn’t last. Rebecca is a monster on that smooth track and she quickly tore by me at the last checkpoint. I kept her in my sights for a while but ultimately lost her. She got the stage win. I was very happy to come in just 90 seconds back however. Carrying high speed on those trails isn’t my strength, but I had held my own and fought as hard as I could. I felt happy and proud as we all beelined to the lake for a post race dip. (On a blue note, Dave succumbed to a stomach bug early on in the stage and had to pull out—a huge bummer, because I knew he’d really love those trails as well as the pulled pork dinner that awaited us back at camp. Thankfully, he was back up and running the following day.)

Chasing is hard work. Raystown was more fun than it looks here. (© A.E.Landes Photography)

Thursday was play day—about 25 miles that included four mini cross country races, each lasting about eight to 10 minutes, including some technical descents. The plan was for the group to roll together nice and easy to the start of each stage then turn ourselves hypoxia blue for 2 to 4 miles before regrouping and doing it all again. I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical of the format, but it was a picture perfect day and it was a welcome breather in what had been a mentally and physically challenging week. The courses were good ripping fun. I rode decently, but I definitely found myself wishing for some rear suspension on the rugged rocky stream bed descent of stage two. How I stayed upright despite rolling like a drunken gerbil in an egg-shaped hamster ball is beyond my comprehension. Rebecca and I stayed close for the day, alternating race wins, with both of us taking two for the day. I eked out just enough time on my wins to take the overall victory for the day. I’d thoroughly enjoyed my day. Yet, pulling into camp that evening, I found myself on the verge of tears. Stage 6 was the next day and it was going to be hard. Very hard. It begins with an 8 mile climb and then goes into some of the most technical, if beautiful terrain in the East. I had a solid 20-minute lead on the women’s field and relatively fresh legs, but the stress of psyching myself up to race day in and out was catching up to me. I started to worry endlessly about all the myriad ways I could crash, burn, and blow all my hard work from the week. I struggled to settle my spinning nerves, but that night brought fitful sleep.

Friday morning was full on dread. I was miserable and though I tried to appear to be my chipper, cloud walking self, I was no fun to be around and Dave let me know so in no uncertain terms. I can race mad. But I can’t race sad. And I felt sad that I couldn’t get out of my way; pull my head out of my hind-end and act like a normal human being. We chatted as we rolled around the venue, warming up until both of us felt better. He then came to the front of the pack with me and set a wonderfully civil pace during the neutralized roll out (which is generally anything but neutral as the pack motor-paces at 25 mph behind the minivan lead out). With my nerves settled, I fell into a comfortable climbing pace as the race officially rolled onto the big ascent. It was brutally hot and humid and by the time I’d reached the top, I was starting to see spots. We turned into the woods for the most technical descent of the day and I turned into instant moron. Ray had warned us the night before to take it very, very careful on the first downhill because we’d be worked from the climb. I’d brushed it off. But there I was, arms totally locked out, heart thumping against my sternum, head swimming, and bouncing down the trail like a potato shot out of a tube of PVC pipe. I actually had to come to a stop about three quarters of the way down to take a deep breath and regain some semblance of composure lest I dash myself—and my race—on the rocks that jutted up from every angle. Once through the worst of it, I settled back into a comfortable riding pace. As I worked my way up to the Tussey Mountain Ridge Trail, one of my favorites in the state, I had decided to put my head up and enjoy the view a little, to take a moment and enjoy the accomplishments of the week. Two seconds later, I clipped my right pedal on a rock and tumbled onto the boulders on my left, gashing my knee. As I got up and looked back I saw Karen coming up the trail happy as a clam behind me. So much for finding my happy space. I hit the gas through the remainder of the race and managed to finish the day in first, gaining another minute or so on the field.

Yay! Play day. The mini XCs were big fun. (© A.E.Landes Photography)

Enjoying Pennsylvania singletrack

As we stood in the grass at the finish line, filling our bottles and snacking on cookies, Karen came up to me. “Wanna call a truce and have a fun day tomorrow?” she asked. I had a 22 minute lead at that point. Rebecca, who had another terrible day with the pollen and heat, had fallen further behind. Our positions were pretty well settled considering the next day was less than 20 miles of fast, non-technical terrain.The singlespeeders, who also had their GC firmly locked up were already planning to fill their packs with beer for a Tour de France style party parade. “I’m game if you all are,” I said. And that was the race.

