Boston Rebellion – US Cup Finale

Posted on August 2, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

US Cup- Blevins and Courtney take home $20,000 and US Cup series title.

If there was any doubt left on who are some of America’s brightest talent, Specialized riders Kate Courtney and Chris Blevins left little doubt after two days of hard racing at the US Cup series final at the Boston Rebellion.

The two riders swept both days of cross-country and short track racing in their respective categories and each walked away with $10,000.00 and the 2017 US Cup series title.

Courtney congratulates Blevins after the race. Photo Courtesy of US Cup

The Boston Rebellion course served up some very technical terrain over the 3.5-mile loop. What is lacked in elevation change, it more than made up for with a twisty course that demanded the rider’s attention every second. The course was strewn with roots and rocks and proved to be a test for these world class riders.

Both Blevins and Courtney faced stiff competition from World Cup regulars Dan McConnell, Rebecca Henderson, Emily Batty, along with a strong contingent of Latin American and domestic pro’s as well.

But the duo were on point all weekend and rode with confidence and poise often seen in more seasoned racers.

Kate Courtney handles the tough conditions in front of Emily Batty. Photo Courtesy of US Cup

Women’s XC:

Emily Batty (Trek Factory) and Kate Courtney (Specialized) quickly established a gap over 2^nd place series contender Rose Grant (NoTubes/Pivot) and Maghalie Rochette (Clif Pro Team) early in the race. Veteran Lea Davison (Cliff Pro Team) had the lead early on lap one and looked to be a major factor. However, a broken a chain and had to run back to the tech zone. Davison would spend the next four laps slicing through the field and coming back to a remarkable 8^th.

Meanwhile up front, Kate and Emily engaged in their own private battle. With about a lap and a half to go, Courtney turned the screws on the Trek rider and went on to solo in for the victory.

Batty, Grant, Rochette and local Massachusetts rider Crystal Anthony (Riverside Racing) rounded out the top 5.

Chris Blevins leads Dan McConnell in the technical Boston Rebellion course. Photo Courtesy of US Cup

Men’s XC:

Much like the women’s race, the men’s cross-country boiled down to a two-rider fight between Blevins and World Cup veteran Dan McConnell of Australia. The former world cup winner looked poised to take a last lap victory after bridging back up to a mid-race surge by Blevins.

However, when the riders came out of the forest on the last lap, it was Blevins all alone. McConnell had suffered from cramps on the demanding six lap course and came in fifty seconds behind for second. Sandy Floren (Bear Development) was just two seconds off from the slowing McConnell and the teenager rode strong all race to take a well-deserved third. Cameron Ivory (Specialized AUS) took fourth over Luke Vrouwenvelder (Bear development) to round out the men’s top 5.

For more info check out: www.uscup.net

: Chris Blevins and Kate Courtney take the 2017 US Cup belts. Photo Courtesy of US Cup

: Courtney congratulates Blevins after the race. Photo Courtesy of US Cup

: Chris Blevins leads Dan McConnell in the technical Boston Rebellion course. Photo Courtesy of US Cup

: Chris Blevins crosses the line. Photo Courtesy of US Cup

: Kate Courtney handles the tough conditions in front of Emily Batty. Photo Courtesy of US Cup

: Courtney crosses the line. Photo Courtesy of US Cup

: Men’s podium. Photo Courtesy of US Cup

: Blevins and Courtney. Photo Courtesy of US Cup

Tatanka 100 Mile Race Report

Posted on July 30, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

Johnson and Pond Win in South Dakota

Sturgis, SD

Written by: Ryan O’Dell, Shana Biese

On July 8, The NUE Race Series headed to Sturgis, South Dakota, home of the world’s largest motorcycle rally, and now increasingly becoming known as a mountain bike destination.

Tatanka, the Lakota word for Buffalo, is the only point to point race in the NUE Series. At 6am, racers began gathering beneath the shadow of USA National Landmark Mount Rushmore.

Beneath the magnificence of mammoth rock sculptures representing four of our nation’s greatest presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, NUE Marathon racer’s rolled out at High Noon, down a short section of pavement connecting them to the Centennial Trail along an 50k course that includes gnarly single track and fast, smooth cruising trail winding all the way to Sturgis. The town of Sturgis is nestled at the base of the northern Black Hills in extreme western South Dakota.

Gabby the Goat keeps watch over the riders at Tatanka. Photo by: Jonathan Karol

For a second straight year, temperatures reached an unseasonable high of 97 degrees, tempered by low humidity and, at times and in places, cool breezes throughout the day. Tatanka also included an 85 mile race that is stop #5 in the NUE Epic Race Series and a fifteen mile Sprint distance for first timers that included many kids. Racers must complete at least four NUE races to qualify for series awards that includes cash, prizes and a mid-season travel award, complimentary entry into the Volcano 100 in Costa Rica on September 2.

Quarq offered race fans live online tracking again this year and Strider Bikes, located in nearby Rapid City, set up a skills park, offering kids as young as 2-3 years old an opportunity to test their bike skills. In addition to food and beverage stands, racers were treated to local craft brews courtesy of Crow Peak Brewing and The Knuckle Brewpub of Sturgis.

Photo by: Jonathan Karol

Women’s Open

Pond moves up for the WIN at Tatanka

Sonia Pond, Freewheel Bike, was first at 11:15:36 in her first NUE race this season following her sixth place finish at Tatanka last year.

“This was my second year back for the Tatanka Epic. Between the picturesque start line at Mt. Rushmore, the outstanding volunteers at each aide station, and the unreal scenery of the Black Hills, I seemed to have forgotten the physical and mental pain that comes with this race.

I hung with the peloton during the road section, staying close to my brother Joe and boyfriend Chris before we dove into the singletrack. I scanned the lead pack multiple times searching for another woman. When I didn’t see one, I knew I had to play this adventure on the safe side so I could reach my goal of a finish.

The rock fields of Samelius left me far behind my friends and family, but my smile returned once we returned to the miles of flowy singletrack and lush creek beds. I stayed on top of my nutrition and hydration, and wouldn’t let myself get frustrated as I pushed my bike up what seemed like miles of hike-a-bike. As long as I was moving, I was racing. My wonderful SAG and the caring volunteers at each station kept me pushing through the pain. I was thrilled to cross the finish line under twelve hours and to find out I was the first place female…that feeling is unreal.

I am looking forward to trying the Lumberjack and Marji Gesick in the upcoming seasons. Thank you NUE for creating a series where mountain bikers can test their limits in true endurance trail riding!”

Heather Heynen, was second with a time of 12:07:52.

“My race went better than I expected. This race, with its length and its technical aspects, was unprecedented for me. I’ve never done anything like it. I did do the 110 mile Gold Rush Gravel Grinder Race last month which helped me figure out a little bit on how to fuel for long endurance races and I’ve done a handful of 50 mile mountain bike races. But obviously this race was much more time in the saddle, your whole body is beat up so much more, and it was so hot!

I knew the very technical and hike-a-bike section (Samelius about mile 9, I think) would at least be taken care of in the beginning of the race but that section is so tough even with really fresh legs. Hiking up Talus with my mountain bike over my shoulder was an interesting challenge.

I felt strong until about mile 36 (the third aid station) where my legs started to feel somewhat fatigued. I focused a lot on drinking enough water and fueling often. By the last aid station at Elk Creek, my legs were feeling very heavy. I was walking short steep sections but was still able to ride the longer, more gradual inclines. At this point, I found myself going slower than usual on the technical downhills as my core and upper body were fatiguing. I didn’t want to make any major mistakes!

I had no idea that there was still a big climb out of Alkali Creek (about 7 miles left to the finish). If I had known, I’m not sure what would have happened! Climbing those dusty switchbacks in the sun was tough and the idea of making me throw up so my stomach would feel better entered my mind often at this point. This was the section I was also praying a lot and maybe saw dancing jackalopes on the side of the trail. A couple of riders, Josh B. and Perry J., rode by me and sent some positive vibes and high fives to keep grinding it out. So I did. And somehow finished with a time I was very happy with!”

Dylan Johnson focuses on his win. Photo by: Jonathan Karol

Men’s Open

Johnson leads NUE Series with win at Tatanka!

NUE defending Champion, Dylan Johnson, Cameron MTB Racing, chalked up another victory in his bid to repeat as the undisputed NUE Series Champion. Johnson has raced every NUE Epic Series race this season and continues to lead the series with the win at Tatanka in 7:46:43.

Thirty-two minutes behind the NUE defending champion, Jonathon Modig, The Adrenalin Project, took second place with a time of, 8:18:06. This was his first NUE race this season.

Just two minutes later, Johnsons teammate, Michael Smart, Cameron Racing, took third place with a finish time of 8:20:41.

Singlespeed

Shaklee dominates the SS placing second place overall!

Ben Shaklee, Jacks Bicycle Center Homegrown Racing, won the Singlespeed division at 8:06:07, second overall and more than one hour ahead of his nearest competitor!

“I had a great time at NUE Tatanka Epic! I spotted Trevor Rockwell as the likely competition, looking to defend his 2016 win. Trevor and I were among the top 8-10 going into the first singletrack sections a couple miles in. I felt the pace was rather relaxed and could see Dylan out front in the lead. I gradually got around the other riders in the chase group and worked my way up to Dylan. John Modig was not too far behind me.

Dylan, John, and I pretty much rode with or in sight of one another through the first two aid stations; sans a couple minor off-course detours (it was hard to see trail markings with the morning sun in our eyes!). John pitted for a bit longer at aid two while Dylan and I rolled out together. I gradually lost contact with Dylan through the climbs between aids 2 and 3. I would see him in the high meadow switchbacks but lose time on the rocky climbs.

34×19 gearing would have been fine for the elevation profile were it not so loose and rocky on the climbs. By mid-race, I was starting to feel the heat and the 5000′ elevation, and worked to maintain a comfortable tempo to the finish at 8:06, good for 1st SS and 2nd O/A, about twenty minutes behind Dylan. I had to pit a bit longer at aids than anticipated, both due to mechanical (loosening crank) and the heat (especially at aid 5).

As punishing as the loose climbs were on SS, I loved the rocky, rowdy descents. Later on, I spoke with Trevor, who said the heat got the best of him and he was lucky to finish. It was definitely a tough day on the bike! Next up for me is HC 100 in Bend, OR on July 15!”

Tyler Huber, Larson’ Cyclery, BCBC, took second with a time of 9:07:06. This was the first NUE race of the season for Huber.

2016 Tatanka SS winner, Trevor Rockwell, Central Plains Cycling/Two Wheeler Dealer Sioux Falls, finished third at 9:24:05. This was Rockwell’s first NUE race of the season.

Masters 50+

Hertsens commands the Masters for the W

Sten Hertsens, CarboRocket, took first place with a time of 9:59:49, nearly an hour ahead of his nearest competitor! Including his third place finish at True Grit and second place finish at Mohican, Hertsens victory moves him up to second overall in the NUE Series Masters Standings wedged between two formidable racers including defending NUE Masters Champion, Jeff Clayton, and Roger Masse, two-time NUE Masters Champion.

“What a place to start from; Mt. Rushmore! It was a beautifully peaceful morning that was going to turn into a day of battling crashes, routing and HEAT.

Shortly after the start, I had a slow moving spill of the trail, ending with my bike on top of me and a sore wrist. Thanks to the racer who pulled the bike off of me, allowing me to climb back to the trail. I was able to deal with the wrist issue and continue on but had a couple of routing issues. Luckily, there was a racer with GPS helping me both times.

At about the 40th mile, I went down on a corner that had some loose dirt on the outside corner. It hurt! While lying on the ground trying to get my foot unclipped, I was thinking my race was over. My wrist felt bad. I also hurt my ribs but, both issues weren’t bad enough to keep me from continuing. I stopped at aid station 4 and regrouped a little.

Then, off I went, only to miss a turn shortly after leaving. I was looking up the road on a left had curve and missed the trail on the right. I continued up the hill and, coming upon some Logging equipment, I went passed the equipment and then realized I was off course. I turned around and found the turn I missed.

Throughout the day, I was trying to hydrate (CarboRocket) and fuel (HoneyStinger) myself often. The HEAT was getting intense and hydration was needed. Coming upon the fast flowing section that was just before the Highway was a relief.

I was thinking I was almost there, and then, I was sent into more single track and climbs. My mind wasn’t ready for this, nor my body. This was a tough period in the race and the heat was beating down. I got through that and was relieved to see the bike path. I didn’t go through the tunnel and turn left, I turned right thinking I was correct. WRONG, I was heading in the wrong direction. I went for a good distance before getting back on track.

When I finally reached the finish, I was done. It was a great course that was a real challenge. This race was one that had me digging deep to finish. If you’re thinking of challenging yourself with a course that has great features throughout, try the Tatanka Epic. It will CHALLENGE! Thanks to everyone who made it happen. Good Job! Next stop, Pierre’s Hole. See you there.”

Alan Miner, Banks Bikes, was next, taking second at 10:45:19. “This is my third year doing Tatanka100 Point to Point so I had some idea on what the course offers in the way of terrain, heat, trails support, elements etc.

I decided this year to start off a little faster than in past years, letting the knowledge take over and hoping to find a comfort level that I could sustain. I knew that there would be faster riders who started out slower wanting to pass as the race progressed so that was ok but I was surprised to also found riders to pass as well as, I am sure, they took off to hard and succumbed to the heat and terrain of The Centennial Trail #89.

I think I held a firm pace for me most of the race and played the old safe card of mountain bike endurance racing “Ride the Easy Parts Hard and the Hard Parts Easy”. It was nice to cross under the highway knowing the end was near but there were some course changes that spiced things up a bit. I was very happy to see the finish and to have a solid safe race.
A special thank you to all the aid station staff (children to mature adults and everyone in between), they were phenomenal, and they really went above and beyond what is expected. Pretty cool to see a group of what I assume was Boy Scouts offering encouragement and “High 5s” in a remote part of the course!

Next up for me, I think, will be Crotched Mountain in New Hampshire and then go west to Big Bear Grizzly in California

John Bulmane, took third with a time of 13:47:20.

WHATS NEXT: Two great races, two outstanding venues! July 15

NUE Marathon Race Series: Carrabassett 100 at beautiful Sugar Loaf Ski Area located in northern Maine.

NUE Epic 100 Mile Race Series: Heads to Bend, Oregon, home of scenic Mount Bachelor and the High Cascades 100!

Click Here for Full Results

Tatanka 50 Race Report

Posted on July 30, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

NUE Marathon Race Series #5

Sturgis, SD

Written by: Shana Biese, Ryan O’Dell

On July 8, The NUE Race Series headed to Sturgis, South Dakota, home of the world’s largest motorcycle rally, and now increasingly becoming known as a mountain bike destination.

Tatanka, the Lakota word for Buffalo, is the only point to point race in the NUE Series. At 6am, racers began gathering beneath the shadow of USA National Landmark Mount Rushmore.

Gabby the Goat keeps watch over the riders at Tatanka. Photo by: Jonathan Karol

Photo by: Jonathan Karol

Women’s Open

Toops crushes it to earn her first NUE race win!

OMBC Ohio Race Series Champion, Jen Toops, Paradise Garage Racing, claimed her first NUE win at Tatanka with a time of 3:56:58. With this win, Toops now leads the NUE Marathon Race Series at the mid-way point of the season and may compete at the Volcano 100.

“Going into Tatanka I didn’t know what to expect. The terrain was new and it was hot, real hot. The marathon race didn’t start until noon in hottest part of the day, around mid 90’s. The pace finally picked up on the gravel road. I stayed on the tail end of the lead group. No other girls followed and I tried to create a gap early. Going into the singletrack I had a nice lead.

Then, I followed a guy on the wrong trail. We quickly realized our error and turned back but I didn’t know how many girls had passed me. I thought I saw two. I quickly caught one and slowly pulled away on the fire road climb. I kept asking guys around me if there were any other girls’ ahead and got mixed answers.

I kept pushing the pace but never saw another female. I ran out of water about three miles before the aid station, pushing heat exhaustion, when aid station# 5 came to the rescue. They iced you down and even put some down the jersey for the climb ahead. A guy at the station assured me I was in the lead so I felt a little better about my position. The next half of the race was full of tough loose punchy climbs followed by some amazing downhills. I went over the bars into a patch of poison ivy on one downhill but luckily my bike and I were not injured.

Towards the end of the race, I had to stop and tighten my cleat as it almost fell off. I was excited going under highway 90 tunnel because this was the section I had pre-road and knew what was ahead. I kept pushing and, when I hit the bike path, there was no one around as I rode to the finish. The heat mixed with the terrain made for one of the hardest 35 mile races I’ve had in a while.”

Thirty-four minutes later, Heidi Gurov, 9Seventy racing, came in second with a time of 4:30:35.

Photo by: Jonathan Karol

“I raced this event last year and it was a breakthrough race for me where I realized I could actually race over the course of four hours after coming from a traditional XCO and Cyclocross racing background. So I was excited to come back this year and push myself again and hopefully have it work out for a podium result!

Jen Toops and I went back and forth a bit in the first few miles as she had an error and went off course, but eventually she powered away from me. I knew I was coming in undertrained and couldn’t match her power and speed, so I focused on riding steady and smart to maintain my position, especially with the 90 degree temperatures which I’m not very accustomed to.

The course change that gave us a long, extended fire road climb after our first aid station let me settle in after the harder effort of the first five miles and find my legs. I wasn’t seeing any other women behind me, so I continued to just focus on the trail in front of me and keeping the rubber side down. Being familiar with the course helped, and the race really flew by to the last aid station, where volunteers were fast and efficient and I was back on my way.

I had a small mistake coming into the I-90 crossing where I turned off on a side trail because it was marked with tape, but quickly realized it wasn’t the correct way to pass under the interstate and turned around. The last part of the course, which was different than last year’s course and continued on the Centennial Trail, really challenged me mentally, as I was not prepared for the climbing and powdery, sandy conditions all topped off with hot sun.

I rode the struggle bus to the bike path, where I perked up a lot and was so happy to cross in second place! It was my first “legit” marathon distance podium, and I am still so excited! I love the course, and thankfully the heat did not affect me too much and my nutrition/hydration plan worked well. I even managed to beat my 2016 time on what I think is a harder course due to the addition of the Centennial Trail sections after the I-90 crossing. I look forward to possibly racing more NUE races in 2018, and of course returning to Tatanka for a third go.”

Fourteen minutes later, Amelia Meyer, took third with a time of 4:44:09.

“The race was literally off to a rocky start when I found myself pushing my bike over small boulders on the way to Dalton Lake and the first aid station of the Tatanka Marathon. The friendly conversation with Jani Schumm helped distract me from the senseless heat. After the aid station, the Centennial Trail reroute put us on a gravel road climb. Pedal. Pedal. Pedal.

I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the 50 teeth on my Eagle cassette as I steadily climbed into the trees and shade! I gasped for breath when a frigid wet bandana was placed on my neck at the aid station at Elk Creek. God bless the volunteers! As quickly as I stopped for water and a banana, I found myself climbing once more. Keeping up with water and food seemed to be key for me. Just when I thought it was all downhill, I discovered a new challenge, sand! I found myself literally laughing out-loud as I maneuvered through the parabolic sand. The race isn’t over until it’s over! This was my first NUE event. I can’t wait for more to come!”

