Tag Archives: national ultra endurance series

Breck 100 Pre Race Report

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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!

Mohican 100 Mile

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

Loudonville, OH

Written by: Ryan O’Dell & Shana Biese

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

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 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 3rd 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 1st 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

Cohutta Big Frog 65

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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 3rd for the 15th 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

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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.

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

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 10th 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.”

WHATS NEXT: Join NUE Race Series for race #3 in Loudonville, Ohio on June 3rd for the 15th 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.

True Grit 100-Miler – Santa Clara, Utah

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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

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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.

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.

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

NUE Announces 2017 Race Schedule

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“Celebrating our first ten years as the premier XXC Race Series”

The 11th Annual National Ultra Endurance (NUE) Series www.nuemtb.com announced the 2017 race schedules this week that included several exciting changes.

The NUE Epic Race Series Schedule, comprised of races at or near 100 miles in length, will witness the return of the Breckenridge 100 mile in Colorado, a new race, the Marji Gesick, located in the upper peninsula of Michigan and a new date for the Big Bear Grizzly in California which will also serve as the new Championship race where all ties are broken.

In 2016, NUE introduced the first Marathon Race Series schedule, comprised of races at or near 50 miles to 100k in length. In 2017, the Marathon race series will expand to include three new locations in 2017, the Carrabassett 100k in Maine, the B-68 in Breckenridge, Colorado and the Marji Gesick 50 in Michigan.

“On behalf of The NUE Race Series, I would like to thank all of our sponsors, many who have been with us for up to a decade now, for believing in our vision and supporting NUE. We are proud to promote our NUE sponsors including Kenda Tire, Hammer Nutrition, Sigma Sport of Germany, Darn Tough Socks of Vermont, KMC Chain, Lauf Forks, Voler apparel, Squirt Lube, and Chris Eatough Coaching, for providing training plans for NUE Racers, many tailored to specific NUE race courses based on his success with NUE.

Singlespeeder Gordon Wadsworth mixes it up with the lead group. Photo by: David Smith Photos

Born in 2006 to fill a need for XXC racers, the NUE Series began with just six races before growing over the last decade to now include twenty four races held within thirteen different states and now internationally in Costa Rica and Spain. In 2016, NUE made the leap to the International stage by introducing the Rincon de La Vieja Challenge, held in Costa Rica, as its first Latin American venue. Race attendance doubled this year to nearly 700, making Rincon, now known as the Volcano 100, one of the largest races in the NUE Race Series.

Rincon Race Director, Juan Carlos, “The Volcano 100 MTB race has gathered momentum being the first 100 miler of Latin America. It is truly a giant step forward to become part of the NUE (National Ultra Endurance) Race Series. We are honored and thankful for the opportunity and look forward to growing with the NUE, helping the NUE grow and promoting this wonderful sport of endurance MTB cycling internationally.”

The NUE Marathon Race Series will be made up of ten well known races plus two new venues. Distances will vary ranging from 50 miles to 100k. Like the NUE Epic 100 Mile Race Series, the NUE MARATHON Race Series will be governed by the same rules and will require the same number of races (BEST 4) to become eligible for series awards and recognition. It is important to note that these are two separate race series. Points will not transfer between the Epic 100 Mile and Marathon Race Series. Marathon Series finishers will receive a national ranking and qualify for series awards, including a share of the minimum $4000 Cash purse, Custom Voler NUE Champion Jersey or discounted NUE finisher jersey plus prize packages for ALL NUE Race Series Finishers.

To claim the NUE Race Series Epic 100 Mile title, racers best four finishes will count. NUE requires a minimum of four races to receive a national ranking. ALL racers who complete four of the NUE 100 Mile distance races will receive a national ranking and qualify for series awards, including a share of a minimum $10,000 cash purse, Custom Voler NUE Champion Jersey or discounted NUE Finisher Jersey plus prize packages for ALL NUE Race Series finishers.

Additional Travel awards for NUE Division leaders or Champions, and randomly drawn NUE Racers,  including  the Volcano 100 and The LaRuta de los Conquistadores, will be announced publicly soon.

All ties will be broken at the Big Bear Grizzly in California to be held on a new date, September 30. An attractive feature of the NUE Series is that there is NO LICENSE REQUIRED in order to participate. Everyone is welcome to compete on a level playing field alongside top Pro’s. ALL finishing racers receive a score based on their race finishes with a “lowest points wins” formula. The best possible score is 4.

Taylor Lideen leads the chase group. Photo by: Cody Downard Photography

Nearly ALL NUE Race Series events sold out again in 2016, some within mere minutes.  The NUE Race Series presents racers with a balanced schedule, east and west, plus Central America. Costa Rica is now served by Southwest Airlines making airfare to the capitol city of San Jose and Liberia, located farther north, as affordable as traveling across the US.