The next day we rolled along and chatted and laughed, swapping stories and enjoying the trail. We

A bunch of really good sports. (© A.E.Landes Photography)

celebrated throughout the afternoon and into the night. The organizers had planned a fabulous banquet with steak and shrimp and wine that evening. I came home with a generous check, a fabulous medal, a wooden plaque, a bag filled with schwag and more good friends and memories than I ever thought possible. Thanks Trans-Sylvania. We’ll be back.

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Mohican 100! (Harlan)

The stats:  Driving 440 miles away= 9hrs
                100 miles of racing= 8hrs and 23mins
       
Tornados, rain, mud in eyes, the smell of oil and old barns with tobacco advertising. Ohio is a strange and beautiful place. Everytime I drive there I gain a better appreciation for the rolling hills of the western Appalachian terminus.

The night before we left Dr. Jim told me that it was hailing chunks of ice! On the drive out we passed in and out of torrential rain.  As we drew closer to the event, the evidence of heavy rains could be seen in the fields where only the highest part of the rows stuck above water. We were on track to mimic the Cohutta 100 last month.
      
It was raining during check-in and the idea of sleeping outside in a tent, which I forgot, or my hammock (which I had) didn't seem appealing. Theo and I took off to find a place to stay. After some searching we found camp TooDik about 5 miles away and acquired a three bunk chalet. It continued raining all night and into the morning. 
We woke up at 5:30, ate our cold breakfasts and scooted out of there to leave our drop bags and line up in downtown Loundonville. The rain slacked off for the start and we had only threatening clouds and wet roads followed by wet trails to remind us of the recent history.
        
The Mohican has one of the worst starts in the history of 100 milers. Two miles out of town we climb the first steep hill of the day and at the top of it is a cash bonus for the first racer to it. The result is a pelaton that goes ballistic from the line and you have to abuse your cold muscles to keep a good position into the opening single track. I discovered this year that it's even harder on a single speed. I burned through a few cookies early and spent the rest of the day regretting my early efforts. Somehow I was still about 15 back from the front and I instantly tried to settle down and work my way through people without stressing myself out any more than necessary. I got to ride with my friend Theo for the first ten miles, which was fun and new. The trails were so full of water and treacherous, but Theo and I were having a good time riding loose lines and catching people a little less capable in the trail.
         
Eventually Mike Montelbano, another single speeder caught up to us, and we proceeded to battle for the rest of the day. No other one geared rider made their way up to us and we only had each other to watch out for. Through aid station one we went through together and then at aid station two we were cleaning our bikes, and I decided to go inside the garage and grab a snack while Mike cleaned his rig with the garden hose. When I stepped back outside Mike was no where in sight! I had been snookered. I jumped on the bike and after a few minutes caught up to mike and could tell he hadn't cleaned his bike like I thought he was going to do. It turns out when I went inside he thought I had jumped on the bike and was in front of him.
     
We continued on together with a couple of geared riders. I was trying to be as conservative as possible since I pretty much knew I had blown some reserves off the start and wasn't sure how I was going to finish with anything left. On top of that it has been a pretty busy few weeks and I hadn't been on the bike as much as I should have, so training was definitely not up to par. I knew that after aid station three we were going to have some of the biggest climbs of the day and a section of infamous cart path, that was a single speeders worst nightmare. I got out of aid three first and expected Mike to follow soon after. There was no sign of Mike and after a bit a geared rider caught me and we worked well together through the worst road stretches. Unfortunately he was starting to flag on the Cart path and my advantage of being with a geared rider was a little blown since I had to pull for him a decent amount. The good news was that we didn't see Mike at all.
     