Photo by: Jonathan Karol

Men’s Open

Two Wheeler Dealer, Stone takes the WIN!

Zach Stone, Two Wheeler Dealer, won Men’s Open with a time of 3:19:20. This was his first race for the 2017 season.

Thirteen minutes later, James Loverich, finished second place with a time of 3:32:03. “The race course was awesome as it always is. A few folks had bad luck with mechanicals so I magically ended up in second. Kudos to the organizers for all the hard work that went into this event.”

Eleven minutes later, Bryce Thorman, took third at 3:43:01.

Singlespeed

Winters Brews up a WIN

Tim Winters, Southern Brewing Company, braved the course as the only single speeder in the race. He shredded in at 3:46:16.

“My trip to the Tatanka was intended to be a mini-vacation of sorts. I traveled up with seven other folks – most of who were also racing – and spent a couple of days taking in the scenery and adjusting to the surroundings.

The day turned out to be sunny and warm, but not extremely hot. Living in the “Deep South” means lots of hot days plus humidity as a bonus, so the weather never became much of a concern for me. I have to admit that starting a race at Noon felt downright weird, almost awkward, since I was ready to go and sat around anxiously watching the clock for several hours.

The Marathon started out on several miles of flat pavement and dirt roads and with my 34×22 gearing I knew I would never hold on – I watched the lead group and numerous others steadily pull away from me. I kept reminding myself that it wouldn’t be that way forever and that the trail started upward before long. As it narrowed down, I found myself back in a small group of racers and, somewhere below the Dalton aid station; I caught up to two of my Rescue Racing pals from home.

Being ‘amongst friends’ definitely encouraged me to stay on the gas and also served as a great distraction when things got uncomfortable throughout the day. I ended up trading places with both of them for the remainder of the race. Riding an unfamiliar trail brings challenges sometimes as well, but the Centennial proved to be an extremely satisfying experience – technical in spots, but not so much that the riding was unpleasant so I really enjoyed myself on the course. I was a little concerned about staying hydrated, and did end up racing the last thirty minutes with nothing to drink, but I have to give a huge THANK YOU to the folks manning the Elk Creek aid station – they took great care of me as I came through and having ice cold water available was a nice surprise.

See you at the Volcano in Costa Rica this September!”

Masters 50+

Schoenberner for the win!

Todd Schoenberner, making his NUE Series debut, Snagged a narrow first place with a time of 3:54:35.

Six minutes later, Robert Hermann, Ridge Riders, rolled in second at 4:01:29. Twelve Minutes later, Timother Metz, Central Plains Cycling, was third with a time of 4:13:21.

WHATS NEXT: Two great races, two outstanding venues! July 15

NUE Marathon Race Series: Carrabassett 100 at beautiful Sugar Loaf Ski Area located in northern Maine.

NUE Epic 100 Mile Race Series: Heads to Bend, Oregon, home of scenic Mount Bachelor and the High Cascades 100!

Click Here for Full Results

Breck 100 Pre Race Report

Posted on July 23, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

Writing & Photos by: Marlee Dixon

Next up in the NUE series is Breck100! Colorado’s premier off-road endurance race offers racers 13,719 feet of climbing over 100 miles. The course links together an amazing network of backcountry trails, roads, double track and bike paths to test mountain bikers’ boundaries. Racers will cross the Continental Divide three times, climb 12,000 foot passes, and forge high mountain streams while returning three times to the support and encouragement of staff, friends and teammates in historic downtown Breckenridge.

Riders on Wheeler Pass

For those not quite ready for or pursuing the Ultra 100 there are the B-68 Marathon, the B-32 XC, or a two or three-person relay team. Each race allows riders the same spectacular terrain the NUE elite 100 racers will ride. Get all the info at Warriorscycling.com.

Check back after the race to hear how it all went down with results and photos!

US Cup – Williston, VT

Posted on July 17, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

US Cup-XC-Blevins and Courtney keep on rolling.

The third round of US Cup-XC stormed into Williston, Vermont over the weekend, as the battle rages on over the $20,000 series payout for the men’s and women’s champion.

At the first two rounds in spring, the duo of Chris Blevins (Specialized) and Kate Courtney (Specialized) have shown there is a youth movement taking place in cross-country in the United States. The two have ridden brilliantly over more experienced and established rivals and continued their winning ways in Vermont at the Eastern Grind.

Nikki Peterson on the XC course. Photo by: PB Creative

Cross Country

In Saturdays women’s race, it was quickly whittled down to a three-rider duel when Kate Courtney (Specialized), Lea Davison (Clif Pro) and Rose Grant (NoTubes/Pivot) separated themselves from the women’s field.

Coming off really good spring form in the World Cups, Courtney began turning the screws on lap two and opened up a forty second gap on Davison. From there, Kate went untouched and pulled away over the next couple laps, soloing in for her second US Cup-CX victory and extending her lead in the US Cup Series points chase.

Lea Davison (Clif Pro) using some “home” knowledge finished in second place, with Rose Grant (NoTubes/Pivot), Tina Severson (Orange Seal) and Kelsey Urban (Whole Athlete) rounding out the women’s top 5.

“This course was SO fun,” exclaimed Courtney following her win. “This is great preparation for nationals next weekend.”

Kate Courtney crosses the finish line for the win. Photo by: PB Creative

“You had to be paying attention the whole time.” commented third place Rose Grant. “This course was great preparation for nationals, I had a blast.”

The men’s XC race went off with some fireworks right off the start, as Todd Wells slipped a pedal right out of the blocks and had to play catch up early. Luckily all riders got through clean with team Specialized taking control of the race early.

Howard Grotts rolls in for the win. Photo by: PB Creative

Up front reigning XC national champ Howard Grotts (Specialized) was in control over his teammate Christopher Blevins (Specialized) and current CX national champion Stephen Hyde (Cannondale P/BCyclocrossworld.com). However, Grotts would burp a tire late on lap one and have to limp into the tech zone giving away valuable time to Blevins, Hyde and a charging Todd Wells.

For the next three out of six laps, Wells continued to close the gap on Blevins and was within striking distance on the last lap. But Blevins had gaged his effort just right and went on to a twenty second victory over Wells, Hyde, Felix Longpre (MSA) and Nick Lando (Eliteendurance.com)

“I felt really good today.” expressed Grotts post-race. “It’s a shame I had that issue with my tire on lap one, that put me out of the hunt.”

“I just had to be patient out there and gage my effort.” said race winner Christopher Blevins. “Todd (Wells) is so good on these types of courses, he just keeps the power rolling and I knew he was charging hard.”

“I was a mess on that start,” explained Todd Wells. “I was laying on my tube tube after I slipped a pedal. I got into the woods about 9^th and from there just picked guys off. I could see Chris right there on the last lap, but in the end just gave away a little too much time in the beginning to close the deal.”

Start of the men’s short track event. Photo by: PB Creative

Short Track:

New day, but the same faces emerged at the front of the women’s short track race. Kate Courtney, Rose Grant and Lea Davison all found themselves with separation from the women’s group early on.

In the end, Courtney was solid again and soloed in for the win, her second on the weekend! However, the battle for second place came down to a sprint finish that was won by Rose Grant (Notubes/Pivot) over Lea Davison (Clif Bar). Elle Anderson put in a solid ride for fourth, and Kelsey Urbnan had another great day and rounded out the podium with a 5^th.

Not to be outdone by his teammates, Howard Grotts took revenge on Sunday’s short track to take the win by almost a minute. Grotts is looking on point to defend his title next weekend at USA Cycling Nationals in West Virginia.

Christopher Blevins, US Cup series leader took a close second over Stephen Hyde, while Nick Lando and Alex Meucci (Bents cycling/Atomik Carbon/Maxxis/Vittoria) rounded out the top 5.

**Series finals take place on July 29^th and 30^th in Boston, where the men’s and women’s champions will be crowned and awarded $10,000.00 respectivley. The Boston Rebellion is a U.C.I. HC event.

More Info: www.uscup.net

Gallery

: Nikki Peterson on the XC course. Photo by: PB Creative

: Start of the men’s short track event. Photo by: PB Creative

: Kate Courtney crosses the finish line for the win. Photo by: PB Creative

: Howard Grotts rolls in for the win. Photo by: PB Creative

Bailey Hundito 100

Posted on July 12, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

Bailey, Colorado

June 17, 2017

Written by: Ryan O’Dell & Shana Biese

On June 17, The NUE Marathon Race Series headed west from the Mohican MTB100k in Ohio to the high mountains of Colorado in what was described by racers as a well-connected grouping of singletrack along the world class Buffalo Creek Trail system.

Bailey HUNDito and the 100 mile HUNDO were both founded as a fundraiser. The HUNDO Mission: To support youth cycling initiatives, develop and improve access to recreational trail assets in Colorado, and develop the Bailey, Colorado Area into a cycling destination. This year, a father and son would take the podium in their respective divisions.

Photo by: Linda Guerrette

The Bailey HUNDO supports two youth biking initiatives in Colorado: Trips For Kids Denver/Boulder, which offers mountain biking opportunities to underserved youth and changes lives “two wheels at a time”! Colorado High School Cycling League, a new resource for high school students around the state to be exposed to the world of mountain bike racing–and developing the racers of tomorrow who will ride YOUR legs off!

Bailey also continues supporting the advocacy and trail building work of the Colorado Mountain Biking Association as they work to plan and build new trails in the Platte Canyon area that both serve the local community’s recreation needs and develop Bailey into a mountain biking destination. Their long term beneficiary is the Bailey Trails development project.

Photo by: Linda Guerrette

Women’s Open

Carrington claims the top of the podium

In a HUGE women’s field that included 61 registered women, Megan Carrington returned after a one year hiatus from the NUE series, representing a new team, Naked Women’s Racing, claiming first place with a time of 4:14:51.

Sixteen minutes later, Mindy Mulliken, Sherman Law, racing in her first NUE of 2017, finished second at 4:35:32.

“I went into the day feeling a little uncertain about my decision to race fifty miles two days after returning from a week long beach vacation in Florida, what was meant to be a surf trip that turned into a booze trip due to a lack of waves.

The 9:30am start was intimidating considering the typically hot temperatures this time of year, but we lucked out with some cloud cover and comfortable temperatures. The aid stations were plentiful and provided more than enough support with hand offs and options but honestly, the most impressive part of the race was the significant distances of world class singletrack linked up with little to zero road in between to create a 50 mile and 100 mile race that ended around the same time…that was incredible.

Photo by: Linda Guerrette

I also was thinking it was the easiest fifty mile race I have ever done because the trails are so flowy, fun and the climbing never punches you in the gut. Truth be told, I was thinking it was the easiest fifty mile race I have ever done until I hit the final section on road, that’s when I wanted to cry. No one warned me that I had to finish on the never ending road for over thirty minutes that felt like riding in quick sand and was deceivingly uphill. I have already forgotten about that minor detail and am planning on doing this race again in the future. Everyone was so friendly and it is for such an awesome cause you can’t go wrong with participating in this race. It provides some great early season mileage for us mountain folk! Super fun race, great setting for camping/post party and generous prizes for a fundraising event! Thanks again!!”

Five minutes later, Lisa Hudson, Feedback Sports, returned to the Hundito for a second year placing third with a time of 4:40:34. Twelve minutes behind Hudson, Angela des Cognets, Boulder Orthopedics, took fourth at 4:52:47. Five minutes later, Madelynn Gerritsen, Ptarmigan Group, took fifth at 4:57:34. Less than a minute later, Tamira Jenlink, became the final women to go sub five hours on the day at 4:58:20.

Photo by: Linda Guerrette

Men’s Open

Nitti gets the Win

After placing third in last year’s Hundito, Tony Nitti, Basalt Bike & Ski, took the top spot this year with a time of 3:40:25.

“On the opening road climb, Mark Currie and I separated from the field and hit the private property double track first. I’m well aware of how strong Mark is on the climbs and how much time he would be putting into me on the descents all day, so I was determined not to let him go.

As we descended to the bridge, Sam Furness suddenly ripped past us and crossed the bridge first, letting Mark and I know this would be more than a two-horse race. When we started to climb again after the bridge, I was feeling strong, and knowing that we had a twenty minute single track descent coming up where I would lose chunks of time to Mark and Sam, I decided to put in a big effort. I was able to put a few minutes on them before we hit the Colorado trail, but as predicted, by the time we finished the descent, Mark had reeled me in and Sam was right on my heels.

On the next short climb I was able to claw onto Marks wheel, but on the subsequent fast descent to the start of the Baldy climb, both he and Sam put some distance on me. The Baldy climb is a solid thirty minutes, followed by a twenty-five minute descent that’s the longest of the race. I knew if I didn’t make a move on Baldy, they would gap me by too much on the descent to overcome. So I put in a big dig, caught Sam and then Mark, and then climbed solo to the top. I must have put four to five minutes on the two of them because, on the long descent, neither of them caught me. I hoped that if I could reach the Nice Kitty climb and get out of sight before they could see me, they might just let me go, and it appears that’s what happened.

Photo by: Linda Guerrette

I climbed as hard as I could on that long Kitty climb, and then just focused on staying upright on the Shingle Mill and Morrison Creek descent. When I spilled out on the last dirt rode climb to the finish, I kept the pressure on the pedals and was fortunate to ride to the win against two insanely strong competitors.”

Four minutes later, Sam Furness, Nat Grocers/Honey Stinger finished second at 3:44:41. Furness made his 2017 NUE debut with this race, and joined his dad, Sam Furness, who also claimed a spot on the Masters podium.

Eight minutes later, Mark Currie, The Adrenaline Project, crossed the line to take third at 3:52:24. Less than a minute later, Nathaniel Vacura, Race Co., took fourth finishing 3:53:17.

Exactly one minute separated fourth and fifth place as Scott Leonard, Mountain Flyer Magazine, finished 3:55:30, just ahead of Gregory Stokes, STRAFE, at 3:56:30 both included in the elite six that finished sub four hours on the day.

Singlespeed

Anderies with a commanding win!

Matt Anderies, Avout Racing, made his NUE 2017 debut with a commanding fifteen minute cushion for the win at 4:15:05.

“My race experience was pretty great and weather was amazing compared to high 90’s from last year. The race course is fast and fun, with the road climb(s) near the beginning really doing a great job of separating the group before the singletrack begins. The course is well marked and aid stations are great. I raced using 32×20 gearing. Anytime I race a course with more than a few thousand feet of climbing, I use this gearing. This course was faster than I was expecting and I probably could have gotten away with 32 x 19.”

Ross Serven, earned second place in his first Single Speed endurance race at 4:30:29. “The Bailey Hundito was my first SS endurance race, so I wasn’t completely sure what to expect, but it turned out to be a great time. The race was well organized, there was a solid field and, as everyone knows who has ridden Buffalo Creek, some really fun single track.

I typically ride 32×20 but, heading into the race, I decided to move to 32×18. After a confidence boosting pre-ride of some of the course the week before, I decided it was the right gearing for the race. Starting off the race I was mid-pack but, thankfully as the race rolled on, I continued to feel stronger. Starting the climb up Nice Kitty, I was feeling good and managed to gain some ground on the other riders and that momentum pulled me through to a strong finish, definitely not a bad way to spend a Saturday in June.”

Two minutes later, John Pavlik, Alchemist, who raced last year in the Men’s Open category at Bailey Hundo, moved to Single Speed in the Hundito this year to finish with a time of 4:32:29.

“Thanks for a great race. I think, overall, it was a fantastic experience. I have ridden in the Hundito for four years now and this was, by far, the best course. Aid stations were well provisioned and the volunteers were stoked to help. I rode in the Singlespeed category with a gear ratio of 1.5 which was pretty ideal for the course.”

Masters 50+

Wallace wins!

In a large Masters field of 61 racers, Mark Wallace, Pedal Pushers Kind Racing, claimed a comfortable win at 4:14:34 at his first 2017 NUE Marathon Series race.

“The Bailey Hundito was another great race put on for the benefit of the Bailey area trails and youth biking. There was no disappointment this year with a new single-track section, a full fifty mile course and over 5500 feet of climbing. It’s usually warm the day of this event and this year the water hand ups were amazingly well organized and appreciated. The volunteers were all well prepared and water bottles were received without even slowing down! Thanks for a very well run race, an excellent after party, and a huge shout out to Hog Heaven BBQ for the great lunch!”

Wallace, the senior member of the team, keeps the young guns honest and shows what a little extra hard work can accomplish winning the 50-59 age group and besting his teammates with the eleventh overall place. “My team, #Pedalpusherskindracing, was well represented at this years’ Bailey Hundito with three of us racing the 50 mile “short course”. We rode together for much of the race, pacing each other along finishing in 11th, 13th and 15th place overall.”

Seven minutes behind Wallace, Todd Maus finished in second place with a time of 4:21:08.

Three minutes later, 2016’s Hundito Master’s Winner, Peter Furness, Tember, returned this year and earned a third place finish with a time of 4:24:10

“This was the third year in a row that I did the Bailey Hundito and I was really looking forward to this race as my twenty-year-old son did the race with me this year. We were fortunate enough to both finish well enough to podium and this will be quite a memory for me and my son to have. I did not have the smoothest race as, unfortunately, I crashed hard two times during the first half but, somehow, was able to get it together to finish the race just barely ahead of my good friend Jon Cox with three miles to the end. All in all, a memorable day for my family, friends, and me.”

Three minutes later, Jonathan Cox, Racer X Cycling, took fourth place at 4:27:02. Forty-Eight Seconds behind Cox, John Soukup, Avout Racing, took fifth at 4:27:50.

WHATS NEXT?!

NUE Race Series EPIC and Marathon Series #5:

On July 8th, racers will travel to Sturgis for the Tatanka, a point to point race in the Black Hills of South Dakota that starts beneath iconic Mount Rushmore then along the Centennial Trail toward the finish in Sturgis. Stay tuned for the full report plus live social media updates during the race on Facebook at National Ultra Endurance Mountain Bike Race Series.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RESULTS

: Photo by: Linda Guerrette

: Photo by: Linda Guerrette

: Photo by: Linda Guerrette

: Photo by: Linda Guerrette

: Photo by: Linda Guerrette

: Photo by: Linda Guerrette

: Photo by: Linda Guerrette

: Photo by: Linda Guerrette

Founders Lumberjack 100

Posted on July 12, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

Ryan O’Dell, Shana Biese

On June 17, The NUE Race Series returned to Wellston, Michigan, the site of one of the original NUE 100-Mile Mountain bike races. The Lumberjack race course is located within the Manistee National forest which is just under a million acres of solid hardwood forest. The 33 mile loop is 90% singletrack with hard packed sandy soil and rolling hills that challenge racers with close to 3,000 feet of climbing per lap.

Following an early downpour in the morning before the race, many outside of Michigan learned just how well the sandy singletrack in Michigan holds up to moisture.

