Tag Archives: marathon series

NUE Big Frog 65 mile

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“The 2019 event was hosted by Mountain Goat Adventures, who recently took over promotion of the event from Roost Racing, LLC.  Race day weather at the Ocoee Whitewater Center could not have been more perfect with temperatures in the mid 70’s.  Similar to prior years, the race was well attended and had sold out by the Monday before the race.

One change we immediately made to the course was to make the final singletrack section nearly all downhill to the finish.  I had raced in several past editions of this event in both the 65 and 100, and every time I returned from the gravel road loops, I wished that we could just bomb down to the finish instead of winding around on 8-12 more miles of rolling (and sometimes steep) singletrack.  While the gravel road loops of the course remained the same from the 2018 edition, we configured a course that included nearly all of the Tanasi singletrack on the front end, while riders were fresh.  After leaving it all out on the course for the gravel road loops of the 65 and 100 mile, riders were treated with a nearly all downhill 4 mile mile run into the finish.  

Crowley all smiles after a 1st place Masters finish
Photo credit: Ryan Odell

Another change we made was to offer more swag to our event participants.  Big payouts are great if you can manage to land on the podium, but that only accounts for a very small percentage of our riders so it is important to me to make sure we are taking care of the other 95% of our participants as well by offering them nice swag, a well-marked course, good support at the aid stations, and overall a great race experience that they will remember.  We saw riders from all over the US and Canada, so it was great hearing how much riders from other regions enjoyed the course (albiet a tough one!)  While the race overall went very smoothly, we learned a lot in our first year of production that we can take with us moving forward to make this event even better in 2020.” -Lisa Randall (2019 Race Director)

Men’s Open

Pendlebury takes top step

1st-Jeffrey Pendlebury, 2nd-Brian Schworm, 3rd-Dereck Treadwell, 4th-Chris Tries, 5th-Eric Post. Photo credit: Dashing Images LLC.

Jeffrey Pendlebury from Rideon Wooster took the Men’s Big frog win with a blistering fast time of, 4:39:04. A close second place was, Brian Schworm, Think Green/Bicycle Face crossing the line in 4:43:39.

“Racing the shorter Big Frog was a change for me this year since I’ve entered the Cohutta 100 the last four years or so.  My goals for this year have changed with a focus on the shorter marathon and traditional cross-country distances in mind.  Anyway, I was not unfamiliar with the Big Frog since I raced it three times many years ago.  I knew the similarities and differences between the two races and knew what to expect.

Think Green Team: Left- Nathaniel Cornelius, Middle- Brian Schworm and right-Paul Karle. Photo credit: Ryan Odell

The race started as usual up the paved climb with the typical scramble into the singletrack.  Chris Tries lead the way with five more riders, including myself and teammates Nathaniel Cornelius and Paul Karle, separating fairly early.  We rode the first portion of singletrack together until Thunder Rock Express and the following gravel climb.  On that climb eventual winner Jeff Pendlebury attacked and I was able to respond (although I had to dig deep).  From that point we rode together through the rest of the singletrack and most of the gravel section.  I think Jeff knew I was struggling a bit as he threw in some attacks and I was able to respond until the last one on the gravel section headed back to the start/finish.  Jeff threw down a big attack and I had no response.  I tried to keep my pace high to fend off any chasers behind and was able to finish second on the day.  It was great to see my teammates, Paul and Nate, finishing close with sixth and seventh positions giving our team three in the top ten.

Of course I need to thank my team Think Green – Bicycle Face for their incredible support and my other sponsors SWORD, ESI grips, Native Eyewear, and Specialized Bikes.  An extra special thanks to my wife, Jennifer Schworm, for her daily support.  Without her these pursuits would not be possible.  Up next is the USA Marathon Nationals in Texas followed soon by the Mohican 100K in Ohio.”

Just four minutes back, Dereck Treadwell, finished third in 4:48:06.

Dereck Treadwell 3rd
Photo: Ryan Odell

Women’s Open

Schneeberger takes Big Frog win

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1st-Leia Schneeberger, 2nd-Ali Lecraw, 3rd-Kelsey Devereaux, 4th-Naomi Haverlick, 5th-Kimberly Flynn. Photo credit: Dashing Images LLC.

Taking the win in the women’s marathon race was, Leia Schneeberger, Broken Spoke Racing, finishing in 5:50:20.

” I had been informed the race was mostly single track in style with a “portion” of gravel.  To my surprise it was the reverse.  I am a single track specialist and have never raced gravel before so it was an eye opener.  I certainly understand why they call them gravel grinders as this race was certainly a steady grind for me.  I made a solid effort to be the first women into the single track portion so that I could create a gap on the rest.  I’ve never raced a course this long or with this amount of elevation so I kept my heart rate in the endurance / tempo range all day in effort to avoid bonking.  It ended up being enough to get the job done. I currently race for Broken Spoke Bikes in Green Bay Wisconsin and Hammer Nutrition. I will be racing the Marji Gesick 100 this fall.  