At Aid station four and 72 miles in I refueled, cleaned the bike a little and took off. Soon after Greg Kuhn on a geared bike caught up and told me he had been riding with Mike and he wasn't that far back. Greg was obviously riding strong and he soon pulled away, which meant he was probably a good pull for Mike. Sure enough, Mike came up on me a few minutes later and we rode together to aid station five. On one of the last steep climbs I managed to ride more of it than Mike, but his walking was the same speed and I could tell I was about cooked. My quads were cramping a little and when he stood up on a nice paved incline and rode away I couldn't respond. I only hoped that I could come back around for the last two hills that I knew he would have to walk with the extra tall gear he was riding. Not that it really mattered, but those hills never came, (apparently they were taken out of the course this year). When we got to the last six miles of single track I started to feel good and despite having no brake pads, and was only using metal on metal to slow down, I was very motivated to try to pull him back.
      
At one point someone I passed said there was only a two minute gap and I tried to step on it harder, but somehow the trail started to feel like it would never end and with about two miles to go I was pretty much a mud basted turkey. I came across the line five minutes back of Mike and was very glad it was done at no more than my 8hrs and 22 minutes. That's the longest 100 miler I've done since 2006!
       
Mike was the strong man on the day and it was great to get to have a close battle with someone. It pushes you to dig deeper and can make a lonely ride more motivating. All I got to say is Mike better watch out. I'll be ready come the Shenandoah!

Trans Sylvania Epic, Open Men 5th place overall (Christian)

 
What a week!

Stage 1 – Time trial – 3rd place
The first stage was a time trial that lasted about 45 minutes. I started one minute behind Alex Grant from the Cannondale Factory Team and one minute ahead of Jeremiah Bishop from the same team. I thought that if I could reach back to Alex, I would post a great time. I was also wondering if I could hold off Jeremiah up to the
line. I am not a time trial specialist and it will be definitely difficult to limit the time difference between Jeremiah and me to less than a minute.

The trail led us thru the campground on a single track with some sharp turns before we reached a 1.5 mile dirt road climb. It is always difficult to set-up the proper pace and although I pre-rode the course the day earlier, the trail still had some surprises for me.

At the top of the climb, we turned left into a piece of downhill single track. The trail has some rocks and the fatigue from the climb made the navigation thru the rocks a little harder. Not time to rest, as the trail makes a 180° turn back up the hill by a slightly less rough trail. Closer to the top, the trail smooth out before reaching
back to the dirt road.

Although I was really riding at my best, I was not feeling really fast but the good sign was that I could not see anybody behind. The course made a turn to a single track that went up and down before we reached some rough dirt roads. This is when Jeremiah passed me. I wish I could have held him off a little longer but he was too strong. The best thing I could do was to follow him as close as possible. Strange how despite being tired, having a rabbit in front of you makes you ride faster. I was not right on Jeremiah's wheel but I was maintaining a 5
second gap.

Sooner than expected, we reached the last quarter mile of the stage. The trail is following a small creek and has some wet roots and rocks.  On my pre-ride the day before, I could not ride it... neither could I
ride it the day of the race.

For a second I saw Alex Grant being passed by Jeremiah, this is where I started to lose a lot of time. As I tried to ride over a rock, I lost my balance I felt. After I ran to a suitable spot to re-mount the bike, I realized that during the fall, the chain dropped off the small chain ring. I had to get off the bike and put the chain on the ring by
hand....

At the finish line, I was irritated by my poor performance on the last quarter mile. I should have been able to limit the time lost to Jeremiah to one minute and few seconds; instead it was over two minutes....Anyway, my performance was sufficient for 3rd place – quite a surprise not being a time trial expert.


Stage 2 – cross country – 3rd place
This stage started fast and furious; at least from my perspective. I got jammed behind a bunch of riders who where leaving some gaps to the leaders. After I redlined my heart beat and passed most of them I followed some other wheels just to notice that I was still not in the front group.

Then, we reached a long and quite steep uphill dirt road where I could see Jeremiah and Drew Edsall (Team Yeti) in the lead. After several minutes of hard effort, I reached back to them. This is where Evan Plews also reached back but instead of sitting back and take a breather, he continued at a steady pace and soon after he was ahead of Drew, Jeremiah and myself by 50 meters.

Knowing that Jeremiah is faster in the downhill than me, I let him in front of me. I was surprised that he started to leave a gap between him and Drew and although I could have rode faster downhill I did not want to risk everything to pass him.

Once the trail got flatter and wider, Jeremiah started to ride much faster. My legs were feeling the hard push as we were chasing Drew. I was getting tired really quickly and would have rather rode a steadier faster pace than this medium and then really fast ride.