Dylan Johnson, Brian Schworm and other finishers from the Lumberjack share stories. Photo by: Jack Kunnen

Women’s Open

Edwards gets her first win this year

Chase Edwards, Flagstaff Bike Revolution, came in first place with a time of 7:32:37. Edwards is currently in third place overall this year for the NUE Epic Series, having also raced at True Grit where she came in fifth place.

“I rolled up to the start line a little worried about the quantity of mead I’d consumed the night before (I’d gone mead tasting at the St. Ambrose Meadery and tap room not far from the Lumberjack course!), and I was also feeling jet lagged from the long flight from Arizona. My dad lives in this part of Michigan, and he insisted on taking photos of me at the start line as I glanced around nervously scoping the competition. I didn’t recognize any of the women, but I was impressed with the quantity of them! There were more women registered than any of the other NUE races I’ve done.

I’d heard the bottle that the bottleneck at the start of the race was going to be bad, but it was way worse than I had imagined. I was frustrated with myself for not being more aggressive at the start. Jenna Blannford got in front of me at the beginning of the first lap and I remember thinking, “I hope my groggy brain is up for a fight!” I took it easy on the first lap because I wanted to get into the groove of this course and warmup up to this style of riding – in the Southwest, we don’t have a lot of tight trees and twisty/turny singletrack like the Lumberjack has to offer.

I managed to drop Jenna and most of the guys I was riding with on the steepest hill on the course toward the end of the first lap. Most people walked this climb, but I rode it each lap and happily insisted to the guys I passed that this was my one strength on the Midwest singletrack! My cornering around the tight trees improved each lap, I did a pretty good job eating and drinking during the race (this was a big improvement over last year – last year I was convinced eating and drinking was impossible on this course!), and my legs put out consistently high watts on the punchy climbs.

My highlight of the race was pulling a pack of five or six hilarious and good natured dudes on the long rolling section on the backside of the course. I started to tear up behind my sun glasses when my dad – who used to be my Nordic skiing and running coach when I was a kid – met me at the finish line. I grew up running and cross-country skiing in this part of Michigan (but had never ridden a bike here until last summer!). The Lumberjack is a really well organized and fun race, and I hope to be back next summer! The next NUE race for me will be Breckenridge 100.”

Dori Leib, Wolverine Sports, in her first NUE race of this year, came in second place 8:03:08.

Also making her 2017 NUE debut, Mireille Montminy Lambert, took the third spot on the podium with a time of 8:07:39.

Dylan Johnson takes the win at Lumberjack. Photo by: Jack Kunnen

Men’s Open

Johnson gets his second NUE Race victory at Lumberjack!

Defending 2016 NUE Champion, Dylan Johnson, Cameron MTB Racing, leads the NUE Men’s Open division for the 2017 Season. Following his first win at Cohutta plus second place finishes at both True Grit and Mohican; Johnson completed his fourth race with a “W” and the coveted Axe Trophy at 6:35:07.

“When I woke up the morning of the race it was pouring rain and I began to mentally prepare myself for a long wet day. As to be expected the start was a sprint for position. I found myself leading the opening section and about halfway through the first of three laps a clear front group of seven riders had formed. That group slowly dwindled down over the next two hours and, by the start of the last lap, only Brian and I remained.

On the flat course I knew getting away from a strong rider like Brian would be difficult but I had a plan. Five miles from the finish there are three steep climbs back to back. Each one lasts less than a minute but I thought that maybe if I gave 100 percent on all three I’d have a chance of breaking away. I managed to make the separation and with 5 miles left there was nothing to do but stay hard on the gas. I crossed the finish line to a crowd of people cheering and congratulating me. I’d never seen so many spectators at the end of an NUE and it really made this win special. Michigan locals know how to support their racers.”

Johnson plans to compete at both the upcoming Tatanka 100 on July 8 and The High Cascades 100 on July 15.

2016 Lumberjack 100 race winner, Brian Schworm, Think Green- Bicycle, from Morehead, KY finished second with a time of 6:36:07. Schworm currently stands in third place overall for this NUE Race season.

“The Lumberjack 100 is one of my favorite races with the fast, twisty singletrack and the short, steep climbs. This year, however, I was concerned about the weather forecast; storms were being called for before and during the race. Sure enough, I woke up on race day to hard rains. Fortunately, the rain subsided as my wife and I headed to the course.

With the rain at bay, the race started with the usual mad dash down the paved road and funneled into the tight singletrack. I was able to get a good position and settled into the fourth spot, once we hit the trails. Surprisingly, the trails were in good condition considering the rain we just received. Apparently, the sandy trails in this area can handle moisture very well.

A lead group quickly established consisting of me, Dylan Johnson, Christian Tanguy, Daniel Yankus, Ron Caitlin, Mike Simonson, and Matt Acker in the 100 Open, as well as, Jorden Wakeley racing in the singlespeed category. We rode the first lap together at a brisk pace with nothing eventful occurring, that is, until we reached the aid station at the end of the lap. I was in-and-out relatively quickly, thanks to the support from my wife Jennifer, but apparently, Christian was suffering from a mechanical issue and was sidelined for a good five to ten minutes. With the exception of Christian and his mechanical, the majority of us grouped back together with Ron setting a blistering pace.

The first half of lap two was again somewhat uneventful; that is, until I decided to not pay attention to the trail and instead focuses on my Garmin. I drifted off the trail and caught a tree with my shoulder. Before I even realized what had happened, I was over the bars and lying on the ground. I was more embarrassed than anything else but I gave my bike a quick look-over and jumped back on. Ironically, this seemed to be the catalyst that broke our group apart. Jorden stopped to air up a slow-leaking tire, Daniel stopped at the following aid station for a drink, and Ron drifted back off Dylan’s pace up the next climb. Despite my crash, I was able to catch back up with Dylan and we rode together completing lap two.

The third and final lap was a bit chaotic. Dylan and I were catching many lapped riders while still pressing the pace. We went back and forth throughout the lap until the final series of climbs. I hit the hills hard but Dylan was unfazed. He then attacked at the base of what was probably the largest climb. I hung in there for a while but knew I was in trouble. Unfortunately, a stick lodged itself in my rear wheel at this point and took a few spokes with it. This sealed the deal for the race. I needed to stop to remove the stick and Dylan was off. In fact, his lead continued to grow as we approached the finish line. In the end, Dylan took the victory and I came across the line almost one minute down. Behind us was a fast charging Matt and Christian, both who apparently had fantastic last laps to finish third and fourth.

Now it’s time for a little recovery and then revamp for my next NUE event, the Wilderness 101 in PA on July 29!”

At 6:42:50, Matt Aker rolled in just two seconds ahead of the former NUE Champion, Christian Tanguy, Rbs/trek, who claimed fourth at 6:42:52. Six minutes later, Daniel Yankus, Athletic Mentors/Greenware USA, from Milford, MI took fifth at 6:48:52 with Tanguy’s teammate, Ronald Caitlin, Rbs Trek Cycling, arriving sixth in the Men’s Open, just one minute behind SS Race winner, Jorden Wakeley, to finish 6:52:50. These seven racers all finished at sub seven hours.

Singlespeed

Wakeley takes first place in his first NUE of the Season

Known as “The Giant from Grayling”, Jorden Wakeley, M22/Northbound Outfitters, overcame a leaking rear tire and pulled off the win with a time of 6:51:56, sixth overall, and the only SS racer to go sub seven on the day!

“I rode with the lead group of four including Dylan Johnson and Brian Schworm for the first fifty miles before having to stop and fix a slow leaking rear tire. Ron Catlin put in a big effort on the start of the second lap, I was able to hang, and knew my gap over the second SS’er had to be pretty solid. I rode the majority of the last thirty miles solo using a 36×18 gear on a fully rigid 29er. The next races I am planning for are Wilderness 101 and Marji Gesick.”

As the first finisher on a rigid SS, Wakely received a Lauf Fork of his choice. Lauf is awarding a new fork for the first fully rigid SS Racer at each NUE Race this season. http://laufforks.com/

In his first NUE Race this season, Andrew Fader, Bloomington Cycle, took second place with a time of 7:00:25.

Following his second place finish at the Shenandoah 100 last season, Collin Snyder, Athletic Mentors, made his 2017 NUE debut at Lumberjack, finishing third with a time of 7:14:27.

Jeff Clayton takes the men’s 50+ win. Photo by: Jack Kunnen

Masters 50+

Clayton’s wins Back to Back at Lumberjack!

Following his 7:04:11 win last year at Lumberjack, the Defending NUE Masters Champion, Jeff Clayton, Georgia Neurosurgical Institute, claimed his third straight NUE Series win, including Cohutta and Mohican. This year, Clayton finished twenty-one minutes over his nearest SS competitor, to finish 7:15:48 and remains undefeated in his bid to repeat for the NUE Race Series Masters title.

“I was very excited to have the company of my lovely and very supportive wife, Jodi. We traveled way up to Big M in Michigan all the way from middle Georgia. Michigan scenery and temperatures are great, but the bugs rival everywhere I’ve been except maybe Alaska!

I had a nice hard pre-ride with two of the fastest NUE racers out there-Dylan Johnson and Brian Schworm. They were just cruising up the hills and I was at race pace. With Jodi set up to pit for me, I knew I’d have great intel on race splits vs. my rivals and quick hand ups. The start was fairly tame and I was very happy with my position until about ten minutes in when a stick jammed into my wheel. About fifteen racers went by while I extracted it, luckily no damage.

I had fun moving back up in the order, especially when I lucked into being on the wheel of a fast guy on a cross bike on the longest road section-he motored! The first lap was pretty smooth, and starting lap two, I was with two strong guys that really ramped up the pace every climb as we caught and passed groups of racers. I was surprised to then drop them on the sandy road after the tower hike-a-bike before catching another group just before the aid station with a couple of fast singlespeeders in it, including my race pace buddy, James Litzinger.

That pace wasn’t going to cut it and I found myself with just James and another singlespeeder, here we go again! I actually dropped them too but, about ten minutes into the third lap; here they came with another guy. They were in a heated battle for third and it was all I could do to hang on…until I couldn’t.

I was starting to see stars and the legs just weren’t putting out the power, a “bonk” from not enough energy (candy corn being my favorite). Letting off the pace to eat and a good stop at the aid station and I started to feel fast again. Nobody caught me and I actually caught James and one other singlespeeder…good!

With only five miles left, I decided to go all out to see what I could do (and what they would do)…and they took the bait! I was going so hard on the last few hills I got tunnel vision, but I held them off. Always good to race to the very finish! Thanks to no crashes, pacing fairly well (minus the lap 3 bonk), and my fabulous race assistant wife, I took the masters win and another lumberjack 100 axe trophy.”

Racing in his first NUE this year, Terry Sensiba, Founders Racing, came in second with a time of 7:36:57.

Christopher Abston, Racing Greyhounds, is currently ranked second in the NUE Series point race. Abston solidified his standing at Lumberjack with a third place finish of 7:42:09.

“This was my second year at Lumberjack. The goal was to place in the top three seeing I had a third place finish at Cohutta 100 and fourth at Mohican 100. I was lined up near the front at the start of the race and I saw my main competitor a few riders ahead. As the race started I tried to stay as close as I could to him and, after the first few miles, I noticed that he was having a mechanical issue and so I made a move to pass him.

After about five miles into the race, I was wondering if he had to drop out of the race or is he fast approaching. Well that question was answered a few moments later. While I was on the double track, he and another guy blew by our group like we were standing still. I was going to attempt to jump on his wheel but I did not want to blow myself up so I was content to stay where I was.

As I started the second lap, I noticed a gentleman that looked like he would be in the Masters 50+ group and he seemed to be riding pretty strong. I did not know this gentleman (later found out it was Jack Klein) but I attempted to drop him three times but two of the times he ended up catching me about ten minutes after I dropped him during that second lap. As we went through the pit area on the third lap, I had a slight gap on him but I was trying to stay controlled so I had some in the tank for a strong finish.

Once I hit the double track, I noticed a group was fast approaching me so I decided to use some of my past experience as a road racer and to sit up and jump on their wheels. I ended up riding on Jack Klein’s wheel for the next fifteen miles until I had to stop to relieve myself and thought that my race was over. I gave a good effort to see if I could catch back up and, after a few minutes, I was able to get back on his wheel and rest for a bit. With about twelve miles to go, I decided to see if I could drop him again and hold him off this time till the finish. Fortunately, the effort paid off and I cruised in for a third place finish.”

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RESULTS

WHATS NEXT: The NUE 100 Mile Epic Series and Marathon Series will head west to Sturgis, South Dakota for the Tatanka 100 on July 8th. As of July 16, Race Leaders in both the NUE Epic and Marathon Race Series will earn a comp entry into the NUE Volcano 100 in Liberia, Costa Rica. Volcano is the first NUE Race to be held outside the USA and, with 600 already registered, may also become the largest as well. For more information, visit www.nuemtb.com

Mohican 100k

Posted on June 26, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

Linda Shin and Andrew Dillman Win 100k in Loudonville

Written by: Ryan O’Dell & Shana Biese

Racers from across the fruited plains gathered in Loudonville located in North Central Ohio on June 3 at 7am. Prior to the start of the race, Pastor Robert Patterson of the New Hope Community Church offered a prayer for the safety of racers. New Hope Community Church was presented with a check to help launch a mentoring program designed to help lift local Loudonville area residents out of poverty.

Following the singing of the national anthem before the Loudonville war memorial in the town square where the race officially begins, and with sirens wailing, The Mohican 100 released 600+ racers out of Loudonville, up Maple Heights, and along some of the most popular single track trails Ohio has to offer on a grand single loop, 100 mile and 100k, that spans three of the four counties that make up what is locally known as “Mohican Country”. 2017 Mohican offered a cash purse of over $11,000, the largest single day cash purse in the NUE Race Series.

Mere blocks off the start of the race, a rider attempted an ill-advised pass, catching the handlebar of anther racer, going down onto the pavement, suffering a broken collar bone, abrasions to the face, and forcing both riders to drop out of the race. Both injured racers were taken for medical treatment but returned to enjoy post-race festivities at the finish line.

Jason Blodget, KTM Factory Racing, was the first racer to crest at the city limits before going on to finish second in the 100k Men’s Open. Blodget was awarded an additional $200 cash prime courtesy of the Loudonville Visitors Bureau.

As occasionally happens at Mohican throughout its fifteen year history, a course arrow sign was stolen before being reported and replaced by Mohican course proofers. In addition to signs, racers are instructed to pay close attention to orange confidence ribbons and large painted bright orange arrows on pavement sections for added direction in case signs are stolen.

About 25 miles in, a stolen sign located just before a left turn onto a bridge resulted in a pack of race leaders, along with several others, who missed the left turn when they failed to notice, and consequently rolled right over, three large bright orange painted arrows on the paved road located well before and near the left turn. This would result in several lead changes.

Women’s Open

Shin takes the win.

Making her NUE debut in the Marathon series this year, Linda Shin, Black Smith Cycles, last year’s Mohican 100 mile winner, took the women’s Open 100k with a time of 5:37:22. Shin finished in sixth place overall last year in the 2016 Epic 100 Mile Series.

Coming off her first NUE Series win at the Cohutta 100k, OMBC Race Series Champion, Jen Toops, Paradise Garage, finished second with a time of 5:43:27.

“Mohican 100k is one of my favorite races because it is local and so many of our friends are there. The start of the race was fast and I immediately heard a crash somewhere behind me putting me on edge. I was third going into the singletrack for 100k women. The group I was with was slower than I wanted and even came to a stop at several points.
Linda and I rode together trying to work our way up to the front. We eventually got around the slower traffic right before the covered bridge and ended up passing the leader, Sally Price soon after. Linda and I stayed together until aid station 2 and then I had leg cramps set in. I backed off a little bit and tried to eat/drink and power through the cramps but ended up losing sight of Linda.

The wilderness was rough for me. I kept pushing, hoping I could catch her on the roads but ended up not having anyone to work with. I finally got my second wind going into the last singletrack but it was too late. I ended up finishing 2nd and beat my time from last year by 45 minutes! Hopefully, we will make it out to Tatanka if I can get the time off work.”

Finishing out top 3 in the Women’s Open was 2016 Mohican 100k Race Winner, Sally price, Velofemme, with a time of 5:49:07.

Men’s Open

With just a minute separating first and second, Dillman takes the win and sets a new 100k course record!

After placing second at Big Frog 65 a few weeks ago, Andrew Dillman, Think Green, earned a narrow win and a course record with a time of 4:27:04. The previous course record was set in 2012 by OMBC Ohio Series Champion, Steve Twinning at 4:29:00.

Jason Blodgett, KTM Factory Racing, came in just over a minute behind Dillman with a time of 4:28:29. Blodgett also was the first racer to crest the city limits out of Loudonville at Maple Heights, earning him a cool $200 prime form the Loudonville Visitors and Convention Bureau.

OMBC Ohio Series Defending Champion and last year’s 100k race winner, Andrew Purcell, Wooster Bikewerks/Y-Not Cyling, was three minutes behind Blodgett to secure third place with a time of 4:32:32. Purcell’s knowledge of the trail and speed put him in the early lead through the 20+ miles of early singletrack.

“What a race it was this year at the Mohican 100k. I am a Mohican native so I know the opening trails very well. I knew that if I set a very fast pace at the beginning of the race it would split the field up quickly. I led the race through aid station one. However, shortly after aid one, I clipped a tree with my handlebars and was slammed to the ground taking me out of the lead. I quickly got up and had to straighten my handlebars out.

Once back on my bike, I had to chase back onto the front group burning a lot of energy to get back. Finally back with the leaders, the pace lifted once again and I just didn’t have the legs to hang. After that, I was in survival mode to minimize my losses and hang onto a solid third place finish. 4:32 was my best time to date!”

Singlespeed

Powers returns for his ninth year of racing NUE and takes the win

2016 Mohican SS 100 mile race winner, Donald Powers, UPMC Pro bikes, crushed the 100k SS field finishing 5:03:46.

“2017 was the ninth consecutive year I have lined up for either the Mohican 100 mile or 100K race, on top of that I have done the OMBC Mohican XC race another five times. I am very familiar with the trails and course.

As I have done the last several years, I ran my Mohican gear of choice 34X20. It provides a good balance between spinning speed and the ability to clear the short steep pitches that Mohican throws your way.

After winning the 100 mile SS race in 2016, I decided to go back to racing the 100K. In my mind, it is the perfect mix of trail and gravel road. The long paved road start at Mohican is every Singlespeeder’s worst nightmare. After the initial climb it is way too fast for most of us to hold on to the lead group. I was able to go into the woods fairly far up, third Singlespeed into the woods with the only two in front of me being 100 mile racers.

I settled into my pace and started working my way though a good portion of the geared guys who got into the woods before me. I felt good though out the day and managed to get the SS first place win, and thirteenth place overall, with a time of 5:03 and change. As always the Mohican volunteers were amazing and very helpful at the aid stations and variance turns out on the course.”

Scott Williams, Dirt Rag Magazine, came in second place with a time of 5:31:08. Williams placed second in the NUE SS Marathon Series in 2016.