Ali LeCraw 2nd place women’s open: Photo Ryan Odell

About thirteen minutes back, Ali LeCraw of Peachtree Bikes finished second in 6:03:15. A close third place, Kelsey Devereaux crossed the line in 6:06:16.

Singlespeed

Kunz gets his first NUE win

1st-Josh Kunz, 2nd-Scott Brannon, 3rd-Nathan Grubb, 4th-Forrest Ege, 5th-John Leblanc

Getting his first NUE win, Joshua Kunz of Knobby Side Down finished in 5:14:52. Eleven minutes back, Scott Brannon of Motor Mile Racing crossed the line second in 5:26:11.

Josh Kunz 1st place SS
Photo credit: Ryan Odell

Nathan Grubbs grabbed the third place step in 6:01:10.

“For the first race of the season and only my 4th ride on single track this year, I opted to gear down to a 32-20.  It was a pretty slow ratio for the first 10 miles of singletrack, but I managed to finally start passing other riders on the first big climb after the bridge.  By aid 3, I had moved up at least 30 positions and was feeling good.  By the massive climb on FS 62, 32-20 seemed like a good choice.  With a healthy mix of ‘stand-and-mash’ and swearing, the large gravel climbs went by quickly.  Into the last 5 miles downhill, geared riders that I had been passing since Aid 4 were starting to catch me.  Dylan and Christian blew past on the last few hundred yards of singletrack, and I gave a last big effort to try and get in under 6 hours.  I was very happy with third and a 6:01:10 final time.  “

Nathan Grubbs 3rd place SS
Photo credit: Ryan Odell

Masters

Crowley WINS Masters

1st-Ariel Crowley, 2nd-Jeff Clayton, 3rd-Jorge Cortez, 4th-Mathew Sexton, 5th-Chris Torrance. Photo credit: Dashing Images LLC.

Making the trek from out west, Ariel Crowley of QQQQ Racing, wins the masters division in 5:23:50.

No stranger to the NUE series, Jeff Clayton of Georgia Neurosurgical Institute took second in 5:25:25.

Jeff Clayton 2nd place masters
Photo credit: Ryan Odell

“I came to the race with much less than ideal training.  Just one ride of over 5 hours in the last few months and that was a gravel grinder race.  I did a late afternoon pre-ride Friday and found the trails to be in great shape.  The start was nice and mellow, giving me a few minutes to get my body ready for the shock of the inevitable surge on the paved climb.  I accepted being dropped on the second surge and settled in with a couple other guys entering the singletrack.  We caught a group ahead and were caught by a few riders from behind.  Things split up again in the roots on old copper rd and the bear paw climb.  By the time I got on the gravel road portion of the race I’d left all but one of those racers behind and caught a few more.  On the gravel loop I rode mostly solo, catching and riding with a few racers and then dropping them.  The last long road section had me feeling my lack of training—cramps!  I got dropped by one companion I’d caught and then passed by one other guy.  I was able to keep it that way, though I could feel that I was slowing.  One racer I caught a glimpse of in the distance on the final climb ended up being Matt Crowley who held me off for the win in 50+.  Kudos to Matt for coming from Utah to race and taking the win!”

Finishing third was, Jorge Cortes with a time of 5:37:41.

Click here for full results

What’s up next? Click here to register for the NUE Mohican 100 mile & 100 K in Loudonville, OH.

Written by: Lisa Randall & @Jentoops

Hampshire 100k

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Drew Purcell and Karen Potter Escape Hampshire Heat with 100k Wins

By Ryan O’Dell

In 1809, General John Stark, a Revolutionary War Soldier from New Hampshire, declined an invitation to a Battle of Bennington reunion because he was ill. Since he could not make the event, he sent a letter with the quote “Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils.” that was to be read for the toast. New Hampshire later used part of this toast for their State motto: Live Free or Die. The tenth annual Hampshire 100, located in Greenfield, NH, decided to use a portion of this motto on their race logo “Live Free & Bike!”

Race Director, Randi Whitney, “The Hampshire 100 is a true community event, with many local civic and non-profit groups from the surrounding area putting a shoulder to the mountain of necessary tasks to put on an event of this nature. Whether it is a 4-H club, a Boy Scout troop, a rescue squad, a school PTO, a recreational trails group, or supporters of a local library, they all help to make it happen.”

Whitney also announced that she will be retiring as race director of the Hampshire 100 and as director of the EFTA, Eastern Fat Tire Association.