Eventually Jeremiah pulled on the side with some brake problems on his Scalpel, leaving me alone to chase Drew. After I reached to the aid station, in the rough(er) single track I reached back to Drew.

I know my bike skills are not the best but somehow I felt I could ride a little faster in that terrain. I hesitated a long time before passing Drew. Indeed since the beginning of the stage, all I did was closing gaps and my legs were really hurting. But too much is too much, after a long time, I decided to pass.

Evan was still ways ahead and I was wondering if I would see him before the finish line. I was riding at my fastest pace when I heard some bike noises. Unfortunately it was not a bike in front of me but behind me. Jeremiah switched bike at the aid station and encouraged me to follow him on our pursuit of Evan.

Jeremiah's pace was out of my comfort zone and I was riding again faster than would like. Meanwhile Jeremiah was telling me that we would chase Evan once we exited the rocky single track. I answered that I was really tired.

Out of a corner, Evan was getting back on his bike after fixing a flat. The chase was over and I wished that the pace will ease up a little. It did not. I was only few seconds in the lead just to witness Evan and Jeremiah riding away as my legs were quitting on me.

I probably did not eat or drink enough and realized that I was loosing time quickly. My computer was broken from my fall the day earlier and I did not know how far I was from the finish. I barely made up the last climb to the campground but still reached the finish line in third place.

Stage 3 – cross country – 4th place
This stage was mostly dirt roads with only one major technical trail: the fisherman trail. Due to the nature of the terrain, nothing happen until the Fisherman trail by mile 18.

This is where I lost 2 minutes to the lead. I buried myself on the following climb to get back before the top just to realize that I could have go much easier in the climb and reach back on the following downhill and flat dirt roads. The problem is that you never know when an attack is going to happen.

At the base of the last major ascent, Brandon Draugelis set up a steady pace. It was not too impressive at the bottom of the climb, by the half way point, I was barely holding and by the top I was cooked and riding on fumes.

Brandon however was riding strong would place several attacks on Jeremiah, Alex and me. I had the most interest to chase Brandon due to the general classification. Great! I worked extra hard and the 4 of us reached the last single track climb of the day together. It was not long before I dropped back and let those 3 racers fight for the stage win.

It was a good day for me as I moved closer to Evan on the general classification.

Stage 4 – cross country – 2nd place
The stage took place at Raystown Lake park. The trail was super smooth and on the 38 miles of trails there was only one tiny tree trunk we had to jump over.

The race started by a pavement climb; it was quite steep. We then entered the rollercoaster trail for a great day on the bike. I entered in 5th wheel, behind Evan Plews. This was not the best position as Brandon Draugelis, Jeremiah Bishop and Drew Edsall started to pull away.

On some uphill section, Alex Grant and I passed Evan and joined back to the leading group where Brandon was navigating us thru the fun trail. We were now in a steady climb. Until now, Evan was lingering 30 meters behind us but he disappeared somewhere half way up the climb. However, he was able to bridge back after any sustained   downhill or flat section.

It was a lot of fun to roll on the water bars that looked at times just like a bmx track. It was tricky for the legs to produce important efforts followed by periods of rest as we went over those camel back like trails.

I was carrying more water than anybody in the lead group and by the time we reached the aid station for the second time, I did not have to refuel. I re-entered the single track trail in the lead. Apparently, I
rode somewhat faster than the previous pace set-up by Brandon as we drop Evan for good.

At some point, I reached a succession of large bumps at speed. I tried to avoid getting airborne but on the largest one, I could not avoid getting some air and I landed on my front wheel. I wheeled on the front wheel for what it seemed an eternity. Wow, it was a scary moment!

I was getting tired and drafting was quite an advantage. I did not know how long it will be to the finish and when Alex was getting very close to my rear wheel I decided to let him pass before he made me fall.

He accelerated but being in the draft, I followed him with no difficulties. Finally, we reached the same paved road that we rode at the start; however this time was downhill. It was too dangerous to make any attempt to pass. We all arrived one second behind each other:  Alex, me, Brandon, Drew and Jeremiah.

Evan lost some more time and I gained 2nd place overall.