“The NUE Mohican 100 is one of my favorite races and is always a difficult one to omit from the calendar. With the month of May booked solid with our own, Dirt Rag Dirt Fest Pennsylvania and then heading straight into the Trans-Sylvania Epic (TSE) 5-day Stage Race, I really was not sure I would have any energy left for Mohican. However, once returning from TSE I knew there was no way I could miss it and scooped myself up a 100k SS entry.

I switched my gearing over to the trusty ol’ 34×20 and loaded the car up for a fun filled weekend with awesome friends, cold beverages and incredible trails. At the end of the day, I would find myself on the second block for the 100k single speed podium next to a bunch of winners. I will be doing the Breck Epic this year but, other than that, my only plan is to ride bikes and have fun this year.

Just over a minute back, Aaron Shelmire, NovaCare p/b JMac Cycling, secured third place with a time of 5:32:23.

“Coming into the race I knew the loud and proud Dahn Pahrs, a constant megaphone in my ear since we started riding and racing together ten years ago, had switched to the 100km race after rail trail of despair nightmares. Other attendees of Pittsburgh’s weekly North Park hammer ride were Tim Mould and Scott Williams in the 100km race. Scott’s mustache provided too much wind resistance in the 6 hours of Brady’s Run a few weeks ago, but, after his week of “not-trying” at the Transylvania Epic, I knew he’d be a contender. The trusty 32×19 workhorse I’ve ridden in the Mohican 100km races I’ve done since 2012 and the Big Frog 65 last year, was nearly the same as their 34x20s.

I rode much of the first twenty miles in second place to Dahn. Then, shortly after aid station 1, I looked up from putting a bottle back in the cage just in time to kiss a tree, cracking the aero vent on the front of my helmet and breaking my nose. I brushed myself off, and vanquished that challenge ready to take on the next obstacle.

A few miles later, I saw a rider standing on the side of the trail asking for a CO2 or a pump. In need of some good trail karma, I threw caution to the wind giving him my spare CO2, and never encountered the typical mechanical difficulty of endurance racing.

At the end of the singletrack, I followed the venerable Roger Masse up a bonus road climb, only to come backtrack six minutes later to where we missed the familiar left turn across the bridge, marked with spray paint on the pavement (note to self: download the .gpx file next year, even if you’ve ridden the course five times). Necessary wrong-turn endurance-race checkbox: checked. With that obstacle vanquished, I had conquered all three necessary endurance racing phantoms: the crash, the mechanical difficulty, and the missed turn.

The last ten miles were some of the best racing I’ve had in years moving from sixth to third in a strongly fielded SingleSpeed class. In the end, the mustache proved more aero than a cracked helmet, and Scott took second, one minute and change ahead, instead of the two minutes and change he put into me last year. Hopefully, the prize winnings will help him buy some clothes newer than the 1980s and mustache wax for aerodynamics before the Breck-Epic in August.”

Masters 50+

Cozza earns back to back wins at Mohican!

Defending Mohican Race Winner, Craig Cozza, UPMC Cycling Performance/Pro Bikes, earned his second straight win at Mohican with a time of 5:02:23, a shade over last year’s winning time of 4:58:09, the only sub five posted by a Masters racer.

Scott Burrill of Bikeman.com, came in second place with a time of 5:23:11

“This was my first time racing the Mohican so it was a race full of lessons learned for me. I arrived a couple of days early from Maine to get myself established and check out some of the course. I was able to pre-ride much of the State Forest single track which was awesome and quickly learned that Ohio is not flat! There are generous amounts of climbing out there.

Race day started a little chilly, just below 50 F, but promised to reach 80 F so the right layers were key. The starting line was amazing with the hundreds of racers converging as I began to realize the size of the pack. I actually had no idea of the first few miles of the course so I was surprised to find the steep wall at the end of town. In the lead up I rode defensive so as not to get taken out in the first mile of a race I travelled half-way across the country to race in.

I went hard in the first few miles so as to get a good spot once we hit single-track but apparently not hard enough because I soon found myself stuck behind twenty or more riders in the woods. We moved at a painful casual group pace for what seemed like an eternity with little opportunity to pass. Eventually, things did break up and the pack spread out.

By the covered bridge things were fairly well sorted out pack-wise. The Mohican Forest trail was just a blast to ride, non-technical, fast and flowy. I did fall victim to the water bars (on the horse trail) however, being taken down by the last one into a muddy pit but that was the extent of water and hazard. For the most part, the course was otherwise point and shoot.

Moving out onto the dirt and pavement allowed for some speed work where I found myself sometimes with others and sometimes alone. I did manage to take a couple wrong turns but quickly corrected the errors losing maybe five minutes. The heat really turned up as we approached noon and after I left aid station 3. The aid stations were like a NASCAR Pit Crew, amazingly well run and efficient; the best I have ever encountered!

As I made my way back into the park past Aid Station 5, I knew I was close, all alone with no one in sight behind or in front so it was a race against me. I managed to stave off cramping up until this last section but it started to rear its head in the last five miles. I just kept the pace even and steady and worked my way back to the campground which was a fabulous site to behold! Overall a fantastic race experience; well done!

2015 Mohican 100k Masters winner, Robert Goetz took third place with a time of 5:32:32, an improvement from his 2015 winning time of 5:46:11 but not quite as fast as his 2016 time of 5:20:41 that had him second only to Cozza.

At age 75 and looking dapper at the finish line, Mike Deitlin, raised the bar on the age barrier, setting a new record as the only 70-79 racer to finish the 100k. Dietlin’s sub nine finish was at 8:50:13. In 2014, at the age of 72, Dietlin set the record as the oldest 100 mile race finisher with a time of 13:16:09.

WHATS NEXT?!

NUE Race Series EPIC and Marathon Series #4:

On June 17, The NUE Race Series features a double header with races in both Colorado and Michigan.

NUE Epic 100 Mile Race Series #4: The (now sold out) Lumberjack 100 features a three lap all singletrack race in the Manistee Forest.

NUE Marathon Race Series #4: The (now sold out) Bailey Hundito, located in Bailey, Colorado is a 100% fundraiser for Trips for Kids and the Colorado High School Cycling League

Mohican 100 Mile

Posted on June 22, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

Course Records Broken at the 15^th Annual Mohican Mountain Bike 100

Loudonville, OH

Written by: Ryan O’Dell & Shana Biese

Two race records were shattered at the 15^th Annual Mohican 100!

About 25 miles in, a stolen sign located just before a left turn onto a bridge resulted in a second pack of race leaders along with several others who missed the left turn when they failed to notice, and consequently rolled right over, three large bright orange painted arrows on the paved road located well before and near the left turn. This would result in several lead changes, including an expanded gap for the eventual race winner and new Mohican course record holder, Jeremiah Bishop who recognized the alternate course markings, made the left turn, and increased what had been a narrow gap on the field.

Women’s Open

Williams keeps the winning streak alive scoring the second fastest time in Mohican MTB100 History!

Carla Williams, Joe’s Bike Shop, ESI grips, Maxxis tires, Ridge Supply, took first place with a time of 7:56:58. After a tough race at the Cohutta 100 in Ducktown, Tennessee, Carla recorded her second straight win. William’s time was the second fastest time ever recorded by a woman in Mohican’s 15 year history. The course record was set by NUE Series Champion, Amanda Carey, Kenda/Felt, in 2012 at 7:42:26. The closest before Williams was 7:59:34 in 2013 by NUE Series Champion, Cheryl Sornsen.

“My race went really well. I have finally found my 100 mile racing legs and instead of flying and dying like I did at Cohutta, I felt like I was able to fly for the entire race. The start at Mohican is always chaotic. There are about 700 racers in the 100 mile and 100k race starting at the same time down Main Street in Loudonville, OH. I saw a horrible crash in the first half mile that took out at least two racers on the asphalt. Then we hit the first hill and things started to spread out a little bit. I got into a good position leading the women’s field right before we entered the first singletrack section. It was so fun! The first 30ish miles are all singletrack riding through really flowy, fast trails. I had my full suspension bike with ESI grips and Maxxis Ikon tires and was just rolling through the trails behind a fast group of men.

I think there were a couple of things that made this race a lot better for me. The first was a workout my coach, Chris Beck, made me do last weekend. It was 4×45 minute intervals with 15 minutes rest. It was like doing four time trials in a row. It was hard, but it definitely gave me the confidence to keep the pace fast for the entire race without fear that I would blow up. I also brought music this time, which I don’t usually race with. I think it kept me more upbeat and I could more easily ignore how hard I was breathing/working. Lastly, Jeff and I watched some of the UCI World Cup MTB races on Redbull TV. It was pretty inspiring to see the women there racing their hearts out and, anytime I started to think about backing off the pace, I kept telling myself that none of those women would slow down and that motivated me to keep going.

Thanks so much to Ryan for organizing the race, all the volunteers at the aid stations (having pitchers of water made filling camel packs so much easier and faster!), to Back Alley Bikes for getting my bike completely repaired after I destroyed it at Pisgah, to ESI grips, Maxxis Tires, Ridge Supply Socks, Joe’s Bike Shop Racing Team, and my coach, Chris Beck, who gives me sometimes impossible workouts but never stops challenging me to get faster and stronger.”

Rhonda Stickle, North Hub Bike Shop, was second at 8:48:12. “I started near the front to avoid crashes, and glad I did. I was riding in the same group with Carla off the start for a few kilometers until the first single track section, then I never saw her again. She was extremely strong and I’m sort of newer to 100miler MTB races and needed to focus on my own race plan.

A few kilometers before aid station #2, fellow Canadian and friend Linda Shin racing the 100km race, rode past me on a single track section and encouraged me to come along with her.
We rode together for approximately 20km sharing pulls when we could. We swapped positions several times, as we each had sections we excelled in. We worked together until shortly before our races went different ways at aid station 3.

I road alone for a good while after aid station 3 until a rail trail section where I was very lucky to earn a pull from another rider for a few kilometers, especially because I felt like I was bonking a tad. At aid station 4, I got a second wind and fueled well to have a good strong finish. I was climbing really well on many of the longer climbs in the final 1/4 of the race where many other riders seemed to be out of steam. I was happy to feel the second wind when I did and finish strong. The race plan my husband and I worked on for the 100 mile race worked really well for the day.

It was a very tough hilly race, but I enjoy climbing on my bike. A huge kudos to all the amazing volunteers! This race definitely has the most helpful volunteers! Top notch!
I’m grateful to my team “North Hub Bike Shop” out of Bolton, Ontario Canada and our team sponsors Global Precast, Greenbelt Property Management, Bolton Tire, AspenINC.ca, Ryders Eyewear, Garneau, Wolftooth Components, Giro Sports Design, ESI grips and Superfly Racing.”

Allison Arensmen, J.A. King Racing, finished third with a time of 9:10:44. Mohican was her NUE Series racing debut.

“I didn’t really know what to expect coming into the Mohican as it was my first attempt at a 100 mile mountain bike race. I had done road and gravel races that numbered 70-100 miles before (plus a couple of 35-50 mile mountain bike races this year), but didn’t know how that would compare to the effort an ultra-endurance mountain bike race would take. It was one of the toughest mental challenges I’ve overcome yet, and the last 4 hours were full of deep soul searching, praying, and some hallucinations of small animals running down the trail. Such an epic day!

During the race I both loved it -beautiful singletrack, power-section dirt roads- and loathed it -hike a bike, not being able to fuel on extended single track sections. Towards the middle I was wondering how I was going to be able to keep sitting on the saddle for another fifty miles. The body didn’t feel 100% and I began to feel fatigue only twenty miles in, so I had to change my goals from going for a sub-8 hour day to pushing myself to not pull out of the event. I was amped (and thankful) to finish and, in just over nine hours, even make the podium! It’s great to know what I’m up against now as I prepare for my second and final NUE this season in Bailey, CO.”

Men’s Open

Bishop Wins and sets a new course record!

Jeremiah Bishop, Topeak Ergon, took the win with a time of 6:35:09 setting a new course record. Bishop’s last win at Mohican was in 2009 where he finished at 6:50:26. The previous course record was held by 2013 NUE Race Series Champion, Christian Tanguy, who won the 2012 Mohican MTB100 at 6:37:58.

“Due to the 100k guys starting with us it made for a blazing fast start! After two hours of near cross country pace, a group of eight formed. I managed to ride a wall of climb (known to local MTBers as “Big Ass Hill”) and attacked over the top to get a gap. This test attack became a sixty mile solo time trial. I was running at my limit and fighting fatigue. The time splits to the chase group were falling making me nervous I might get caught. I found a little left for the final four steep mile long climbs and I was digging deep but struggling to hold the pace. The Mohican 100 was a fun course with great trails, country scenery, and it is harder than anyone expects from Ohio. I was smashed at the finish but made it for a new course record for Team Topeak Ergon! I am glad to be back to the NUE series and will look forward to racing the next round in Michigan.”

Defending NUE Men’s Open Champion, Dylan Johnson, Cameron MTB, was able to come back from going off course to pull out a second place finish with a time of 6:35:09.

“The Mohican 100 is an NUE classic and one of my favorite races of the year. I knew the pace would be quick with the level of competition this year. Sure enough (OMBC Ohio Race Series Champion) Drew Purcell led the group through the opening single track at a blistering pace.

Towards the end of the single track, Jeremiah Bishop got to the front of the group and managed to ride the steep hike a bike section distancing him from the rest of us. Shortly after that the chasing group that I was with went off course and, by the time we found our way back, Bishop had put five minutes on us. Not long after that, I found myself in second place by myself with no one to share the work with to pull back Bishop.

I worked hard and managed to pull back some time but payed for it in the last hour of the race. At that point, I was no longer looking ahead to catch Bishop but looking back not to get caught by Brian Schworm. I managed to crawl to the finish line holding on to second place. I’m pleased with the result and, as always, the 2017 Mohican 100 was a stellar event with great people and an overall good time.”

Brian Schworm, Think Green-Bicycle Face p/b Sword, who finished second at Cohutta, fought back and forth with former NUE Series Champion and Mohican race winner, Christian Tanguy, during the race, but managed to achieve third place with a time of 6:59:09.

“My teammates and I went on a pre-ride on Friday evening and quickly discovered that the trails were in amazing condition. They were dry and fast! Sure enough on Saturday morning during the race we were flying through the initial singletrack due to the trail conditions and due to Drew Purcell (from the 100K) setting a blistering pace. Very quickly a lead group formed consisting of Drew, Jason Blodgett, and my teammate Drew Dillman all from the 100K, and Jeremiah Bishop, Dylan Johnson, Christian Tanguy and his teammate Ron Caitlin, and myself from the 100 mile.

We rode together until the “hike-a-bike” section. Apparently Jeremiah didn’t get the memo and rode the whole thing! He established a gap of thirty seconds or so on the rest of us. Unfortunately for us chasers, his gap grew after we inadvertently missed a turn. Undeterred, we continued chasing with Dylan being the primary pace setter. We continued together until aid station 2 where some racers were in and out quicker than others. This broke our group into two packs with Dylan, Christian, and Jason up front and both Drews (Dillman and Purcell), Ron, and me following soon behind. Somewhere before aid 3 the groups started to break apart; Dylan and Christian were off on their own, Dillman bridged up to Jason for a battle in the 100K, and I was left by myself with Ron and Drew Purcell close behind.

After aid station 3 and the 100K racers splitting off, I was riding in fourth position. Once we re-entered the Wilderness section, I caught Christian who was struggling with a flat tire. I was now in third with Jeremiah and Dylan many minutes in front. I hammered the rails-to-trails section but kept looking over my shoulder for Christian. He was riding strong before his flat and had me riding scared. I kept the pressure on through aid 4, the five tough climbs between aids 4 and 5, and the final singletrack section to hold on for 3^rd place.

Overall I was very happy with the race and the weather turned out to be fantastic. Thanks to my team Think Green – Bicycle Face and my supportive wife Jennifer for being there for me the whole weekend. Up next is Lumberjack 100 in just a few days!”

Singlespeed

Haddock gets his second straight NUE Series WIN!

John Haddock, JA King MTB Team/Carborocket, was in full force for Mohican. He took first place with a time of 7:38:52.

“The Mohican 100 was a blast this year. I chose to run a 34/20 for my gearing for this race. The course was fast, the volunteers were awesome, and the stoke was high! I spent almost the entire day riding with friend and fellow SS competitor, Jim Litzinger at a brisk, but manageable pace.

After recovering from a wrong turn and catching a SS rider that passed us during our misadventure, we pushed on towards the finish in the company of Masters race winner, Jeff Clayton. I entered the last singletrack section first and turned it up a notch on some of the climbs. Luckily, I had enough energy left to pull away and take the win. Congrats to Jim and Matt on their awesome races and to everyone else, all the way to the last racer. The folks finishing 10+ hours after the start are just amazing. It takes a determined, tough, and dedicated person to be out on the bike for that long. Kudos to them.”

Finishing second, just a minute after Haddock was, 2016 NUE Marathon SS Champion, James Litzinger, Syndicate Cycling p/b Pro Bike + Run, with a time of 7:39:58.

“This definitely ranks as my favorite NUE 100 to date. This wasn’t my first 100 mile SS at Mohican but it was a race that included great trails, racing, and friends. The excitement of the NUE series is always high at the Mohican 100 with the 600 plus other racers lining up in downtown Loudonville. Making my way out of town I quickly found NUE series leader John Haddock. He and I spent a good amount of time together at the Cohutta race a few weeks earlier. John is riding very well and having a great start to his season! We got out of the city limits and just tried to hold the wheels of some geared riders as they were chewing up pavement in their big gear. We weren’t trying to kill each other on the first section of road so it was a pretty nice pace continuing on the SS nightmare of a start on the gradual rolling hills.

Going into the woods I was only a few riders in front of John, so I was just trying to keep up with the mad dash of the early race adrenaline from other racers. I was pleasantly surprised to get to the short and steep campground climb with not much traffic around me. In years past this climb was clogged up and I had to get off and push. Now onto the good stuff, the 20ish miles of fast and fun single track!

I was able to keep a consistent and sustainable pace through this section of the course knowing that there was a lot of racing left. I was passed by a few anxious riders and I was able to pick off a few that were running out of gas. I was leading at this point with John still only a few riders behind. Shortly after the 1^st aid station, John bridged up to me and we had a great time riding the rest of the trails leading into aid 2. At this point my strategy was to not get too aggressive, learning from my mistakes at Cohutta, and ride a more conservative approach for the finish. It seemed that John had a similar plan and it was great to have some company throughout the race. At about mile thirty we were in the early section of the roads and missed a left hand turn, going straight instead. We were soft pedaling thinking that we should have turned across the bridge but then noticed some riders were off in the distance behind us. That didn’t exactly build our confidence so we let them bridge up to us. After a short conference we all decided that we should turn back and make the left. This turned out to be a good idea and we lost about six minutes in our detour.