“As Event Director of the Hampshire 100, it has been a pleasure to bring a uniquely New Hampshire flavor to the world of endurance racing for the past ten years. The opportunity to see both pro level and first time racers on the same course together, and all levels reaching deep into their special abilities that they may not have known they had, has been an experience not to be forgotten.

Sadly, after ten years of dedicated efforts, it really is time for, not only myself, by also for so very many of the most generous of volunteers, to turn some of our attentions and time to other important life pursuits, such as family. Our wish is that many enduring memories of triumph, perseverance, joy, and great camaraderie with fellow athletes will fondly remain part of the Hampshire 100 legacy. May taking the long trail continue to be the right one!”

 

East coast domination is the name of the game for Karen Potter and she showed it again at the Hampshire 100k. Photo by: David Smith Photos

East coast domination is the name of the game for Karen Potter and she showed it again at the Hampshire 100k. Photo by: David Smith Photos

WOMENS OPEN

Potter gets her first NUE Series win of the season!   

Karen Potter, Pivot/DNA Cycling, won the Women’s 100k finishing in 6:11:18 in her first NUE win this season. “This was my sixth time racing the Hampshire 100. Course knowledge helps a lot knowing where to use energy and where to save it. It has always been a challenging course despite not having a terrible amount of elevation gain for the amount of miles. The singletrack sections are super fun, gnarly, rocky, rough, but slow going. This year was the driest by far making the singletrack a bit easier since, even when it’s the least bit damp in the woods, the roots and rocks get greasy fast.

I wasn’t sure how well I would perform this year, as the week heading into the race, I felt like I was fighting the potential of getting sick and was not sleeping well. Early in the race, another competitor who I raced a good chunk of the race with the previous year, asked whether I was ‘going for the win’ or what, trying to decide whether he should pace himself off of me. I responded that I was just trying to see what my body was going to give me and work with that, as that’s the way to survive an endurance race.

Thankfully, my body cooperated to have a great race. I admit, coming into the end of the first lap, I was sort of dreading the second one. I started drinking more water since it was fairly warm out and ate a bit more. That did the trick and helped me to finish strong. My Pivot Mach 429SL was awesome for a course that has just about everything in it for terrain.”

Twelve minutes later, Stephanie Baker, DG Cycle Sports, placed second at 6:23:39. Rachel Brown, Bikeman.com, was next taking third at 7:52:12. Thirty seconds later, Robyn Duke, Lapdogs Race Team, was fourth at 7:52:42.

With three races remaining in the NUE Marathon Race Series, Karen Jachow, Team Topeak-Ergon, leads the series with four wins.

 

Alex Pond headed east following 3 NUE wins out west in 2016 Photo by: David Smith Photos

Alex Pond headed east following 3 NUE wins out west in 2016 Photo by: David Smith Photos

MENS OPEN

Purcell gets his second NUE win at Hampshire!

Ohio Mountain Bike Series Champion (www.ombc.net), Drew Purcell, Wooster Bikewerks/Y-Not Cycling, earned a hard fought second win of the season following his seventh place finish at Cohutta Big Frog 65 earlier in the season and his second straight win at the Mohican 100k. Purcell finished 5:10:19 challenging current NUE Marathon leader Alex Pond.

“Being my first time riding in New Hampshire, I didn’t know what to expect from the trails. The rocks and the steep climbing made the course pretty difficult for me. The 100k racers started one minute behind the 100 mile racers. Soon, as they said go, me and two other 100k racers bridged up to the 100 mile group before the double track began. The first half of the first lap was pretty fast. The group slowed a bit for the second half of the lap and a few racers joined the group.

I noticed both of my rivals in the 100k had joined up with us. At that point, I put in a small attack on the second lap and the beginning of the double track, just to see how they were feeling. Alex dropped off at that point and never rejoined. It was down to two 100k riders with the leading 100 milers. I stayed mid pack knowing my chance to win would come in the second half of the race in the single track. I was sure to enter the last ten miles of single track in the front and put my skills to work so I established a nice gap off the first real technical descent of the single track and rode to the finish on my own from there.”

Purcell will challenge the NUE Marathon leader once again on September 1 at the Volcano 100 in Costa Rica. A win there could set up a final showdown between Pond and Purcell at the Fool’s Gold 55 mile Championship race, where all ties are broken.

One minute later, Derek Treadwell, Dr. Naylor-Treadwell Training, rolled across the finish line second at 5:11:18. Five minutes later, NUE Marathon Series leader, Alex Pond, Sonoran Cycles, placed third at 5:16:20.