Stage 5 – mini cross country format – 8th place
This was something new to me and it just killed my legs for the reminder of the stage race.

Basically, there are 4 time segments which start with a climb or some false flat. Then the course gets somewhat downhill but pedaling is still required.

The first segment started on wider trail and I did not quite made it to the front. I was maybe in 7th or 8th position and the leaders were pulling away. I was pedaling at my maximum speed and my heart was going to explode. Mid way thru the timed sector, my legs started to turn around. At some point, I passed Brandon just before we reached an open grass field on some two tracks. I went to the right and I found myself in a deep rut. My front wheel started to catch on the one foot tall wall. I felt on the grass and lost significant time while everybody was passing me on the left. It took me even more time to put back my dropped chain. I arrived about 1 minute behind first place.

The second segment had significant more stones and roots. The legs were empty from the previous mini XC; I was pleased when I reached the finish line with Evan about 20 seconds behind first place.

The third segment started on a fairly steep and long double track road. Immediately everybody redlined their heart beat. We finally went down a small grass field before we funneled down on the rockiest trail for the day along side a creek. I probably had my best ride so far but the leaders were much faster. I gained some time on Evan which was critical after my poor performance on the first leg. Again, I finish 20 seconds behind the winner.

By the start of the fourth and last timed segments I could not get the legs to spin smoothly. The prior 10 minutes max speed mini cross country races really drained my energy. Anyway, we were on a dirt road and I made it reasonably close to the lead before we turned left into a rocky single track. I thought we will be going downhill from there but instead we climbed back up a bit underneath some power lines. Then it was only downhill and once more I cross the line about 20 seconds behind the leaders. Like on the third segment, I put more time on Evan
and end up the day increasing my lead on him. Unfortunately, I lost time to my remaining close competition.

Stage 6 – cross country – 6th place
For once we did not started like rockets but instead rode at a casual pace on the flat dirt road. However as soon as we reached the base of the first major climb, the speed went crazy. Alex Grant was making a very high pace and it was only Jeremiah, Drew, Brandon and I. We started the downhill on the rough trail and for once I was following the group without letting any gaps being created. This lasted as long as the trail was steep enough that pedaling was not necessary. Once I started to pedal, I noticed that the chain dropped. Of course, I tried to shift my front derailleur in an attempt to put the chain back on the chain rings. It did not happen; I had to stop and use my hands. Pointless to say I was a little disappointed to have worked so hard in the uphill and then holding to lead pace downhill to finally be by myself because of a dropped chain.

Few minutes later, I got a glimpse at the leaders; they finished a very rough section as I just entered it. I though that I would be able to latch back on but after an hour of racing, my legs were drained and my heart would not rev-up. It became worse when I lost my balance and felt in a rock garden. During the week, it must have happen to me like 10 times, but this time my right thigh landed exactly on top of a pointy rock. I felt a deep pain and my leg seized up immediately. It took at least ten minutes for the leg to spin a little bit smoother.

I tried to my best to keep a decent pace but I knew I was slower than the lead group. After a long while, I saw Jeremiah on the side of the trail fixing his bike. We were then on a very nice ridge trail punctuated with some rough sections. Anytime I could spare a second to look to my right or to my left, you could see for miles. The views were breathtaking. I guess that it per definition a ridge line.

At some point, Blake Harlan (Team Jamis) passed me; I took his wheel and it was fun to have a "rabbit" and no longer be on my own. Once the ridge line finished, I went to the front and created a 30 seconds gap on the climb.

The single track trail ended with a downhill and we were riding dirt and paved roads. On the roads, Blake redlined himself to get back to me bringing back Jeremiah with him. Blake was too far back in the general classification to agree to set up the pace and Jeremiah was too far ahead to ride faster and help me reduce the time on his
teammate. So I end-up leading our group of three for quite a while.

On the last ascent, Jeremiah placed an attack; Blake could take his wheel but it was too much for me. In no time they had a 20 to 30 seconds gap. As the climb continued, I was reeling them in slowly. By the time I crossed the finish line, I was 4 seconds behind.

The race for second place for the general classification was on. Alex, Brandon and I were only separated by 7 seconds. However, all I could think was about my bruised right leg...