After the crossing the bridge, there was a pretty big climb and John and I were able to pass a lot of the riders that made up time on us. John knew one of the riders that we passed and he asked if he noticed any SS’ers going by. He said that he only saw my friend and local SS competitor, Dahn Pahrs, who won the 100k SS and he is also from the Pittsburgh area.

One of my goals for the race was to be very consistent with my nutrition and hydration. Things were going smoothly until, at the top of a short, steep, and open gravel climb, I reached for my Hammer Electrolytes and fumbled them onto the ground spilling them in the gravel. I was faced with a tough decision at that point. If I stopped, John would surely put a gap on me and I would have to burn some matches trying to catch back up or, I can stop and try to find most of my Hammer electrolytes in the gravel. I ended up stopping and picking up each of my about 20 capsules in the gravel trying not to take too much time. I knew that if I wanted to finish the race without cramping, that the Hammer Electrolytes would be vital! I also used the delicious and nutritious Apple, Almond, and chocolate chip hammer bars for fuel! This turned out to be a great recipe for the race and the best that I’ve ever felt in a 7+ hour race.

Now, I have to bridge back up to John! That’s hard to do on a SS alone on the roads and it’s going to take some work. I noticed my work wasn’t really paying off. John is not visible in the rolling hills of central Ohio. Then I get to a relatively flat section of road and see Dahn Pahrs off in the distance. As I was fixed on catching up to him, I hear a freight train of geared riders coming up behind me, score! Craig Cozza Masters 100k winner, Dave Parsons, and a few others were putting in some big watts in their pulls and I was extremely excited to get onboard. I was able do the same work and increase my speed greatly. At this pace I thought it wouldn’t be long until I bridged back up to John.

Shortly after turning off the road and into the woods, I was able to catch back up to John again just before the split at aid station 3. From aid 3 until the rail to trail, John and I just picked distance off of the 100 mile day. It was great to have someone to ride and share stories with which makes that time and miles pass by much quicker. We were really hoping to have some geared help on the rail trail and that’s when the defending 2016 NUE 100 mile Masters series winner, Jeff Clayton caught up to us. John looked back and said, “Perfect timing!” I said, “Who is it?” When he told me it was Jeff, I knew that we would be in good shape. He really helped me out at the Lumberjack 100 last year and I knew that he was a super strong rider. Jeff pulled us the whole 10ish miles of rail trail. He pulled like one of the Clydesdale horses that we passed earlier on the course. What a monster I kept saying as John and I really had to work to hold his wheel. Thank You Jeff Clayton and congratulations on another win!

On the rail trail, I noticed that my rear bottle cage was bouncing around a little too much because my bolts were both coming loose. I was able to hold one bottle and reach down to tighten the bolts up enough to not lose it all together. When I rolled into the aid station the amazing volunteers were asking what we needed and had water ready to go. I let them know that I needed a 4mm allen key and one of the volunteers was right on it. He saw that my cage was loose and he tightened it up for me as I got my bottles filled. I didn’t lose a second! As always, the Mohican 100 has the most helpful and best stocked aid stations in the whole series. Thank You!

Pulling out of the aid station John, Jeff, and I continued to work together. Jeff would pull on the flats and John and I would pace the group on the hills. This worked out to be a great tactic for all of us as we separated from the rest of the competition. I knew that the race was going to be won or lost in the final four miles of single track. We both passed through the last aid station trying to get into the woods as quickly as possible. John increased the pace on the first climb and I followed. We were now riding as hard as we did the whole race. My breathing was good but legs were turning into cinder blocks as I tried to hold his wheel. After about three miles, John pulled out of sight and earned himself his second consecutive NUE SS win and I cruised into second place.

This race had many positives! I was able to ride with a friend and competitor, John Haddock. My nutrition and hydration were on point. I was able to enjoy the beautiful trails and weather! I had amazing help throughout the race by the aid workers and racers! I was also surprised by my supportive wife and three boys at the finish line and we got to spend the rest of the evening eating pizza, ice cream, and S’mores around the camp fire. I even spent some time with friends around the camp fire down the road at the Mould’s cabin. We have a lot of great sponsors. My Schwalbe Thunderburts were the perfect tire on the day! They have a super-fast center tread with great side knobs that made the sweet trails beg you to go faster. The Wolftooth SS chain ring and cogs were rock solid. The Hammer products proved their weight in gold, again! Happy trails!”

Matt Crawford, UPMC/Pro Bike+ Run, finished third with a time of 7:55:05.

Masters 50+

Clayton leads NUE Series, raises the bar setting a Mohican course record!

Defending NUE Masters Champion, Jeff Clayton, Georgia Neurosurgical Institute, showed up to Mohican ready to ride; seizing the win with a time of 7:41:56 and in the process setting a NEW COURSE RECORD set by 2012 NUE Series Champion, Ron Sanborn, Einstein Racing, of Michigan. The late Sanborn’s record held rock solid for five years at 7:43:56. In 2013, the late Alec Petro, Corner Cycle Bay Capital Management, presented the closest threat to Sanborn’s record when he won with a sub eight hour finish of 7:59:35. Interesting to note that Claytons finish was precisely two minutes faster.

“What a beautiful day for a bike ride it was! My Mohican adventure started with pre-riding the first twenty miles of singletrack on Friday; always good to see the good stuff before the race. After completely blowing up just before the start of the singletrack from going out too hard in 2015, I was very keen NOT to make that mistake again.

I’m not sure if the initial pace was slower this year or I just rode more efficiently, but I managed to enter the singletrack reasonably fresh in the lead group of 35 guys or so. I enjoyed the singletrack through aid station 1 as much as I did the previous day. The trail to aid 2 was mostly fun too, except hike a bike and horse mess mud.

Still feeling pretty good at aid 3, I decided it was time to push a little harder. I was riding with a couple other guys for a while until the trail pitched up pretty steep and I pushed hard to ride it all, getting a gap. A little while later, several miles before the rail-trail, I caught up with John Haddock and Jim Litzinger-they had passed me earlier, gone off course, and passed me again. I asked if they had switched to “social ride” mode, and Jim said “yes until you came along”. I did the geared rider thing and pulled them on the flats and gradual downhills….I was worried that a group of geared riders would pull me back on the rail trail, so I went hard in my top gear the whole way out and back. After that, John and Jim were an inspiration on the long grinding climbs and technical trails. Just before the last singletrack I waved them through…time for their showdown without my interference! The last trail section went quickly, but I was so happy to roll down the last steep hill to the Mohican campground and sprint to the finish. I don’t even ride with a watch, let alone gps, so it was a complete (pleasant) surprise when I saw 7:41 on the scoreboard! The Mohican 100 was a blast!”

Racing in just his second NUE Race Series for the 2017 season, Sten Hertsend, Carbo Rocket, took second place with a time of 8:17:48.

“The Mohican 100 was my Second NUE for the year. My first concern was the heat and humidity. Coming from Bozeman Montana where it had been snowing in town within two weeks of the race. The heat didn’t become a factor because there was plenty of shade. I lined up behind Jeff Clayton trying to give myself a chance and keep track of him. Well that lasted until we hit the dirt and he was gone. I lost track of him and didn’t see him again until I finished. I was in the second group on the road before the dirt. Some guy hit the deck from the first group and didn’t look to well as he tried to get up. I was feeling good in the first section of single track and trying to not go to hard.

After a bit I noticed Roger Masse coming up from behind. I was thinking he was in front of me. We stayed together for a while and then Roger got away, I believe it was the first hike a bike. Coming off some single track onto a road and going right, there was a left hand turn that wasn’t marked (left turn sign missing) and a group of us went straight. Just up the road one rider said he didn’t think this was the correct direction. Another rider checked his GPS and confirmed it was the wrong way; we turned back and got on course.

At this point, I was thinking Roger knew this course well and probably didn’t make the same mistake. I was wrong, Roger had missed the turn and went farther than I and now was behind me. I didn’t realize this until I saw him coming from behind. We talked about the missed turn and continued on. I was feeling OK and keeping up with my fuels and hydration. At one point I was following Roger a little to close and hit a big medium size box rock. I thought I would have had a flat but, I was fortunate and didn’t. Roger was able to pull away again at about mile 40ish.

I clipped a tree with my bar end and went down just before aid station 3. After that incident, I stopped at aid station 3 and refilled my pack and fuel. At that point, the 100 mile and 100k course split and I was on my own chasing. On the long flat section, I was able to keep a good pace while catching some riders and having one jump on and go for a ride.

Shortly after that, I noticed a rider in a black and green Jersey on a long climb. As I got closer I confirmed it was Roger. I was able to catch up and then get away.

This is my 7th NUE race and would say the best. The fact that I was racing closely against someone in my class in a race was exhilarating. In the Masters class, you are usually racing riders in another class. So this was really nice.

The finish couldn’t come quick enough. In the end I finished with-out any change in placement. This will be a race I remember for a long time. Thanks to all my fellow Masters racers for always making me ride hard and making me a better racer. Thanks to Ryan and all the Volunteers that make it happen. You all did a great job doing what you do. My next race is Tatanka, then Pierre’s Hole and Big Bear to finish off the Year. I look forward to see all the great people at these Races. Race On and Race Hard. Peace.”

Following up on a close second place finish behind the defending NUE Champion at the Cohutta 100, Two-time NUE Race Series Champion, Roger Masse, Rare Disease Cycling/Keswick Cycles, continues to show strength early and is clearly in the hunt that has just begun. He finishes third on the day, at 8:22:56.

WHATS NEXT?!

NUE Race Series EPIC and Marathon Series #4:

On June 17, The NUE Race Series features a double header with races in both Colorado and Michigan.

NUE Epic 100 Mile Race Series #4: The (now sold out) Lumberjack 100 features a three lap all singletrack race in the Manistee Forest.

NUE Marathon Race Series #4: The (now sold out) Bailey Hundito, located in Bailey, Colorado is a 100% fundraiser for Trips for Kids and the Colorado High School Cycling League

For more information about both races, visit http://nuemtb.com/

Click Here for full results

12 Hours of Mesa Verde – Cortez, CO

Posted on May 22, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

The 12^th Annual 12-Hours of Mesa Verde (Cortez, Colorado) welcomed perfect weather after two years of being cursed by the weather gods. Approximately 850 racers from more than a dozen states traveled to the small town of Cortez, Colorado, on the race’s traditional Mother’s Day weekend to race the world renowned Phil’s World trail system. Racing Mom’s were honored with a special ribbon on their bike.

Enduro racer Krista Rust was a last minute replacement for the top 3-person female team. It’s been years since she last raced XC luckily she had her 2010 26 inch Cannonade hardtail. Photo by: Barak Naggan High Desert Photography

For the past eleven years the race has used the same course, however this year the course was altered, and lengthened, due to some land ownership issues. The new course eliminated some techy, rocky sections and added some fast, flowy sections that kept racers full throttle for the duration of the 18-mile course.

In the Men’s Solo race Josh Tostado (Santa Cruz/Shimano/Maxxis) led from start to finish, but not without some pressure from Christoph Heinrich (Kuhl). In the end, Tostado completed 8 laps in a time of 11:29:06. Heinrich also completed 8 laps with a time of 11:44:28.

Josh Tostado gets some air on his way to a solo win. Photo by: Barak Naggan High Desert Photography

The Women’s Solo race was dominated by Shirley Leydsman (Team Red Rock). Leydsman, a former triathlete and road cyclist, changed her focus to mountain biking in 2016 at the age of 45. Leydsman simple goal of enjoying riding her bike all day helped her capture a convincing win at her first attempt at 12 Hours of Mesa Verde. She completed 7 laps in 11:35:56. Her closes competitior was Sara Sheets (Oskar Blues) who also completed 7 laps in 12:02:22.

Bettina Mills, racing in the 3-4 person Co-Ed category posted the fastest women’s lap with a 1:21:39 and Nick Gould (OG’s) put down the fastest men’s lap (1:12:39) helping his team secure 2^nd place in the Men’s 3-4 person category.

Shirley Leydsman has been chewing up the competition this season. Photo by: Barak Naggan High Desert Photography

After the race, athletes were treated to a huge pasta dinner hosted by local restaurant, Lotsa Pasta and a free beer along with a raffle and awards for all categories.

Not only does 12 Hours of Mesa Verde offer up a great day of epic racing, proceeds of the event go to support Cortez’s at-risk youth. In 2016 $55,100 was donated to this great cause. The race board hopes that this years great turn out will increase that amount!

Click Here for full results from all categories

Jen Hanks enjoys some airtime on her way to a win in the 2-person female event. Photo by: Barak Naggan High Desert Photography

Tinker Classic – Beatty, NV

Posted on May 19, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

Written by: Shannon Boffeli

Saturday morning, riders lined up to take on the Tinker Classic. The first-year event located two hours north of Las Vegas, in Beatty, Nevada, welcomed it’s first 100 racers brave enough to tackle the 60 or 100 kilometer distances.

Riders would be taking on the challenge of conquering the desert conditions while being treated to a tour of western history including the ghost town of Rhyolite, abandoned mines, narrow-gauge railroad tracts, and more wild burros than they could count.

Las Vegas rider Jake Billings crest the first major climb of the day. Photo by: Matt Ohran

The Tinker Classic is a point-to-point style event that starts in Beatty and ends at the desert oasis of Spicer Ranch where finishers would be treated to free music, beer, and tacos while reliving the challenges of the day.

Temperatures were already warm when the race started at 7:00 AM. As the leaders sprinted out of town on the day’s opening climb a herd of burros immediately buzzed the front group just as the sun broke over the hills.

Riders started on a long, 6-mile climb to the day’s highpoint of 4,600 feet.

Tinker Juarez prepares for the start. Photo by: Crawling Spider Photography

The race’s namesake, Tinker Juarez (Cannondale), took up the lead, charging through a 20-30 mph headwind. Juarez was joined by Evan Plews (Ridge Cyclesport) and singlespeeder Steven Mills (New West Medical).

As the opening road kicked up Mills dropped off as his single gear became harder to turn over.

Juarez and Plews carried on, cresting the next steepest climb of the day and descending the rubble-strewn Silica Mine road. A steep, boulder-filled mining road, Silica Mine road is the most difficult section of the Tinker Classic and the one that prevents riders from choosing a cyclocross bike for the otherwise gravel-grinder-type course. Even with fat tires Silica Mine produced many flats and even more crashes as riders navigated through the jumble of loose rock.

The women’s race changed briefly on this descent as Jen Hanks (Pivot/DNA Cycling) worked her way into the lead past Anne Perry (Bingham’s Cyclery). Perry, a former road racing national champion, had opened a lead on the early climbs with Hanks closing it down on the rough descents but once the descending was over Perry wound it up again and surged back into the lead.

Bobby Monson and Shannon Boffeli leave the crumbling ghost town of Rhyolite. Photo by: Crawling Spider Photography

Riders rolled back through Beatty and on to the turn-of-the-century ghost town of Rhyolite with it’s crumbling stone buildings and open air museum before crossing the border into California and Death Valley National Park. Despite the intimidating locale, temperatures remained in the mid-eighties with a cooling breeze keeping the racers comfortable.

A long grind on the old Tonopah narrow-gauge railroad grade was followed by 10-miles of steep rollers heading to the finish at Spicer Ranch.

At the front of the pack Evan Plews overtook race leader Tinker Juarez just miles from the finish line and appeared poised to take the win before missing a late-race turn and getting off course. Plews was well off course before realizing his mistake virtually ending his race.

Juarez moved back into the lead and rode uncontested over the final miles to the green oasis of Spicer Ranch and the win of his namesake race.

Wild burros take in the race action. Photo by: Crawling Spider Photography

Second place went to Justin Thomas (Boulder Cyclesport) with singlespeeder Steven Mills finishing off an impressive day as the third person to cross the line. William Pease was the fourth rider to cross the line for third in the open men’s event. He was followed by another one-speeder Shannon Boffeli (Pivot/DNA Cycling) putting two singlespeeders in the top-5 overall.

Anne Perry showed off her road legs tearing through the railroad grade and dirt roads opening up a hefty lead taking the win in 4 hours 53 minutes.

Amanda Felder (Bear Valley Bikes) overtook Hanks for the second spot and held on all the way to the line. Hanks came home in third.

Jen Hanks makes her way through the desert and old mining structures on the 100k course. Photo by: Crawling Spider Photography

At the finish riders enjoyed free tacos and beer while luxuriating in the cool green grass at Spicer Ranch sharing stories and collecting their awards that included a generous cash payout for the open men’s and women’s category.

The 60 kilometer race was won by 50-plus rider Tim Zandbergen (Velosport/RideBiker Alliance) with a time of 2 hours 41 minutes. Gina Rau was the fastest female finisher with a time of 3 hours 32 minutes. The 60k course followed much the same route as the 100k without crossing into Death Valley.

The overall Tinker Classic experience was overwhelmingly positive; a well-organized event, especially for a first-year race, highlighted by some of the friendliest race volunteers I’ve ever encountered and a local community truly excited to play host for this event. I can only imagine year two will be even better.

Steven Mills battles the wind atop the SS 100k podium. Photo by: Crawling Spider Photography

Click Here for Full Results from All Categories

: A rider grinds it out to the finish line. Photo by: Matt Ohran

: 60k riders descend in Indian Springs. Photo by: Matt Ohran

: Riders line up in Beatty, Nevada. Photo by: Crawling Spider Photography

: Tinker Juarez prepares for the start. Photo by: Crawling Spider Photography

: Wild burros take in the race action. Photo by: Crawling Spider Photography

: Bobby Monson and Shannon Boffeli leave the crumbling ghost town of Rhyolite. Photo by: Crawling Spider Photography

: Jen Hanks makes her way through the desert and old mining structures on the 100k course. Photo by: Crawling Spider Photography

: Steven Mills battles the wind atop the SS 100k podium. Photo by: Crawling Spider Photography

: Las Vegas rider Jake Billings crest the first major climb of the day. Photo by: Matt Ohran

: Riders work together to cut through the wind in Nevada. Photo by: Crawling Spider Photography

Cohutta Big Frog 65

Posted on May 14, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

Ryan O’Dell and Shana Biese

NUE Race Series #2 rolled out of the Ocoee Whitewater center on April 29 and into the Cherokee National Forest, located near Ducktown, TN. Races included the Big Frog 65 on the NUE Marathon circuit and the Cohutta 100, on the NUE Epic 100 mile Series. In addition, the Old Copper 20 mile offered new ultra-racers an abbreviated version of the big race.

The buzz at this year’s race centered around last minute course changes, the result of Forestry forbidding race organizers from using traditional gravel road routes that had been used for many years. Adding insult to injury, organizers were only given one day notice to make all of the necessary changes. The result was a shortening of the 100 mile race course to just over 80 miles. However, with race day temperatures that topped out at just over eighty degrees, many racers expressed relief that the course wasn’t the full advertised one hundred miles. Although the 100 mile course was shorter, Race Director Justin Mace, reported that it included added elevation this year.

Women’s Open

Toops gets her first NUE Big Frog 65 win!

The defending Ohio Mountain Bike Championship Race Series Champion, Jen Toops, Paradise Garage Racing/Pearl Izumi/Honey Stinger/100%, earned her first win in the NUE Race Series at The Big Frog 65! A novice level racer just two years ago, Toops finished 6:05:32, following an eight place finish at the True Grit series opener.