“Sunday morning, at five am, I was enjoying my breakfast of granola, eggs and coffee under already warm temps. That should have been a clear indication I was going to be dealing with heat during the race but I thought nothing of it. I have grown up in the humid conditions of the east coast and that day did not seem too bad. Lining up at the start, it’s very different being in a new region and out of the group of regulars you are accustomed to racing with. I was feeling very confident and also feeling in good condition to race hard, but my body was feeling otherwise.

The start went out pretty quick and the one minute lead the 100 mile racers had was soon brought together and a group of about ten came together going into the first ten miles of racing. Coming from altitude, my lungs weren’t feeling the pain but I could tell the pace was hard by the searing in my legs on every short and punchy climb. The racing was so unique with a combination of back country roads, old jeep roads, private driveways, and some of the most rooted and rocky singletrack I’ve ever experienced.

Dereck Treadwell took second by just under minute in the Hampshire 100k. Photo by: David Smith Photos

Dereck Treadwell took second by just under minute in the Hampshire 100k. Photo by: David Smith Photos

On our first descent down crotched mountain, I discovered that I did not tighten my headset enough and my bars were coming loose. When I got off my bike, I discovered the zipper on the saddle bag had blown out and all my tools had vanished. Luckily, the aid at the bottom of the ski area had a toolbox and I was quickly on my bike chasing the lead group. After about five more miles, I was back with them and now we were down to about three 100k racers and five 100 mile racers.

I had to make a quick pit stop (thanks Mother Nature) and lost about thirty seconds. Once back through for the second lap, I was back in the group and was restocked with a fresh bottle and my camelback which I was sure would get me through the race and keep me hydrated. We kept the pace pretty civil along the road but, once we hit the next bit of off road, the climbs went hard and I started to lose pace. I decided to let off and see if I could come back but the group kept making gains and my legs began to get tight on the climb out of MT Crotched.

My last thought of getting back with the group was when we hit a self-serve aid. Everyone was getting on their bikes after a quick stop and I still had fluids so I led the chase going out but, once we hit the woods, I was off the back again and the group was quickly getting away. I even had my first bout of “off the bike cramps” at fletcher hill. Thankfully, there was a house stocked with Gatorade with a sign that said free drinks. That was the last thing I thought might get me through to the finish. The race proved to be incredibly challenging, fun, and brought out a great group of racers.”

Twenty-Four minutes later, Warren Gerow, Bikeman.com, took fourth at 5:40:45. One minute behind Gerow, Benjamin Coleman too fifth at 5:41:49.

 

SINGLESPEED

Litzinger gets his fourth straight NUE Series win, now leads NUE Marathon Race Series!

James Litzinger, Napleton Elite Cycling, was the first across the line at 5:47:20 and now leads the NUE Marathon Series in the SS division with a total of four straight wins including the Big Frog 65, Mohican 100k and Tatanka 50k. “I had the pleasure of enjoying the Hampshire 100k with my friend and teammate Scott Williams.

The start of the race was not very SS friendly with the almost five miles of flat road. Scott and I were quickly swallowed up by the sounds of clicking shifters as the road opened up at the beginning of the race. We each took a guess at how many we would catch by the top of first climb as we spun down the road. Scott guessed thirty and I said five. He was definitely more accurate!

I really enjoyed the mix of wild single track and back country roads on my Pivot Les! There were some really cool bridges and rock features that kept me on my toes! Starting the second lap, we continued down the open road leading to the exciting gutter descent making our way toward the ski hill climb. I knew that climb would prove to be more challenging the second time through. After that climb, I rode through the rest of the New Hampshire Wilderness solo only catching up to some of the geared guys along the way toward the finish. I can’t thank my lovely wife and boys, Dirty Harry’s, and teammates enough for all of their support!”

Eleven minutes later, Litzinger’s teammate, Scott Williams, Napleton Elite Cycling, was second to finish at 5:58:41.

Yianni Pimenidis was third at 6:27:26. “I thought the race was very well organized with great energy. The trails were lots of fun, rocky, and I loved the hills on my 32×20 single-speed. Beautiful weather, scenery, and this was my first time riding on the east coast. My favorite thing was the fact that I was riding my bike for a good six hours, something that I love, and it is fun to do.”

 

MASTERS 50+

Lang wins the Masters!

61-year-old Gilman Lang took the victory over his younger competitors in the Masters field finishing with a winning time of 6:27:16.

Ten minutes later, 55-year-old Mark Vojtko, Claremont Cycle Depot, finished second at 6:37:42. “My race went pretty good. I started off slow and found a good rhythm. Eat-drink-pedal-don’t burn any matches-save the bike-repeat. I ride my race, I pass people, and people pass me. The tea leaves fall where they’re going to fall in the end. I’ve had the great fortune of three podium finishes out of five consecutive NH-100 completions-not bad for someone who started racing mountain bikes at age 47. All races hurt, all races teach you to dig deep, and they’re all rewarding.