Stage 7 – cross country – 9th place
As I woke up, I could not bend my right leg. It took me one minute to put on my socks. A long and low intensity warm up was necessary to reach a somewhat smooth pedal stroke. This stage was going to last around 2 hours and the intensity was going to be high. Right from the gun, Jeremiah, Alex, Brandon and Drew took off. I was left behind struggling silently in pain.

The rain during the night left quite a bit of puddles. 15 minutes into the race, as I rode thru one of them, the muddy water just sprayed up from the front wheel and got just between my glasses and my face. For 20 seconds I could not discern what was around me. Anyway, I was feeling miserable but kept pushing since anything can  happen.

At some time Evan Plews and Mike Yozell joined me. I was riding in third position just hanging on. At an intersection, Mike asked if we were still on the correct path. I must say that all my attention at the time was focused on not behind dropped. After we rode a bit longer, we found another arrow and we were still riding hard pursuing the leaders.

Half way up the course, there is a long climb. The three of us were struggling and at the top Jeremiah, Alex and Drew passed us. Alex asked me: "Did you get lost?" I replied: No and you? No. Strange???

Anyway, Alex was wasting no time, he joined back to Jeremiah and Drew. Evan made a very nice effort and latched back to the train. I was lingering 30 meters behind while Mike Yozell lost contact.

For several miles I was 10 seconds behind the lead group however without being able to bridge back. I was pushing really hard as I was trying to save 3rd place overall; I needed to come ahead of Brandon by 7 seconds and although I could not see him behind me, I knew he could be in my wheel before I know it.

I finished about 30 seconds behind the winner completely exhausted. I looked back to the finish line, Brandon was still not there. He came about 3 minutes behind me but meanwhile we learned that we did indeed take a wrong turn when Mike, Evan and I were chasing the leaders. We did not ride a single track trail and rode a dirt road instead. It was a little confusing and others almost made the same mistake. Nevertheless, we should have been more careful. The race organizers decided to give us a time penalty instead of disqualify us.

Finally, I end-up in 5th place overall. For sure, my 2nd place overall for a couple of days got me dreaming of a top three but the top 5 was what I knew my target should be and I am glad I could achieve it.

The race organization was fantastic and I hope that next year I will be able to take the whole week off work and ride those butt kicking trails once more.

Mohican 100 Mud Fest

This was the third Mohican for me and by far the worst conditions of the three, but it was the best performance I have had at the Mohican.  Basically my first goal was to get up the beginning climb and into the single track before the mass of riders clogged up the single track.  I did it!! I was so excited.  It made the single track, although muddy and slick, so much more enjoyable than years past.  I was able to go my own speed and not have the stress of being stuck behind slower riders. 

The next 40 miles were very mud filled, but exciting.  This was due to me and another female competitor riding as though it was a regular xc event.  We pushed each other to ride our best at a fast pace.  We traded the lead a couple of times and at one point I even had the lead.  She stopped at Aid one to deal with a hydration pack issue and I kept going.  I did take a moment up the trail to deal with some chain suck and lube up my chain and sure enough she came up on me like a charging bull.  We were back at it.  We stayed together up through Aid 2 where she got a little bit of a gap, but I caught back on and we battled a bit longer until I had to succumb to her pace and back down a bit.  I was now in my own race to keep a solid 2nd, finish the race without blowing up, and keep myself and my bike in forward working motion.  Especially since the rains, wind, thunder and lightening  picked up at this point in the race.   

This is me happy to be finished. Notice how the bottom half is less muddy. Right before the end, as if I had the energy, I had to cross a swollen creek that was hip deep for most but almost chest deep for me. It was crazy. It should have been quick, but being short I could not lift my bike high enough and the wheels got caught in the current and began to take me with it. Unbelievable, I survived the race and now in the last mile I am going to be swept away in a swollen creek. It took a bit for me to get across, but luckily here I am writing this post.

Over the weekend.

Shogren, Schalk return to defend past Mohican 100 titles 

This is where Harlan, Cheryl and Jim were this weekend.  Why are thunder/lightening storms contending for the NUE title too???

Well What happened....

Thats to come....

STAGE 3: Bishop wins stage; pads lead. Draugelis makes move. Yeager regains leader's jersey.