“I lined up on the start line toward the front group, started the long road climb ending up second going into the single track, and found myself in a group of about five guys. The leader was already out of sight and we were going at a comfortable pace so I settled in. When I hit the fire roads, I really pushed it on the downhill and felt like I was just surviving on the climbs. The heat was really getting to everyone and I stopped at most aid stations to dump water on myself to cool off.

When I hit the last single track, I pushed as hard as I could, still hoping I could catch the leader. With about five miles left I caught sight of her, making the pass on a rocky uphill, and kept pushing the pace until the finish. Big frog 65 was a tough one but sometimes the races that push your limits are the best ones! I will see everyone at the Mohican 100k!
Four minutes later, Annajean Dallaire, Papa John’s Racing Team, hung on for second place finishing with a time of 6:09:52. Seven minutes later, Sara Caylor, took third at 6:16:59.

Men’s Open

Baring wins Men’s Open!

Elliott Baring, Pivot Endurance MTB, won the Men’s Open with a time of 4:45:23.

Seven minutes later, last year’s race winner, Andrew Dillman, Think Green, took second in 4:52:09.

“Wow. That was harder than last year! A lot has changed in the past year, my fitness being one of them. A year ago I had been training hard for my last year of racing Collegiate Road Nationals for Marian University and was in pretty decent shape by the time Big Frog rolled around. Since graduating college, however, cycling has taken somewhat of a backseat, but I still decided to make the journey down to Big Frog since I’ve enjoyed the race so much over the last few years.

I was able to hang with the leaders pretty comfortably until about the fifty mile mark and that’s when my lack of endurance began to make itself known. That last portion of single track felt SO much longer than the years before, but it made me feel better when I found out that there were four miles added. Despite being attacked by a bear and dragged into the pain cave, I somehow managed to hang onto second place and secure a spot on the podium.

I am super glad my team, Think Green Toyota of Lexington, and the guys Nate Cornelius and Clay Green convinced me to make the trip down. I was reminded of how much I enjoy this race and its atmosphere. My favorite part of the whole event is the prayer right before the start. As I race my bike I want the cry of my heart to always be, “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for man.” (Colossians 3:23). Thanks to the Big Frog event for hosting such a great race, can’t wait for next year!”

John Petrylak, Scott Pro MTB Team and Bike Factory, came in third with a time of 4:58:26.

“I arrived in Ducktown after dark and met up with most of Cameron race team at their cabin for the weekend. After I woke up Friday and got a glimpse of the AMAZING view out of the front door, I knew it was going to be an unforgettable weekend regardless of the race result. I did my usual pre-ride of the first ten miles or so of the start and beginning single track on Friday to wake up the legs and stoke the fires. I slammed down a mug of coffee with breakfast after our 4:00am wake-up call on race day and headed to the start. I had the unusual experience of watching and cheering as my friends took off for the Cohutta100.
Before I knew it, we were lined up and ready to roll. Then it was go time. I had a really good feeling in my legs after the first couple of pedal strokes so I kept pushing and still felt great. Before I knew it I was leading my first NUE marathon race up the long road climb.
After about five minutes the lead group was down to only about 10 riders so I started to soft pedal a little and catch a quick breath before we hit the single track.

I remained in the top five or so for the first bit of single track trail. Gordon Wordsworth and Elliot started to get away so I surged down the short paved descent; Andrew Dillman quickly joined me and hit the next section of trail right in front of me. After a big long effort on the trail next to the river we could see the leader’s right in front of us.

Just after the long bridge over the river, I made contact with them and then I did something really counterproductive to effective racing. Up the short steep single track, I caught my pedal on a root that stuck out of the ground like a lasso. Now, any other time this would have been a minor inconvenience. However, at the exact perfect moment, I had just started my surge forward to catch on to the leaders just fifteen feet up the trail. All of the force trying to go up the hill sent me over the bars when my pedal hooked the root. When I landed, my second water bottle flew out of my jersey and down a cliff never to be seen again. And just like that, I was all alone.

I regrouped, remounted, and charged up and on, linking up with some 100 mile riders coming off the out and back after AS1. I kept climbing as hard as I could and descended like a mad man. Finally, after an hour of all out riding, I caught the lead group of Gordon, Elliot, Andrew and the first chase group doing the 100 mile race a few feet up the road after AS 3. Once I caught them, Mr. Wadsworth put out a few nice attacks that left me dangling off the group. Rats!!!

I had burned a few too many matches to counter the attacks, so I decided to settle into my manageable pace up the climbs in hopes of the lead group fading a little in the final miles. No fading what-so-ever happened from this elite group of riders so I continued on towards the finish, topped a bottle off at AS 5, and headed for home.

The last miles of single track lasted for what seemed like days; I knew this could be my first NUE podium and I just wanted to see that finish line banner. I rode carefully but as quickly as my worn out legs would allow me. Then, finally, there it was, the last section of pavement before the finish. I tucked in and headed to the finish; checking over my shoulder about every eight seconds to make sure I wasn’t going to be caught from behind. As I crossed the finish line, I was greeted with one on my favorite finisher prizes; a really nice quality coffee mug. After a really tough race at True Grit I was very pleased with a third at the Big Frog 65 and look to build on this for the rest of the series.”

Singlespeed

Wadsworth Crushes the Big Frog 65 first overall!

Following back to back series wins in the NUE Overall Epic Series Single speed division, the Defending NUE Series Champion, Gordon Wadsworth, Blue Ridge Cyclery/Pivot Cycles, made his 2017 NUE debut by crushing it, taking first place in Singlespeed AND with the overall best time at The Big Frog 65 in 4:45:38.

“My goals this season are all about the fun. After the course change was announced mid-week before the Cohutta this year Big Frog represented a fast paced good time on some of my favorite trails. My goals were to race hard at the front all day and I did that. I was lucky to race with one of my best friends and fellow Pivot Cycles athlete Elliot Baring. He and I are Pisgah Stage Race duo teammates and have a great relationship for trail shredding.

After he went early in the game, I chased on and helped put down some of the watts that got him the open win, and me the SS win. I love the East TN trails and my Pivot Cycles LES with Industry Nine wheels tuned by Blue Ridge Cyclery! It was perfect for it as is proven by the LES going 1,2 for the day!”

Jason Betz came in second with a time of 5:34:08.

Sixteen minutes later, Eli Orth, Queen City Wheels, finished third with a time of 5:50:19.

Masters 50+

First Race of the Season Proves to be a good one for Burrill

Scott Burrill, team Bikeman.com, came out with a strong start to his 2017 season getting his first win at 5:39:02.

“The Big Frog 65 was my first NUE race of the 2017 series and only my second NUE race ever. This was also the first race I have ever traveled by plane to attend so I had a few things to learn about bike packing and transport but it all worked out just fine. I arrived two days before the race so I was able to scope the initial climb and single track out ahead of time.

I started the race at a manageable pace for the first climb watching the open guys tear away but being careful to space myself ahead of others before entering the singletrack. During the first fifteen miles or so of single track, I got log jammed behind some slower riders so I had to rely on them to allow me and some others to pass whenever possible. I ended up passing quite a bit over the course of the race which is how I like to roll.

Being a Master, I was on the lookout for the “M” on other racer’s calves; and did pass three or so others in the first twenty miles but I never saw another “M” after that. Not knowing whether there were other masters ahead, I raced the rest of the race with internal speed limits set trying to avoid the inevitable cramping which did crop its ugly head around mile 47. From there on it became cramp management riding to the end.

I worked with a group of guys on a lot of the Forest Roads and met some great guys from South America. I traded positions with the lead Single Speed guys for a while too and picked up a 100 miler on the flat road on the backside. The last ten miles of single track was pretty much survival mode for me, defend position, don’t crash, don’t take a wrong turn. It all worked out and when I finally emerged at Thunder Rock Campground area, I knew I had made it. The climb back up to the Whitewater Center went fast and I had no one in sight in front or behind me, a great finish area to come back to for sure.

Overall, an amazing race with the incredibly smooth single track, challenging dirt road climbs, and overall a fantastic mix of terrain and conditions. The temps in the 80’s were a bit much for this Mainer coming from temps in the 40’s but it was nice. A dip in the Ocoee was a must afterward! Sunday, I couldn’t help but go back and ride more of the killer Brush Creek single track before I flew out!”

Sixteen minutes later, Chris Ready, Velo Sports Racing team, came in second place with a time of 5:55:06. Eleven minutes later, Chris Steven Torrence, Racing Greyhounds, finished third with a time of 6:06:49.

WHATS NEXT: Join NUE Race Series for race #3 in Loudonville, Ohio on June 3^rd for the 15^th Annual Mohican MTB 100! Top series contenders have already committed to Mohican, now the largest attended race in the NUE Race Series limited to the first 700 racers along with the largest series cash purse at $10,000US.

Cohutta 100

Posted on May 14, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

Ducktown, TN

Ryan O’Dell and Shana Biese

NUE Race Series #2 rolled out of the Ocoee Whitewater center on April 29 and into the Cherokee National Forest, located near Ducktown, TN. Races included the Big Frog 65 on the NUE Marathon circuit and the Cohutta 100, on the NUE Epic 100 mile Series. In addition, the Copper 20 mile offered new ultra-racers an abbreviated version of the big race.

Women’s Open

Williams repeats at Cohutta!!

NUE Race Series Champion, Carla Williams, Joe’s Bikes, returning to the Cherokee National Forest following her crushing win last year, nearly an hour ahead of her nearest competitor, appears to have had a rough go with the last stretches of this year’s race. She finished with a time of 6:50:52. Here are some excerpts from her blog:

“Sometimes races are not won on strong pedaling performances, but on pure grit, perseverance, and determination not to give up. That was certainly the case for me this past weekend at Cohutta. Maybe it was a crazy residency work schedule recently and constantly switching from working nights and days. Maybe it was not unloading enough from a tough training block prescribed by Coach Beck. Maybe it was simply the fact that I had an off day. Whatever the reason, Saturday’s race involved a lot of suffering, and I got lucky that I was able to pull off a win. If someone had challenged me especially late in the race, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have been able to counter their attack. I’m not going to lie. I was feeling really tired on Friday night. But, Saturday morning rolled around and we biked over to the start line under the Kenda arch.

The start was fast, up the first road hill and into the first twenty miles of single track. It was also hot. Sweat was pouring off my face within the first twenty minutes of riding. I felt pretty good through the first single track and got a lead on the rest of the women’s field. Then, when we got to the 14 mile out and back jeep road, I was with a group of guys and decided to just sit in with them. I wanted to push, but my legs were already feeling too tired for only being 20-30 miles into the race.

The last twenty miles were a straight out suffer fest. The fatigue I was feeling at mile 20 felt it was doubling with every mile. I haven’t felt that bad in a bike race in a really long time. I wasn’t racing anymore. I was simply pedaling to finish, head down, slow spinning up the hills, just flat out focusing not to give up. There were parts of the last single-track section that were really fun, but then a steep kicker of a hill would pop around a corner and that brought all the misery back.

The result was a great one, but the racing was not, and I know I have way more to put out there on the course. I have another month of training, some technical racing at Pisgah, better tapering and then Mohican, where I am already looking forward to personal redemption!

Thanks so much to ESI grips, Maxxis Ties, Huma Gels, Ridge Supply Socks, Back Alley Bikes for getting my hardtail ready, Chris Beck for all the coaching, and Joe’s Bike Shop for all the support.”

Jenna Blandford came in second place with a time of 7:20:14.

Mari Chandler, Team Adventure Medical Kits, finished out the top three women’s spots with a time of 7:31:36.

Men’s Open

Johnson Repeats!

Defending NUE Epic Open Champion, Dylan Johnson, Cameron MTB Racing, is off to a great start and leading the Men’s Open with a big repeat win at Cohutta! After finishing in second place at True Grit Epic, Johnson defended last year’s win with a time of 5:37:57.

“I suspected that the pace would be higher this year since the distance was shorter and this was indeed the case. I got into the first single track section in second and then, shortly after, I took the lead and tried to hold a high pace. Towards the end of the first single track, Schworm surged up one of the longer climbs leaving just me and Tanguy holding onto his wheel. The three of us continued onto the gravel, trading pulls until about twenty miles to go. I upped the pace a bit and managed to drop Tanguy. As we approached the final single track, I tried an attack on Schworm but couldn’t shake him. We entered the final single track together and I quickly took the lead and gave it everything I had. With only a couple of miles left, I had to fend off cramps but, luckily, I had a small gap at this point. I was probably lucky the race wasn’t a full 100 to be honest. I’m thrilled to be able to defend my Cohutta win from last year and am very pleased with my form right now. My next NUE races will likely be Mohican and Lumberjack.”

Brian Schworm, Think Green – Bicycle Face, who finished second overall in the NUE Epic Series and at Cohutta last year, is in great form and currently picking up where he left off last season, earning second at Cohutta finishing 5:41:26.

“Cohutta is always one of my favorite races. I love the fast, flowing trails and the long, steady climbs. I even came down during my spring break to check out the new section of trail and get a few days of good training under my belt. Well, as most know, the new section was not incorporated due to Forest Service regulations and the previous course from 2015-16 was also not permitted. We ended up racing the Big Frog course with an extra gravel road out and back to give an 80-85 mile race.

The race started with the usual big paved climb to the initial single track. I wanted a good position in the trail so I jumped to the front. Once I crested the top, there was a mad dash for the trail where I settled in fourth position. The pace was fast but manageable as we all rode together until Dylan Johnson opened a small gap. There was a small climb on the single track where I was able to move to second position and, with the following Sheep’s Hill Descent, bridge back to Dylan. The pace then slowed and we had pack of twelve or more headed down the Ocoee Old Copper Road trail.

Once we crossed the Ocoee and started up the Tanasi Bear Paw trail, the group started to break up. In fact, when we hit the Chestnut Trail, I pushed the pace again for the next upcoming single track and it was down to me, Dylan, and Christian Tanguy. We then rode together for the majority of the race, each taking turns pulling on the long gravel sections that followed.

Even though the race was shortened, it was still exhausting due to the relentless climbs and the unusually high temperatures. I was definitely feeling the effort and apparently it wasn’t just me. On the Big Frog climb at approximately the 60 mile mark, Christian dropped back a bit. Dylan and I continued to work together until the final gravel climb before the last single track. It was there that Dylan attacked and gained a small advantage. I held my own pace and was able to bridge back up near the top. However, as soon as Dylan and I hit the single track section, he attacked again. I attempted to chase but this definitely put me over my limit and he was then able to ride away.

After I regained my composure, I tried to keep my pace high, maybe even close the gap, but I never saw Dylan again until the finish. I was able to secure a second place finish behind Dylan. Overall it was a great race, it was awesome to see old friends at my first NUE Series race this season, and the new race director did a great job amid difficult circumstances. I need to thank my team Think Green – Bicycle Face for their continued support. I especially need to thank my amazing and supportive wife, Jennifer Schworm, for all that she does to support me in these efforts.

Up next is the USA Cycling Marathon Nationals in Arkansas on May 7 followed by the Mohican 100 on June 4. See you all there!”

2013 NUE Race Series Champion, Christian Tanguy, RBS Cycling team, was in great form early in the season with a finish time of 5:46:07.

Singlespeed

Haddock makes a BIG statement with a BIG Win!

John Haddock, J. A. King MTB Team/Carbo Rocket, took third overall in the 2016 NUE Race Series Single Speed division last season. Following an eleventh place finish at Cohutta last year, Haddock proved he is a force to be reckoned with this season, winning Cohutta with a rock solid twenty-five minute lead in 6:04:52.

“Cohutta was, once again, a great race and awesome opportunity to connect with friends both old and new. As usual, things escalated quickly at the start and the initial climb was over before I knew it. I had a hunch that Jim Litzinger and I would be neck and neck early and sure enough, we were together entering the singletrack and in good position overall. Jim was absolutely crushing the trails and built small gap by Aid 1. Eventually, I bridged back up to him on the out-and-back and we held a solid pace in the company of geared friends. Our group kept pushing the pace on the way out to Aid 3 and I was fortunately able to stay with the group. However, at some point I looked back and my SS friend was nowhere to be seen. Now being hunted for the rest of the day, my goal was to keep a solid pace and stay on nutrition/hydration given the heat.

Heading back towards the finish, Lee Hauber and I shared efforts and kept each other motivated. Back on the single track, I kept peering over my shoulder while keeping on the hammer. One last look behind on the pavement and I was finally able to relax as Lee and I crossed the line and immediately crushed some Cokes, which I had been looking forward to since the gun went off. Congrats to Matt and Jim for their awesome competition and strong races! Thank to my team (J. A. King Mountain Bike Team), team sponsors, and Carbo Rocket for your support and commitment to our sport.”

New to the NUE Series, Matt Crawford, UPMC/Pro Bike + Run, took second place with a time of 6:29: 22. This was just his second single speed ultra-endurance race.

“I drove in from Pittsburgh with a big group of other races. I chose to run a light gear (34×40) which turned out to be a prudent decision in the latter part for the race. My main goal was to place myself in the first group going in to the woods. This put me in a good position for the rest of the race. The temperatures were hot, but my legs stayed relatively fresh going into the last single track section and I passed 4-5 single speeds in the last 20 miles of the race. My plans for this year include Mohican 100 and High Cascades 100.”

NUE Marathon Race Series SS Champion and last year’s Big Frog 65 winner, James Litzinger, Dirty Harry’s Elite Cycling, stepped up his miles entering the Cohutta 100 and finishing third single speed with a time of 6:30:11.

“A very hot Cohutta 100 was the first stop of the 2017 NUE series for The Syndicate Cycling p/b Pro Bikes + Run team. We hadn’t experienced anything like the warm weather that we had in Tennessee on race day training in Pittsburgh, PA. There is always a lot of excitement rolling into your first big race of the season and this one did not disappoint. I’m always eager to see where my fitness is and to see if I did the right kind of winter training following the plan set by Mike Schultz at Highland Training.

The race got off to a fast start up the 2.5 mile climb, with the leaders starting to gather at the front wanting to get into the fast and fun stretch of single track in good position. I was working my way to the front with SS race winner, John Haddock. I knew that if I could hang on his wheel that I would have a good chance of being up towards the front. John and I managed to get into the single track in really good position and had a few geared riders in front of us setting a blazing pace through all the banking turns and short climbs.

When we started the big climb after crossing the river I was able to put a little gap on John and some of the geared riders. To get this gap, I burnt a couple matches, which cost me later in the race. When we popped out onto a short road section, John was back on my wheel. I pulled away again in the single track, but knew the lead was minimal.

I stopped at aid station one to exchange a bottle and didn’t see John behind me. I was surprised and a little nervous that I went too hard again. I was cruising down the road and heard that SS hub come buzzing up behind me again and thought, “Damn, can’t shake him.” I tried to get away again on the first fire road climb and got excited when I caught up to my teammate, Anthony Grinnell, who was racing on a geared bike! Anthony helped pull me along, and for a moment I thought John was riding by himself, which would have given me a major advantage. Anthony and I made it to out and back for our wrist bands and on the way back saw John working with three geared riders. Advantage John! I knew it wouldn’t be long before he was able to catch us with the extra help.