While the sportsmanship is amazing, we all really need to extend a huge thanks to the volunteers and race organizers who sacrifice countless hours of their time to make these events happen and that stranger stopping traffic telling you “good job”.”

Two minutes later, 56-year-old Geoff Waite, placed third at 6:39:27. “Taking up racing late in life, this was my second ever endurance race and my second third place finish, but I have been riding since we were all building or owned “tracker bikes” in the 70s! I raced on a more or less standard Santa Cruz tallboy carbon, which worked great for this course. At 28lbs, it could have been lighter, as always. WTB Nano tires were perfect for the course and conditions – fast rolling, robust and predictable in a drift.

While the first half of the circuit knocked off the miles and the bulk of the climbing, the sweet single track sections of the second half, getting more burly as it moved towards the finish, was great, and really favors a strong technical rider, as long as there’s still gas in tank to blast it.  This is where I made up my time on both laps. While I did lose a couple of minutes to route confusion and errors, the course was generally excellently marked. Three liters of water per circuit was just right but, next time, I’m going to have to optimize my pit stop, which is where I dropped a place. I am looking forward to besting myself in the next race!”

58-year-old Thomas Sullivan, State Nine, was next finishing fourth at 7:08:18. Five minutes later, 55-year-old Jose Gonzalez, Gonzalez Framing, was next placing fifth at 7:13:57.

 

What’s NEXT?

The Kenda NUE Marathon Race Series heads due south to the only race held outside of the USA. NUE #9, The Rincon Challenge 100k, now the Volcano 100k, will roll out on September 1 from Liberia, Costa Rica.  www.nuemtb.com

Stay tuned here for the latest NUEz and information.

Click Here For Full Results

Mohican 100k presented by KENDA – Full Report and Photos

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June 4, 2016

By Ryan O’Dell

 

The KENDA Mohican 100 dispatched nearly 600 racers 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”. This year, several hike-a-bikes were rerouted to make them more ridable, including a new and safer crossing at SR97. Mohican offered a $10,000 cash purse, the largest in the NUE Race Series.

The NUE MARATHON Race Series featuring distances ranging from 50k, 50 mile to 100k was introduced this season with a best four of ten race schedule held at existing NUE Races that offer shorter distance options. Equally as popular as the 100 mile distance and now an Olympic distance, The Mohican MTB100k is proud to join NUE.

Women's 100k winner Sally Price gets wet. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Women’s 100k winner Sally Price gets wet. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Women’s Open

Price, the victor, goes Sub-Six, AGAIN

Sally Price, Velofemme p/b Litzler, Bike Authority, The 2015 race winner and ONLY sub-six finisher in the Women’s open has done it again, winning her second her second straight Mohican 100k as the only Women’s sub-six, at 5:47:58, a full ten minutes faster than last year!

The packed Women’s field was just short of 50 this year as Miki Kedo, JTree/Wheels in Motion/ Trek, placed second at 6:05:05. Forty-three seconds later, Becky Edmiston, Steamboat Velo, took third in 6:05:48.

Less than two minutes later, Janet Edwards, Team Bicycle Hub, placed fourth in 6:07:11 with Donna Winters, Bike Zone, taking the fifth podium spot four minutes back at 6:11:02.

Mud and slippery conditions created some carnage on course. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Mud and slippery conditions created some carnage on course. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Men’s Open

Purcell posts back to back Mohican wins

Drew Purcell, Ride On, took his second straight Mohican 100k finishing 4:35:35.

Purcell is currently leading the Men’s Pro/Expert Division of the Ohio Mountain Bike Championship Race Series and is coming off a seventh place finish at the Big Frog 65, making him a top contender for the NUE Marathon Series title. Purcell represented the Ohio Series in 2014, completing the LaRuta de los Conquistadores, a three day stage race across Costa Rica billed as the toughest race on the planet.

“My race on Saturday went very well. Heading into the woods from the dirt road, I was in the top 10 and worked my way up to the lead at about mile 5-6. I continued to lead until mile 14 or so where Lico, the hundred mile racer from Costa Rica, put in an attack but didn’t really go anywhere. We all stayed together with a bit of yo-yoing within the group until the course split at Aid 3, mile 46.  I turned left, following the 100k course, and rode to the finish by myself. I thought the course was great this year and the signage was good along with all the aid stations. I am undecided on my next NUE race, leaning toward the Hamphire 100 but that could always change.”

Eight minutes behind Purcell, Chris Tries, Piney Flats Cycle and Fitness, took second at 4:43:40. Two minutes later, NUE Pro/Expert Masters Champion, Ross Clark, Edge Outdoors, claimed third at 4:45:24.