Stage 3 of Trans-Sylvania offered racers a complete reversal of conditions from yesterday with a course based on doubletrack and dirt roads with just a bit of singletrack spice thrown in at the start, finish and mid-point of the course and cooler temps with rain. The change in conditions brought on a change in tactics and in results.

In the men's race some early efforts by Brandon Draugelis (PAValleys.com) on first climb of the day and began to pull a group off the front of the field. In this group were all the riders at the top of the GC and they quickly settled into a working group that solidified with Mike Festa (Cadence Cycling) showing improving form as the last rider to make the split.

This group, Bishop, Plews, Tanguy, Edsall, Draugelis, Grant, Harlan, Prosser, Festa, Grant and Biese rolled through the checkpoint in Coburn, the home of the original 100 mile mountain bike race, at high speed with most forgoing feeds so as not to lose touch the head of the race. A small climb in the middle of the course and the treacherous Fisherman's Path saw several riders come off the back. The wedge that separated the group came in the form of the Poe Paddy Drive, a rough doubletrack climb to one of the most outstanding views in central PA and checkpoint #2. On the climb to CP#2 Bishop, Grant, Tanguy and Draugelis attacked leaving Plews and Edsall at even 0:30s intervals behind Prosser trailing at 1:30 back and Festa at 2:15 with Biese and Harlan further back.

The four leaders exchanged the lead at the front with Draugelis looking smooth and Tanguy marking him well. Grant worked for team mate Bishop to keep Plews behind while Plews and Edsall cooperated in an effort to match the pace of the front. Two lesser climbs in the final miles of race provided a launching pad for the Cannondale Factory Team riders and Bishop edged out Grant in the final sprint. Draugelis jumped away from Tanguay bringing back a few seconds on the third place rider in GC and in the process also jumped into 4th on GC over Edsall, who finished fifth on stage riding the last several miles on front flat. Plews finished the day in between and while he conceded time to Tanguy held onto his second overall placement in GC.

The Women's race lead changed hands back to prologue winner Yeager who worked together with allies on the road and trail to vault over Potter. Meanwhile Rusch, perhaps helped in part to the change in weather conditions, overcame yesterday's difficulties that left her struggling to breath in the PA humidity and finished a strong second about 8 minutes behind Selene and a similar time gap in front of Potter.

Gavin and Thiemann brought home the duo win while Greg Martin grabbed the victory in Singlespeed and took over the GC lead in SS. Prosser came home 6th overall on the day and added time to his GC lead. The Lichtenwalners had perhaps the most interesting day as Rob soloed in on the tandem for the last 10 miles after losing partner Sarah to dehydration at CP#2.

More tomorrow as the Trans-Sylvania Epic heads to the Allegrippis Trail network at Raystown Lake for yet another completely different sort of trail and conditions.
 
Race report written by Zack Beltran

Photos courtesy of A.E.Landes Photography Lisa Power

TSE Day 3: Passing Showers (Nikki and Kristin)

Prior to our 10:30 am start the sky would periodically open up and dump.  Thankfully it stopped for our start and the weather was perfect for an absolutely fantastic course!

The start was, again, mass and "controlled" (but not really).  We took off out of camp and up a WET and SLOPPY double-track climb for about 2 miles, then through a fast, muddy double-track descent before we hit the first of many fast fireroads.  It was here that Nikki and I had our second fight ever.  She rolled up to me and said, "Why do you insist on going so hard out of the     blocks when you know that I have asthma?"

Over the course of the next three and half hours we rode through some of the prettiest terrain including long climbs, fast carriage roads, one dark and disorienting tunnel, and a fisherman's trail - all dense with ferns and fabulous smells after an early summer rain shower.  It was beautiful despite getting poured on occasionally.  Just as I turned to Nikki and said, "This has been one of the most beautiful and enjoyable rides of my life," we hit the final 3 or so miles of singletrack - rocky, wet, muddy, steep, and sandy - urgh.....  We finished the stage in just under 4 hours, caked in sandy mud, pretty psyched with our ride, but potentially more psyched at the cheddar combo's that Travis had at the finish.  Again, Travis saves the day!

Wondering about our fight?  It was nothing a little singing couldn't resolve.  Ever heard the song about the monkey and the engineer?  

Stay tuned for stories from Stage 4