When the group caught us, Anthony and I jumped on board and set a screaming pace! We continued to push the pace until aid station two where John stopped and we kept on rolling. I thought this would be a great opportunity to try to pull away again but John caught us by smashing the climb out of the aid station like a sledgehammer. At that point, I knew John was in serious shape and wanted to win this race just as bad as I did.

We rode together until about mile 45 or so where I decided to ease off and try to conserve some energy for the finish. I tried to keep a steady pace and ride my own race to the finish. The plan was working well when I caught up to a geared rider from our earlier group. He said that he was having some hydration/nutrition issues but was still riding very well. I felt pretty dialed in nutritionally at this point, using a few different Hammer products before and during the race. The Endurolytes really helped since it was about 85 and humid for the majority of the race. We rode up the final fire road climb together and thought it would be great to have some company on the last stretch of single track at the end of the race.

Again, the plan was going well until I had heard the dreaded hissing sound of air leaving my tire after a puncture on the sharp rocks. I quickly pulled off to the side of trail and reached in my tool pack for the tire plug. In the meantime, Anthony caught back up and offered his support sacrificing his own race as a few riders passed us. I put the plug in the tire as Anthony prepared the CO2 for a quick fill up. He used the CO2 cartridge like he was on the pit crew of NASCAR racer, Jimmy Johnson. After he pulled off the CO2, I still heard the sound of air coming out and after further inspection I noticed that I also had a pinch near the rim. So we put a tube in. This could have been on an episode of funniest home videos. Anthony aired up the tube and I started taking off the tire until I dropped the tire lever down the steep hill watching it roll as I tried to catch up to it. I ended up about twenty feet down and had to climb back up with tired legs. I’m finally fixed up so Anthony takes off to secure 10^th place in the men’s open. Thanks for the help, “Brah!” It means a lot that a friend/teammate will sacrifice some places in the standings to help me out.

When I finally get back on the bike, I am out of the groove I was in and catch my pedal on a rock that sends me over the bars and to the ground. Before I knew what happened, I rolled down the same steep hill but with my bike this time. The hill was so steep that I had to use my bike as a cane to try and get back up. When I started riding again, I noticed that my vision was kind of off now with everything being blurry and seeing some stars. I figured I hit harder than I thought, and just went into survival mode now. I just wanted to finish the race without another mishap. Doing this cost me another place as local rider, Matt Crawford, came blowing by me on the wheel of a geared guy on their way to a great finish. Congratulations to John and Matt on a solid ride! As always, I want to thank my family and teammates for their support and especially to our sponsors for providing some great gear and helping with the lodging for the weekend.”

Masters 50+

Clayton repeats with first W of the NUE season

Defending NUE Masters Champion, Jeff Clayton, Georgia Neurosurgical Institute, enjoyed back to back wins at Cohutta finishing in 6:30:13. In 2016, Clayton launched his Series title win at Cohutta. Is history destined to repeat?!

“I’ve been doing a fair amount of 2-5 hour races this year, mostly gravel grinders, instead of my usual diet of 6 and 12 hour races, so I wasn’t too bummed when I saw the news that the race would be 80 miles instead of 100. My teammate and buddy Van and I camped at Thunder Rock just a few minutes from the race start and enjoyed 20 miles of singletrack riding the day before the race….Always fun to enjoy the good stuff just going for a ride in case the race doesn’t go so great!

Roger Masse and a few other guys I know in the Master’s class were present at the start. My goal was to have a strong start and stay consistent. I was pleased to make the (rather large) front group into the singletrack. The out-and-back section of gravel road added this year was pretty tough and gave me the opportunity to gauge my progress against Roger. I looked to have about a five minute advantage after thirty or so miles. Because of the Cohutta course changes, the Big Frog racers were merging onto the rest of the course at about the same time. This made it easier to find people going the right pace to ride with. I was able to slightly increase my lead on Roger by the finish, but he rode well finishing just a few minutes back-I’m sure I haven’t seen the last of him yet!”

Two-time NUE Masters Champion (2014 and 2015), Roger Masse, Rare Disease Cycling/ Keswick, displayed his great form this season, with a close finish, just eight minutes back at 6:38:54 placing second.

Chris Abston, Racing Greyhounds, took third with a time of 7:05:23. Abston is new-ish to NUE. This was his first time racing Cohutta.

“Well, since this is only my fourth NUE race (completed three races last year) I am in uncharted territory. This is my first year doing this race. I am a converted Cat 2 roadie and this is my first year in a dedicated NUE series of races. I am from Michigan so the only way we get any elevation training is to travel down south. Since this was my first race of the year and I am not in peak season form, I just wanted to make sure I had enough energy to get through the race.

We pre-rode the course on Thursday and Friday so I knew about the big climb at the beginning. As the race started, I was with the lead group up the first climb. As we approached the top, I felt I may be going a bit harder than I would like so I dialed it back a bit and tried to settle in at my own pace. The rest was pretty much uneventful. Since I am a converted roadie, the gravel sections are my strength versus the single track so I obviously liked that part. I chose to ride my hardtail bike but when I hit the last eleven miles of single track, my body was looking for my full suspension. That last part of single track was pretty brutal and the cramps were creeping in causing quite a bit of discomfort. I was very pleased to see the dam and race off to the finish. I was very happy with my result and looking forward to the rest of the year. My next race will be the Mohican 100 followed by Lumberjack 100. I am still trying to figure out the fourth race at this point. I race for the RACING GREYHOUNDS and supported by Cycle to Fitness bike shop in Livonia Mi.”

Moab Rocks: Stage 3

Posted on March 27, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

Canadians Dominate the Final Stage in Moab with Maghalie Rochette and Geoff Kabush Taking the 2017 Titles

Written by: Shannon Boffeli and Marlee Dixon

Cloudy and overcast skies with mild temperatures again greeted riders for the final stage of Moab Rocks. Starting at the Gemini Bridges parking lot. Riders attack a steep, Jeep road climb before entering the Magnificient 7 trail area. Moab Rocks promoters have connected a flowy loop to challenge riders including some of the best singletrack available including the Bull Run and Great Escape descents.

Geoff Kabush (#42) leads the first climb of Stage 3. He would go on to win the overall classification of Moab Rocks. Photo by: John Gibson

Open Men

With just seconds separating the top riders going into stage three the open men’s race was sure to produce some major excitement.

A leisurely pace to the base of the first climb quickly changed as the leaders wound it up looking to decide who would become 2017 Moab Rocks champion.

At the start of the day Justin Lindine (Apex/NBX) was just 50 seconds out of first place and was looking to challenge Canadian superstar Geoff Kabush (Scott) for the lead. Ben Sonntag (Clif Bar) wasn’t far back either and the ever-aggressive Chris Baddick (Boulder Cyclesport) was looking to continue his climb up the leader board having moving into fifth with his efforts yesterday.

The lead group got away early in a stage that featured much more singletrack and tougher passing than the previous days.

Justine Lindine (2nd overall) leads Geoff Kabush who eventually won Stage 3 and the overall general classification at Moab Rocks. Photo by: John Gibson

Lindine indeed gave it his all throwing everything he could at Kabush but the lanky Canadian would not be shaken. Kabush’s combination of incredible fitness and outstanding skills on the bike once again proved too tough for the competition.

Although Lindine kept it close, Geoff Kabush took his third stage win of the race and the overall title finishing just nine seconds in front and adding to his endless list of victories on American soil.

Ben Sonntag capped off a consistent weekend taking third place on the day and third in the final GC.

This left the race for fourth overall to be decided between Baddick and Taylor Lideen (Pivot/Industry Nine/Infinit). Lideen struggled mightily with his injured thumb making it difficult for him to grip the bar with his left hand.

Tokyo Joes rider feeling the flow in Mag 7. Photo by: Jean McAllister

Baddick did his best to take advantage, pushing hard and dropping the Pivot rider. In the end he picked up over 2 minutes on Lideen but needed one more to takeover fourth in the GC.

Lideen managed just enough to keep his spot secure as Baddick finished fourth on the day but fifth in the stage race. Lideen rolled across the line seventh in today’s final stage.

Maghalie Rochette of the Luna Team-1st on Stage 3 and 1st overall. Photo by: John Gibson

Open Women

Stage 3 of Moab Rocks was a mellow start with racers bunched together in a peloton for the first mile before hitting the steep loose dirt climb of Gemini Bridges Road.

From there Maghelie Rochette (Clif Bar) started to take the lead, pushing fast up the climb.

GC leader Jena Greaser was right behind with Marlee Dixon (Pivot Cycles/DNA) following closely.

Once over the opening road climb Greaser took off, blazing down the road followed by Rochette but once climbing started up the next steep climb of Gemini Bridges road Rochette made her intentions clear and started to put some space on her competitors.

Once the women hit singletrack, Lea Davison (Clif Bar) with Ksenia Lepikhina (Tokyo Joes) right on her wheel; passed Dixon.

Ksenia Lepikhina leads Lea Davison in the single track. Photo by: Jean McAllister

Davison put some time on Lepikhina and caught up to Greaser who was having trouble maintaining her power and speed from the past few days.

Rochette continued to put the hammer down looking to put time on Greaser and steal the GC title on the last stage. She rode aggressively all the way to the finish.

Davison stayed in second position and although Greaser crashed, she held on for third for the day.

Lepikhina and Dixon bunny hopped each other at one point with Lepikhina finishing fourth followed by Dixon in fifth.

Rochette, having her strongest stage of the race, finished a full 5 minutes ahead of Greaser, taking the overall win.

Jena Greaser-3rd on Stage 3 and 2nd overall. Photo by: Jean McAllister

Greaser dropped to second in the GC followed by Dixon in third, Davison in fourth and Lepikhina in fifth.

The women put on a great show at this year’s Moab Rocks. The extremely competitive group produced three different stage winners with a change in GC leader each day.

Although amazing scenery was all around riders had little time to enjoy the views on a fast stage through Mag 7. Photo by: Jean McAllister

By any measure the 2017 Moab Rocks was a huge success: a sold out event, stacked fields with national and world champions, incredible trails, hard racing, exceptional camaraderie, and organization like a finely-tuned Swiss watch. The folks at TransRockies events know how to put on a first-class event and all those on hand hope this event continues for a long time to come.

Click Here for Full Results From All Categories Including Final GC Standings

Gallery

: Geoff Kabush (#42) leads the first climb of Stage 3. He would go on to win the overall classification of Moab Rocks. Photo by: John Gibson

: Geoff Kabush (#42) leads the first climb of Stage 3. He would go on to win the overall classification of Moab Rocks. Photo by: John Gibson

: The Start of Stage 3. Photo by: John Gibson

: Tokyo Joes rider feeling the flow in Mag 7. Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Jena Greaser-3rd on Stage 3 and 2nd overall. Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Ben Sonntag-3rd Stage 3-and 3rd overall. Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Geoff Kabush enroute to winning Stage 3 and the final general classification of Moab Rocks. Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Ksenia Lepikhina leads Lea Davison in the single track. Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Although amazing scenery was all around riders had little time to enjoy the views on a fast stage through Mag 7. Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Mathieu Belanger Barrette. Photo by: John Gibson

: Maghalie Rochette of the Luna Team-1st on Stage 3 and 1st overall. Photo by: John Gibson

: Riders descend toward the finish. Photo by: John Gibson

: Justine Lindine (2nd overall) leads Geoff Kabush who eventually won Stage 3 and the overall general classification at Moab Rocks. Photo by: John Gibson

: Jeff Neilson sends it on course. Photo by: John Gibson

: Jena Greaser-3rd on Stage 3 and 2nd overall. Photo by: John Gibson

: Geoff Kabush (#42) leads the first climb of Stage 3. He would go on to win the overall classification of Moab Rocks. Photo by: John Gibson

: Josh Wolfe lights it up on course. Photo by: John Gibson

: Moab views are hard to beat. Photo by: John Gibson

: Luli Cox and her partner riding Moab Rocks. Photo by: John Gibson

Moab Rocks: Stage 2

Posted on March 27, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

Stage 2 Photo Gallery

Lea Davison of the Luna Team-3rd on Stage 2. Photo by: Jean McAllister

Geoff Kabush wins Stage 2 of Moab Rocks. Photo by: John Gibson

The leaders of the Mens race in a group in the early stages of Stage 2. Photo by: Jean McAllister

Jena Greaser-1st on Stage 2. Photo by: Jean McAllister

Sparky Moir Sears hugs the rocks on stage 2. Photo by: Jean McAllister

Lea Davison (3rd on Stage 2) leads teammate Maghalie Rochette (2nd on Stage 2) Photo by: John Gibson

Rotem Ishay-6th Stage 2. Photo by: John Gibson

: Geoff Kabush wins Stage 2 of Moab Rocks. Photo by: John Gibson

: Ben Sonntag-2nd Stage 2. Photo by: John Gibson

: Rotem Ishay-6th Stage 2. Photo by: John Gibson

: Photo by: John Gibson

: Photo by: John Gibson

: Mathieu Belanger-Barrette Photo by: John Gibson

: Greg Day

: Photo by: John Gibson

: Dax Massey. Photo by: John Gibson

: Photo by: John Gibson

: Photo by: John Gibson

: Lea Davison (3rd on Stage 2) leads teammate Maghalie Rochette (2nd on Stage 2) Photo by: John Gibson

: Lea Davison (3rd on Stage 2) leads teammate Maghalie Rochette (2nd on Stage 2) Photo by: John Gibson

: Maghalie Rochette-2nd on Stage 2. Photo by: John Gibson

: Lea Davison (3rd on Stage 2) leads teammate Maghalie Rochette (2nd on Stage 2) Photo by: John Gibson

: Photo by: John Gibson

: Photo by: John Gibson

: Photo by: John Gibson

: Photo by: John Gibson

: Photo by: John Gibson

: Photo by: John Gibson

: Photo by: John Gibson

: Photo by: John Gibson

: Luciana Cox Photo by: John Gibson

: The leaders of the Mens race in a group in the early stages of Stage 2. Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Rotem Ishay-6th on Stage 2. Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Mathieu Belanger-Barrette Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Jena Greaser-1st on Stage 2. Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Maghalie Rochette of the Luna Team-2nd on Stage 2. Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Lea Davison of the Luna Team-3rd on Stage 2. Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Jena Greaser-1st on Stage 2. Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Lea Davison of the Luna Team-3rd on Stage 2. Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Sparky Moir Sears hugs the rocks on stage 2. Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Alana Heisse Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Photo by: Jean McAllister

: Photo by: Jean McAllister

Moab Rocks: Stage 2

Posted on March 26, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

Kabush Takes Stage 2 While Jena Greaser Wins the Day and Leads the Women’s GC

Written by: Shannon Boffeli and Marlee Dixon

Stage 2 of Moab Rocks is a stark contrast to day two. After a day filled with climbing, climbing, and more climbing, stage 2 offers up a fast, power course with no climbs lasting longer than 5 minutes.

The course encompasses the trails of the Klondike Bluffs riding area and packs in 2,700 feet of climbing in the form of unrelenting, short, power climbs. The climbs are followed by rugged slickrock descents with plenty of technical features to keep riders on their toes.

Open Men

With a 3-mile flat road section right off the start, stage 2 got off to a fast start with rider battling for the front before the singletrack started.

Up front it was Boulder Cyclesport rider Chris Baddick driving the pace early on. Baddick flatted on stage 1 and gave it everything he had to take back some spots he lost on the GC.

Baddick’s rapid pace quickly whittled the field down to a hand full of riders. Once again it was Justin Lindine (Apex/NBX), Geoff Kabush (Scott), Taylor Lideen (Pivot/Industry Nine/Infinit), and Ben Sonntag (Clif Bar).

“Baddick was really fast today,” Taylor Lideen shared after the finish. “Every climb he was out of the saddle sprinting. He made us work keeping up. I couldn’t even get a drink for the first hour.”

And he kept it going for most of the day.

The fast pace was taking a toll forcing the chasers to push their limits. Lindine went down briefly around the halfway point and Lideen caught a tree with his left hand, smashing his thumb and loosing contact with the lead group.

Lindine bridged back up to the lead group but Scott honcho, Geoff Kabush had no interest in letting it come down to a sprint finish again. On one of the longer climbing sections late in the race Kabush attack hard opening a gap that would continue to grow until the finish.

By the line he held a minute over runner-up Justin Lindine.

Ben Sonntag crossed the line in third followed by Chris Baddick and Taylor Lideen, who held on for fifth thanks to the large cushion he opened up early in the day.

For all his early effort Baddick did manage to pick up a spot in the GC jumping ahead of Rotem Ishay (Jamis) for fifth.

Kabush will be looking to protect his GC lead going into tomorrow’s final stage.

Open Women

The leading women flew off the start of stage 2. The first three miles of the course are a winding, rolling, dirt road and from the get go it was a sprint.

A sand trap right at the entrance to the first singletrack threw a few girls off and they were off their bikes running to get back in position.

Once on the singletrack, it’s a slick-rock climb and already the women were beginning to spread out with Jena Greaser leading the way.

In a strong position for the entire road, Jenny Smith (NoTubes) wrecked right at the start of the single track and lost position to Lea Davison (Clif Bar) and Ksenia Lepikhina (Tokyo Joes).

Maghalie Rochette (Clif Bar) rode strong and fast from the beginning maintaining her second place position for the entire day.

Today’s course was on Klondike Bluffs, a man-made trail system that includes a lot of punchy climbs, technical features and short descents. It’s a great test of racers power, quick thinking and technical skills.

Greaser had all of those today as she led the women from the beginning, finishing a minute ahead of second place, Rochette.

Davison finished a minute behind her in third. The overall GC changed today with Greaser moving into first, Rochelle in second and Dixon (Pivot/DNA Cycling) in third. Dixon struggled to match the speed and power of the top riders today with a lack of long climbs for her to get in a rhythm.

The third and final stage of Moab Rocks moves south to the Magnificent Seven trail area. The final day includes a nice mixed of both stages featuring some extended climbs, a healthy dose of slickrock, and technical descending.

Stage 3 will test riders with 3,600 feet of climbing over 30 miles.