Less than a minute back of Clark, Ethan Millstein, Nationwide Veloworx, checked in fourth at 4:46:06. Another minute passed before Ryan Krayer, Adventure212 / Specialized, took fifth at 4:47:26.

Mohican pays ten deep in what is by far the largest division, Men’s Open: 6-10 podium finishers were Bradley Kramer, Team Spin/Litzler Automation, 4:48:15, David Pike, Team DNA-Movement p/b Penetron, 4:56:28, Greg Kuhn, RBS Cycling Team, 5:01:36, Brad Rogers, Y-Not Racing Team, 5:02:13 and John Proppe, Lake Effect Racing, 5:02:17.

Ben Michelis hammered out the 100k event on a rigid SS coming in 10th. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Ben Michelis hammered out the 100k event on a rigid SS coming in 10th. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Singlespeed

Litzinger gets the W with a Sub Four

Following his first win in April at the Big Frog 65, James Litzinger, Napleton Elite Cycling pwrd by Dirty Harry’s, powered his way to the top as the only Master’s racer to go sub-4 hours on the day at 4:54:37. Litzinger now leads the NUE SS Marathon Race Series. Unaware that the 2016 race start was lengthened to accommodate a much larger field than the last time he competed here in 2012, Litzenger was surprised from the very start of the race.

“After finishing well at my first NUE Marathon race of the season, the Big Frog 65 in Tennessee, I was anxious to challenge myself at the Mohican 100k. Some of the guys from the Napleton Auto Elite team rolled into Loudonville on Friday evening heading straight to the “new start,” so we thought.

For some odd reason we thought the start of the race was going to be the same as the 2012 Mohican race. We drove up the opening climb and made the first left heading back to the pig farm thinking that was going to be the start of the race. After checking out the start we went down to packet pickup to get all signed in and ready for the race. We had a late dinner after doing a short pre-race spin then off to bed nice and early to get rested up for the Mohican 100k!

After fueling up my bottles with Hammer Perpetuem and my pocket with Hammer Gel we rolled on over to the start of the race.  I was nervous for the start of the race knowing that there were so many strong riders in the 100K SS category! I was in awe when I saw all 600 mountain bikers ready to start a race. I was on the start line with some teammates and an occasional competitor and friend, Don Powers. He is a super strong rider and the winner of the 100 mile SS race. We had planned to ride together until aid station 3 when the race splits to the 100k finish.

After the start, I was trying to stay toward the front of the race so I could get into the single track early, since I thought there was going to be less road in the beginning. Well, that plan went out the window when everyone passed where I thought we were going to turn.  I was really wondering if I was going to have enough gas in the tank to spin all the way to the single track and keep my good position. Initially, I wanted to ride with Don Powers until the split at aid station 3 but after the first climb out of town I was able to hitch a ride on the wheel of my teammate Joe Fraas and Don wasn’t able to join us, #sslife!  Joe was an absolute mule helping pull me all the way to the start of the single track.  Thanks Joe!

With my good position in the opening single track, I thought it would be a good time to push the pace and try to open the gap on the SS competition. My Maxxis Ikons were gripping extremely well on the fine Mohican Trails, so I decided to keep up the pace with a few geared riders!  We had a nice pace, so I decided to continue as planned and skip through the first aid station.  After finishing up the single track, I was lucky enough to hook up with 100k rider, Bradley Cramer and 100 miler, Gregory Jancaitis.  These guys were pulling like horses on the county gravel roads and I was super excited that they let me spin with them!  We stuck together for most of the way until shortly before aid station three were they surged ahead to push up to some other geared competition of theirs!

Leaving aid station 3, I was all alone spinning and tucking my way down the road until the Valley Stream road climb. I knew that when I was finished with that climb the final single track would be coming up shortly! I spun my way down the rest of the rolling roads and through aid station 5. I was thrilled for the final single track knowing that it would take me down to the finish and it would be difficult for others to make up a lot of time on me. The single track was going well, until I was pushing a good pace up a climb and made a wrong turn taking me up a hike a bike, across a ridge, and down into a valley. I ran into some hikers that informed me that I was off course!  Oh No!  I quickly backtracked onto the course.  I figured that I lost about seven minutes with my wrong turn so I was not sure who had went by me at that point.  This made my adrenalin kick in and help me to push a good pace to the finish.

The final piece of single track was just as fun as going through it on the way out! Time flies when you’re having fun! I was so relieved and satisfied when it was announced that I had won the 2016 Mohican 100K SS race! My next N.U.E. race is the Lumberjack 100!

100k SS podium. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

100k SS podium. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

I couldn’t race without the support of my wife and three boys!  They motivate me to always do my best.  Thank you to Dirty Harry’s bike shop, my teammates at Napleton Auto Elite cycling, and all of our generous sponsors.”

Peyton Randolph, Trek Store Columbus, was second finishing 5:03:56. Scott Williams, teammate of Litzinger, Napleton Elite Cycling Team p/b Dirty Harry’s, rolled in three minutes later at 5:06:00. Two minutes later, Aaron Shelmire, NovaCare p/b JMac Cycling, took fourth in 5:08:19.

One minute later, Ernesto Marenchin, Pivot Cycles, Twin 6, WAS Labs, winner of the True Grit 50 in March, took the final podium spot at 5th in 5:09:31. Marenchin continues to be a top contender for the NUE Marathon SS title.

 

Masters 50+

Cozza wins BIG with a sub-5 in his first NUE Series Race

52 year old Craig Cozza, UPMC Cycling Performance/Pro Bikes, made a statement with a commanding lead in his win at Mohican 4:58:09. “My first NUE and certainly the longest mountain bike race I’ve ever done. I’ve had a lot of fun and wins racing time trials, road, crits, CX and mountain bike over the last five years, 2015 CX national champion and silvers in 2014 and 2016.

This race was epic for me, loved the entire scene. So My teammate Don Powers rolls up beside me about thirty miles in on a steep dirt road climb, lays a fist bump on me and says let’s go get this, two wins, you and me, as he rode by me with second place Rege on his wheel.

I got them back on the flats but was amazed at how fast those guys ride those single speeds! Gauging and dosing my effort was important. That Way motivating moment carried me through the rest of the race! I went into time trial mode on the back roads, passing a lot of guys if there wasn’t anyone to work with. Then, I just focused and flowed through the woods. Awesome race, thank you!!! Four of us from Upmc/Pro Bikes raced, Johnny and Matt Crawford placed 4th and 9th respectively.”

2015 Mohican Masters 100k Race winner, 54 year old Robert Goetz, A Gear Higher & Nebo Ridge, was next placing second in 5:20:41. Following a 12th place finish at True Grit 50 and 15th at the Big Frog 65, 52 year old Anthony Hergert, Rescue Racing p/b Reality Bikes, had his best finish of the season getting third in 5:44:21.

Teammate of Cozza, John Crawford, UPMC Sports Medicine/ProBikes, took fourth at 5:45:52.

One minute later, Jeff Doer, Mclain race team, took fifth in 5:46:16.

NEXT NUE MARATHON RACE: The Bailey Hundito 50 Mile June 18,  http://nuemtb.com/series/bailey-hundo-ultra-endurance-mountainbike-race

Click Here for full results from the all categories

Big Frog 65 – NUE Marathon Series #2

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Big Frog 65 Race Report

The inaugural Kenda NUE Marathon Race Series was added in 2016 to include 50 mile and 100k race distances held alongside existing NUE 100 mile races. This year, Cohutta Big Frog 65 is race #2 in this best four of ten race series. Marathon Race Series Winners will receive a share of a $5000 cash purse plus comped series entry for 2017, Custom Voler Champion Jerseys, along with possible travel awards, TBA.

Women’s Open Big Frog 65

Blandford gets the W

Jenna Blandford, Women´s Project Pedal p/b VO2, from Louisville, KY took the top spot by just three minutes at 5:14:32. “My teammate, Mary, actually won this race last year (came in second this year) and gave me a lot of advice on how to pace.

I made it a point to get into the single track as close to the front as possible and go hard as I could through that section. Then I dialed it down a bit for the fire roads and just kept it steady. I’m usually a strong climber and that seemed to be where I made the most ground. When I hit the last section of single track, I basically rode like my head was on fire because I really didn’t know how much of a lead I had. This was really my first “A race” of the year.”

Three minutes later, last year’s race winner, Mary Penta, Women´s Project Pedal p/b VO2, placed second at 5:17:26.

Seven minutes later, Lisa Randall, SuperSport Athletic Wear, captured third place. Randall is also the race director for the NUE Series Championship at the Fool’s Gold 100 in September.

“It was a pretty straightforward race – the girls that were 1-2 were able to get away with the lead men up the initial climb, never to be seen again.  My teammate Carey Lowery and I were both on the slow and steady approach but unfortunately for me, but it wasn’t enough to catch the leaders. I sat in third for much of the race until my teammate Carey Lowery and I ended up coming back together on the Thunder Rock descent so we rode in together for 3-4.”

Tiffany Ballew, Peachtree Bikes, from Atlanta finished 5:43:52 to round out the top five.

Men’s Open Big Frog 65

Collegiate National Champion Dillman wins!

Andrew Dillman, Think Green, took top honors with eight minutes to spare to finish 4:16:35. Dillman is the current Cyclocross Collegiate National Champion and raced on the collegiate US world team.