Check back tomorrow for a full report and results from stage 3

Click Here for full results from all categories including GC after stage 2

Moab Rocks Stage 1 Photos

Posted on March 26, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

Photos from Day One of Moab Rocks 2017

Catharine Pendrel wins Stage 1 of Moab Rocks. Photo by: John Gibson

Ksenia Lepikhina navigates the singletrack on UPS trail. Photo by: John Gibson

A line of riders negotiate the “Notch” on Porcupine Rim. Photo by: John Gibson

Spring conditions on Moab’s Porcupine Rim. Photo by: John Gibson

A rider threads the needle on Porcupine Rim. Photo by: John Gibson

Geoff Kabush wins Stage 1 of Moab Rocks. Photo by: John Gibson

Riders live on the edge racing on the Upper Porcupine Singletrack. Photo by: John Gibson

Classic Moab scenery on Porcupine Rim. Photo by: Jean McAllister

Sparky Moir Sears drops in toward the finish line. Photo by: Jean McAllister

Porcupine Rim claims another victim. Photo by: Jean McAllister

Jeff Kerkove takes the high line to the finish. Photo by: Jean McAllister

A talented field was on hand to compete at this year’s Moab Rocks. Photo by: John Gibson

Moab Rocks: Stage 1

Posted on March 25, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

Canadians Geoff Kabush and Catherine Pendrel Take Stage 1 at Moab Rocks

Written by: Shannon Boffeli and Marlee Dixon

After a year hiatus, the Moab Rocks stage race made a triumphant return to the race schedule. Organizers made the switch from the usual October date to March with great success. This year the fields ballooned from just 70 to 80 riders to a fully sold-out 150 riders.

The full field was a buzz on the start line rolling out from downtown Moab and heading out Sand Flats road past the famed Slickrock trail before cresting the climb up to the Upper Porcupine Singletrack and descending the way back down to the finish. Riders were challenged by about 4,200 feet of climbing, almost all of which was in the first hour-long climb, and 27 miles of riding on one of the most iconic trails in all of Moab.

Taylor Lideen descending Porcupine Rim.

Open Men

Racers started at 8:30am with a mass start rolling through town and out Sand Flats road. The first selection started early with about 30 riders staying together past Slickrock trail. Slowly the pack thinned as they passed Lower Porcupine hitting the steepest slopes just after. Nick Gould (Ska Brewing/Zia Tacoria) and Payson McElveen (RideBiker) started to dial it up, pulling Geoff Kabush (Scott), Taylor Lideen (Pivot/Industry Nine/Infinit), Justin Lindine (Apex/NBX), Chris Baddick (Boulder Cyclesport), and Ben Sonntag (Team Clif Bar).

This group of four took control of things up front with Kabush eventually putting some sunlight between himself and the three chasers just before the singletrack started.

Now on the Upper Porcupine descent Lideen took up lead chasing duties finally bridging the gap to Kabush who had to stop for a dropped chain. Shortly after, Chris Baddick flatted, ending his shot at a race win.

Once again the group of four descended the hard-pounding drops of Lower Porcupine. Almost in sight of the finish it was Lideen’s chance to drop his chain producing the final selection of the day as the three leaders stayed wheel-to-wheel until the finish line.

In the end Kabush crossed first followed by Sonntag and Lindine. Lideen regrouped to finish fourth.

Almost without exception all riders enjoyed the day riding classic Moab trails. As usual Porcupine Rim produced enough carnage to end some rider’s day and pushing everyone to their limit.

Stage 1 winner Geoff Kabush

Open Women

There was a fast group of female racers at the start line for Moab Rocks this year including Canadian and American Olympians Catherine Pendrel (Luna) and Lea Davison (Luna).

Once past the neutral roll out the women started to spread out with Pendrel, and Jena Greaser taking the lead.

Not far behind were a handful of strong women all racing close to each other pushing hard up the 15-mile climb.

The road includes some rolling sections at the beginning and not too far into it Marlee Dixon (Pivot/DNA Cycling) caught Pendrel and Greaser.

The three of them climbed together for most of the road with Dixon making a move to the front in the second half. Pendrel caught up and rode with her and Jena right behind.

Once off the main road climb, Dixon tried to widen her gap on the singletrack, losing her chain twice, she was caught by Jena Greaser.

However, being unfamiliar with the course, Jena was off her bike and Dixon again moved into the lead.

Porcupine Rim is a technical, pedally descent going from smooth dirt to sand to gnarly rocks to drops.

Pendrel passed Jenna not too far into the descent and then five miles from the finish caught and passed Dixon as Dixon endo’ed over her bike.

Pendrel took the win; showing her strong technical skills and speed on the most technical stage of the race.

Stage 1 starts with a long road climb testing racers fitness then moves into a rocky, chundry descent where anything can happen. For racers this is probably one of the most technical trails to race on.

For stage 1, Pendrel took the win, followed by Dixon and then Greaser. For the 3 day overall, Pendrel is only racing one day so Dixon takes the overall followed by Jena Greaser and Maghalie Rochette (Luna) in 3^rd.

Sparky Moir Sears (Pivot) finished fourth followed by Jenny Smith (Kenda/NoTubes) in fifth.

Tomorrow’s stage changes things up with more trail and a hefty dose of slickrock as riders tackle the Klondike Bluffs trail area with another 27 miles and just 2,800 feet of climbing.

Check in tomorrow for full coverage on MTB Race News.

Click Here for full results from all categories

True Grit 100-Miler – Santa Clara, Utah

Posted on March 21, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

Taylor Lideen Repeats as True Grit Champion and Joey Lythgoe Takes First 100 Mile Win

Written by: Shannon Boffeli

Once again riders from all across the country made the trek to Santa Clara, Utah, to take in the desert singletrack oasis tucked in the southwestern corner of the state. Warm weather and ideal trail conditions greeted the 500 riders registered for this year’s True Grit Epic.

The fact that the NUE series finale would be moving out west in 2017 provided extra buzz as many of those in attendance would be making a run at the series title, a challenge that is typically out of reach for most racers out west who have a hard time traveling to the east coast for the series final. This year’s finale will be located in Big Bear, California.

100-mile open male winner Taylor Lideen leading Dylan Johnson.

Open Male

The open men’s field included a healthy bunch of seasoned NUE racers looking to kick off 2017 with a race win.

Last year’s True Grit champ Taylor Lideen (Elevated Legs) looked poised to repeat after a winter of training in sunny Arizona.

Looking to unseat Lideen as champion was 2016 NUE series champion Dylan Johnson (Cameron Racing). Johnson was making his first appearance at the Utah race. Following a long trip out from the east coast Johnson wasn’t left with much time to ride the True Grit course prior to race day and would be racing blind for the first of two laps.

Not to be counted out was Colorado duo David Krimstock (Giant) and Josh Tostado (Santa Cruz); both experienced ultra-endurance riders capable of taking the title in Santa Clara. Perennial contender Cary Smith (The Hub) of Jackson, Wyoming is always in the mix and should never be counted out of a 100-mile event.

This impressive bunch departed downtown Santa Clara just as the sun rose Saturday morning. Once on course, it didn’t take long for Lideen and Johnson to establish themselves up front. A sight the chasers would have to get used to seeing all day.

Misfortune struck Cary Smith early on as one puncture led to another leaving the Wyoming strongman walking his bike on course in the first hour of the race and forcing him to call it a day much earlier than he would have liked.

This left the two leaders out front with Josh Tostado solo behind, doing his best to chase down the leaders.

“I felt really good the first lap and a half but toward the end of lap two the heat started to get to me.” The Breckenridge-based rider shared after the finish.

This was a common theme for most riders even with temperatures creeping just above the mid-seventies many riders, who traveled south from snowy, cold winter locations, were quickly overheating.

Lideen wasn’t feeling the heat though. In fact, the Phoenix-based rider was in the opposite situation. “I thought it was so cold this morning,” he remembered at the finish. “Mary (his wife and support crew) and I had to drive the van around this morning to get the heater running so I could warm up.”

Now in the seventies he was feeling comfortable and midway through the second lap he started opening up a gap on Johnson, who had stayed glued to his wheel following all his lines throughout the day.

On the long, false-flat climb of Stucki Springs, Lideen slowly pulled away from the reigning series champ who was also dealing with a broken saddle that cracked toward the end of the rugged Zen trail.

Lideen could feel a gap opening and kept the hammer down, deciding he wouldn’t look back until the very end, just a mile or so from the finish when his win was all but secured.

The two-time True Grit winner was ecstatic at the finish. Through big smiles Lideen had this to say about the course, “I think this the best single day endurance racecourse. It’s true mountain biking. I like seeing more and more people racing with dropper posts each year. Some of this stuff gets gnarly on an XC bike. I think it’s great.”

Johnson, comfortably held on to second spot crossing the line just over 10 minutes behind the race leader.

Josh Tostado took third but was feeling the heat, coming from the sun and Giant rider David Krimstock who was closing the gap on Tostado late in the race.

In the end, just over a minute separated the two with Tostado taking third.

Krimstock would finish the day in fourth place with not much time to spare over final podium finisher Heath Thumel (Race Pace Bicycles).

100-mile female winner Joey Lythgoe. Photo by Crawling Spider

Open Female

The women’s event featured one overall favorite and several lesser-known challengers looking to compete for the top spot on the podium.

Previous True Grit 100 race winner and ultra-endurance superstar Sonya Looney (Freakshow/Scott) was looking to continue her winning ways in Utah but would be challenged by former 50-mile winner Joey Lythgoe (Kuhl) and successful triathlete and road racer Shirley Lydsman (Red Rock Bicycles) who just recently found a love for the dirt.

The race got off to a fast start with several of the women mixing in with the men. The main contenders were all well established early on until Looney suffered a flat on one of the opening descents costing her time early on.

Lythgoe established herself out front and never let off the gas for the rest of the race. After the first of two laps the Kuhl rider’s lead was just over 10 minutes and almost double that at the finish line.

Lydsman meanwhile, surprised herself with a strong showing occupying the second spot throughout the race. Her fitness and ability on the mountain bike showed as she tackled one of the most technical racecourses on the NUE circuit.

Sonya Looney never recovered from her early flat. Loosing significant time and getting into the red zone trying to catch back up left the defending True Grit champ in a very dark place suffering from heat stroke for much of the day.

She worked her way back to the fourth spot but was never able to overtake third-placed rider Abelyn Broughton (Fitzgerald’s Bicycles) in the end.

Chase Edwards finished off the podium in fifth.

Riders flows over the rocks on Zen trail. Photo by: Crawling Spider

Singlespeed

At the beginning of the day the big question on everyone’s mind was, ‘Is Gordon Wadsworth here.’ It was rumored the multi-time NUE singlespeed champion and last year’s True Grit winner would be in Utah defending his True Grit win from 2016.

Steven Mills (New West Medical) stood on the start most interested in Wadsworth’s location. Mills was determined to rectify his mistakes from 2016 that let Wadsworth steal his race win. Mills led all of last year’s 100-mile event until an inexplicable course deviation just 10 miles from the finish meant he needed to ride back on course and complete the section he missed dropping him from first to third.

Mills took no chances this year and if Wadsworth was on hand Mills was determined to take him on. He threw a heavier gear on than he rode in ’16 and went hard right from the start.

Mills got out early, mixing in toward the front with many of the fastest geared competitors. And although Wadsworth ultimately didn’t make the trip out west Mills rode as if he were there.

He went out so hard in fact that even his closest chasers couldn’t see or follow him.

“He kind of has a great game plan for this race,” said second place finisher Quin Bingham (America First/Bikers Edge). “He has a big gear and gets out front really fast with the geared guys. Then he was just gone. I chased for awhile but you eventually just kind of forget about him.”

Mills also rode a hardtail on the rough southern Utah course but that didn’t seem to slow him down much.

Out front all day Mills eventually finished with a time of 7 hours 28 minutes. Good enough for first in singlespeed and ninth overall.

Bingham finished just 12 minutes behind the leader. Mark Schafer (Team Eastside Cycles) finished third.

Kip Biese, last year’s NUE singlespeed runner-up came home in fourth.

Masters Men 50+

Last year’s True Grit winner Greg Golet returned as the overall favorite in the 100-mile event. In addition to taking last year’s race win he also finished second in the overall NUE series barely getting beat out in the series final by top rival Jeff Clayton.

Clayton wasn’t on hand in Santa Clara giving Golet a clear shot at another True Grit title.

He proved to be up to the challenge turning in a blistering sub-eight-hour time, the only masters racer to do so.

Golet had a clean ride with no issues throughout the day. His consistent pace got him to the finish line almost a full hour ahead of second place and provided him with a great start for his shot at the 2017 NUE title.

Tim Phillips crossed the line in second at 8 hours 46 minutes followed by Sten Hertsens (Carborocket) just five minutes later.

Next the NUE heads back east to the Cohutta 100 in Ducktown, Tennessee April 29th. Check back for full coverage only on MTB Race News.

Click Here for full results from the True Grit 100

True Grit Marathon – Santa Clara, Utah

Posted on March 18, 2017 by Shannon Boffeli

Keegan Swenson and Jenny Smith Win NUE Opener in Utah

Written by: Shannon Boffeli

In it’s second year as an official NUE event the True Grit 50 or marathon event showed significant growth and stacked fields to compete in the series opener.

Keegan Swenson leads Justin Lindine on course.

Open Men

The opens men’s race featured some of the fastest legs in the United States. Two-time U.S. national championship runner-up Keegan Swenson (Cannondale) was making his first appearance at this 50-miler. Swenson would be going up against longtime friend and teammate Alex Grant (Cannondale) who was making his return to mountain bike racing after being sidelined for almost all of 2016 after suffering a foot fracture in the world cup opener.

Last year’s NUE marathon champ Alex Pond was on hand looking to defend his title as was Justin Lindine (Apex/NBX) who always finds his way to the front of the pack.

Off the start it was Keegan Swenson and Justin Lindine providing the watts early on. Driving the pace and easily shedding the majority of the field in the early miles. The early pace was too much for Grant but California rider Menso De Jong (Clif Bar) and youngster Zach Calton (Competitive Cyclist) emerged from the pack staying close to the leaders. Calton surged ahead bridging the gap to the leaders.

After the race’s early climbs Swenson and Lindine led into the slickrock labyrinth of Zen trail. Both talented bike handlers, the lead duo flowed over the rocks like a flashflood pulling away from everyone including Calton who had worked hard to match the leaders pace.

Now the duo forged ahead, pushing the pace once again and opening big gaps behind them.

In the final miles, Lindine and Swenson traded attacks with neither rider getting an advantage. Late in the race the lead duo stayed together approaching the 1-mile paved finishing straight into downtown Santa Clara.

Lindine took the lead out with Swenson tucked behind waiting to make his final surge, which came just feet from the finishing chute as the Cannondale rider popped ahead just enough to take the win by one second.

Behind them Alex Grant had worked through his early cobwebs and traded the third spot with Calton. He made his final move on the Barrel Roll trail just miles from the finish securing a third place finish.

Calton rolled in for fourth followed by De Jong for fifth.

Riders flows over the rocks on Zen trail. Photo by: Crawling Spider

Open Women

The 2017 women’s field represented the most competitive bunch ever assembled at the NUE opener. Over twenty women registered for the race including mountain bike speedsters like Alexis Skarda (NoTubes/Kenda), Jenni Smith (NoTubes/Kenda), last year’s runner up Nicole Tittensor (Scott/Jan’s), collegiate cyclocross star Sofia Gomez-Villafane (Assos/Pivot), Arizona speedster Erin Osbourne (Flagstaff Bicycle Revolution) and ’16 podium finisher Jen Hanks (Pivot/DNA Cycling).

A mixed start with the open men’s group meant a fast start for the ladies. Alexis Skarda showed the most power off the start opening it up early. She was joined early on by Gomez-Villafane.

Jenny Smith managed to find her way up to the lead group before being gapped again just before a notoriously technical section called “the Waterfall.”

Skarda managed a small gap that widened at Sofia Gomez-Villafane missed a turn and ended up off course. This put Smith in second position chasing her teammate Skarda.

“Alexis was climbing so well today,” said the always-cheery Smith after the finish. “She would pull away from me on the climbs and I would have to claw my way back on the flats and downhill sections.”

Lucky for Smith she stayed close enough throughout the race to pull ahead in the closing miles and take advantage of the rolling downhill terrain leading to the finish line.

An impressive effort throughout allowed with race winner to cross the line with a smoking fast time of 3 hours 50 minutes; fast enough to beat more than half the open male riders.

Alexis Skarda came in about 5 minutes back after being in close contact with Smith for most of the day.

Sofia Gomez-Villafane soldiered on for third place after encountering some confusion on the notoriously tricky racecourse. “I didn’t have the luxury of pre-riding the course so I got off track about four times out there… Overall a hard day on the bike, but it was a good day.”

Nicole Tittensor secured the fourth spot after trading her position with Jen Hanks several times throughout the day. Ultimately her strong climbing gave her the advantage over the Pivot/DNA Cycling rider.

Start of the True Grit Marathon

Singlespeed

A moderately-sized crew signed up to race one-speeders in the southern Utah desert. Ten in all, decided riding 50 miles of rugged terrain would just be too easy with gears.

The favorites included 2 podium finishers in the 100-mile True Grit event in 2016. Shannon Boffeli (Pivot/DNA Cycling) and Corey Larrabee (Kuhl) finished fourth and second respectively in ’16 and spent much of the race wheel to wheel last year.

The 2017 race got off to a quick start with several of the singlespeeders spinning their way to the singletrack with the lead group of geared 40-49 racers. Once on the dirt Larrabee and Boffeli were joined by Brent Cannon (Team Elevate) as the three leaders made their way through Cove Wash and onto the early climbs in Green Valley.

When the uphill started Larrabee showed a clear advantage being marked for a short time by Boffeli but eventually opening up a solid advantage on the climb to Zen trail.

Now riding with the fastest of the geared riders Larrabee kept putting time into the chasers pushing a 32 x 20 over the 50-mile course.

In the end the Kuhl rider passed all but two of the geared riders he started with and posted a time that was over 10 minutes faster than last year’s winning 50-mile finisher.

A satisfied Shannon Boffeli took second suffering a bit in the heat. “Even on my best day I couldn’t have matched Corey on the climbs,” Boffeli shared at the finish. “I could get close on the flatter stuff early on but he just crushed me when it started to get steep.”

Brent Cannon solidified the third spot with a strong finishing time well ahead of the next closest rider.

Both Larrabee and Boffeli have eyes on the NUE marathon title so expect to see them at more NUE events throughout the season.

50+ Masters Men

The master’s event turned out to be a battle of local talent with local legend Dave Harris (LW Coaching) taking the win over fellow Utahns Zan Treasure (Bountiful Bicycle) and Dave Smith (Red Rock Bicycle).

Although once active on the race scene Harris has been absent from competition for years focusing his efforts on youth mountain bike coaching and desert moto riding. After Saturday it was clear the years away from racing haven’t slowed him much as he posted a time of 3 hours 51 minutes, which would have put him in the top-30 of the open male category.

Once again the True Grit epic did not disappoint. Riders taking on the True Grit challenge know they can expect a tough, technical course with incredible views, great weather, enthusiastic support crews, and a hefty dose of spring-time singletrack riding.

Cannondale rider Alex Grant’s thoughts after the race captured the overall feeling well. “It felt so good to be back out racing the mountain bike. It has been almost 11 months since my last MTB race. It felt so familiar yet so strange getting ready. Last year’s injury definitely gave me some perspective, when I was laid up and couldn’t step on my foot for 3 months I had plenty of time to think about how I would never take just being mobile and active for granted again. Every race I do is all just gravy because at the end of the day I unclip and walk away on two feet.”

Click Here for Full Results From All Categories

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Course Records Broken at the 15^th Annual Mohican Mountain Bike 100