Michael Danish, NOXcomposites, rolled in at 4:22:45 placing second on the day. Dillman’s teammate, Ben Richardson, Think Green Toyota-V02 Multisport p/b SW, arrived nine minutes later taking third place at 4:31:15.

 

Singlespeed Big Frog 65

Litzinger wins with a comfortable margin of victory

James Litzinger, Napleton Elite Cycling pwrd by Dirty Harry’s, from Beaver Falls, PA took top honors in the SS by nearly twenty minutes finishing 4:32:16.

“Seven of us came down from Pittsburgh for the Cohutta or Big Frog race. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be ready to race after an off season knee surgery. I ended up on the naughty list because of my last minute decision to go down to the race. I’m sure glad I did. With the flowing fast single track, great climbs, amazing views, and fast descents, it was nothing short of amazing! It was super exciting to see a coyote cross the road in front of me. Everyone around the podium looked at me like I told them I saw a Sasquatch!  It was really entertaining.

The race started pretty mild up the first climb, picking up intensity the closer it got to the top. I was able to jump on the rear wheel of the last geared rider to head into the fast, flowing, and fun single track in the lead group. The geared guys were flying through the single track so I decided to let a few ambitious riders past me, in hopes of catching up to them later in the race. Before the end of the single track I was able to catch three of the geared guys on the climb before the first aid station.

I had to stop at the first aid station for some air in my back tire.  I had a few rim strikes in the earlier rock gardens. It was like a NASCAR stop, “25 in the back please!” The young man at the aid station was on it!  All of the aid stations were fast and organized!

Once on the road, I was back and forth with the three geared guys after catching back up from my air fill up. Eventually, I worked my way past them. I wasn’t sure that was a good move at the time. They can be a great asset on the roads and it’s nice to have some company.

I loved the gravel! The fast grinding climbs with the white knuckle descents made the fun race fly- by so fast! I managed to ride briefly with some geared guys on my way to the last aid station. Once I hit the last aid station, I knew that I was in a good position to rail some single track back to the finish! The trail was wide open and just as fast and fun going back to the finish! I was smiling the entire race. I’m very thankful for my family and teams support getting me ready for the race. The guys on my team and shop, Napleton Elite Cycling team powered by Dirty Harry’s know how to get you prepared for your best! I will be at Mohican! I would also like to try Wilderness 101 and Shenandoah. We are also looking into the Hampshire race.”

Peyton Randolph, Trek Store Columbus, took second at 4:51:59. “The first twenty miles of single track was dusty and loose. With the train of riders, we were eating dust for a while. I rode almost the whole day with Brad Rodgers. We had fun swapping positions. The single track was really fast and punchy with very little climbing. When we exited the single track and rode by the first aid station, I was amazed my Garmin read over 20 miles already.

The gravel roads to follow had perfect rollers especially for the single speed. The down hills were screaming fast and the climbs were long and tough. I was so glad to finally hit the last nine miles of single track full of fast flowy down hills and a few short climbs. Overall, the single track was great and the weather could not have been more perfect. I am looking forward to (OMBC) Ohio Series race at Great Seal State Park and the Mohican MTB100!”

Four minutes later, Aaron Shelmire, from Pittsburg, PA claimed third place finishing 4:55:10. Six minutes behind Shelmire, Scott Williams, Napleton Elite Cycling Team p/b Dirty Harry’s, took fourth with NUE SS contender, Ernesto Marenchin, Pivot Cycles, Twin 6, WAS Labs, from Stow, Ohio taking the five spot three minutes later at 5:04:26. Marenchin finished ninth overall in the NUE 100 mile SS Division in 2015.

 

Masters 50+ Big Frog 65

Railey rails it for the W

55 year old James Railey from Oakland, MD was first in the masters completing the course in just 5:11:13.

Thirteen minutes later, 56 year old, Jimmy Karp, from Palm Bay, FL rolled in to capture the two spot in 5:24:04. Seven minutes later, Chris Ready, VeloSports Racing Team, of Arden, NC took third finishing in 5:31:40.

50 year old Matt Rouse, from Fishers, IN took fourth at 5:40:11 with Lou Cataland, Pave Cycling, from Atlanta getting fifth in 5:43:26. Just eleven seconds back, 59 year old Brian Davis, Compass Cycling Racing Team, from Orlando, FL got the sixth spot in 5:43:37.

NEXT UP: The KENDA NUE Race Series heads deep into the backcountry of the Mohican State Forest in Ohio for the 14th Annual Mohican Mountain Bike 100k, a single loop 100k race spanning the four counties that collectively make up what has become known as Mohican Country. For more information or to register, visit www.mohican.net