NUE is currently soliciting the support of additional partners to promote products and services that racers can use. Potential sponsors can receive more information by contacting Ryan O’Dell at nolimit@mohican.net

What is on tap for each event for 2017

The 2017 NUE Series will roll out on March 11 in the southwest at the True Grit Epic and True Grit Epic 50 in sunny St. George, Utah.  According to Race Director Cimarron Chacon, “The True Grit Epic is long, tough, and technical. The first twenty miles are along rocky and steep terrain that requires excellent bike handling skills and upper body strength. This course is a roller coaster of desert riding with over 70% of the 89 miles on single track and slightly over 13,000 feet of elevation gain.

On April 29, NUE returns to Ducktown, Tennessee for the Cohutta 100 and Cohutta Big Frog 65 now under the direction of Justin and Amy Mace.  In 2016, the Cohutta 100 took on a fresh route, drawing up the southern end of the course that went into Georgia and displacing it west across more of Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest and the Ocoee region.  Staging for the race takes place along the banks of the beautiful Ocoee River — site for the 1996 Olympic White Water Events.  The 100 miles of race course traverses the mountain terrain by world class single track and fire roads. The single track is fast and flowing, but can get tight and technical in spots. The fire roads are demanding but rewarding with long ascents, fast descents, and spectacular mountain views.

Out of the gate, the race makes about a three mile climb on pavement up highway 64.  This warm-up serves as a good field displacer and pole position before entering into the fast and flowy single track for the next twenty miles. Next is an out-and-back trip on beautiful mountain fire-roads.  Road texture alternates between hard-pack gravel and smooth moist dirt. Expect tenacious climbs (over 12,000’ of elevation gain overall), hundreds of curves, and peaceful mountain streams.  Upon return, racers will re-enter the single track for about nine final miles of the best trails in these mountains.

The weather in Southeastern Tennessee in late April ranges in expression. Expect a chilly morning for sure on race day, but a quick warming up in the early miles.  Eight Aid Stations provide supplemental support throughout the course and a delicious meal and coveted “Finisher” mug await at the Finish Line.”

Hundreds of racers charge off the start line and through Loudonville, Ohio, at the start of the Mohican 100. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Next up is the 16th Annual Mohican 100 and Mohican 100k on June 3, the largest attended NUE Race where racers compete for a $10,000 cash purse, the highest single day cash award in the NUE Race Series. Like the Leadville 100, Mohican features a downtown start in Loudonville leading racers up a long climb for a $200 prime at the city limits. From there, the course covers several miles of double track before treating racers to Ohio’s top ranked pristine, flowing single track within the 5000 acre Mohican State Forest along a single loop spanning three of the counties that make up what is known as “Mohican Country”. Due to tremendous growth, The Mohican 100 mile and 100k imposed a limit of 700 racers beginning in 2015. This race may sell out quickly so it is recommended to register soon. 100 Mile Race finishers receive a custom Mohican finisher growler to be filled and refilled with a truckload of microbrew provided by Great Lakes Brewing of Cleveland.

From the Buckeye State, racers wither head north toward Michigan or west toward Colorado! The NUE Series will feature two great races, east and west on June 17. Marathon racers will enjoy the Bailey HunDitO 50 in Colorado, a not-for-profit event invented by a Colorado State Senator benefiting youth biking initiatives in Colorado including Trips For Kids Denver/Boulder, which offers mountain biking opportunities to underserved youth, changing lives “two wheels at a time”, the 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. Bailey also continues to support the advocacy and trail building work of the Colorado Mountain Biking Association as it builds new trails in the Platte Canyon area that both serve the local community’s recreation needs and is developing Bailey into a mountain biking destination.

Starting from the heart of Bailey, the race features over 45 miles of single track as it winds from Bailey through the Buffalo Creek Trail system and along the Colorado Trail to the South Platte then on to Deckers up Stony Creek Pass to Wellington Lake, and, finally, finishing to a fabulous new festival-like finish area in a private meadow by the river.

One the same day, NUE Epic 100 mile racers will be heading into the Great Lakes State of Michigan for the Lumberjack 100, also on June 17. Located deep within the Manistee forest in Wellston, Michigan, The Lumberjack will cap off the spring portion of the series.  If you like fast flowing, mostly non-technical single track, and Founders Brewing, this is your race. Perhaps that is why this event always sells out early, sometimes within minutes, so don’t miss your opportunity to register on January 8 at high noon.

Riders are treated to the spectacular scenery around Ducktown, Tennessee. Photo by Sara Kristen/SaraKristen.com

As summer arrives, The NUE Race Series returns, to the Black Hills of Sturgis, South Dakota July 8 for the Tatanka 100 and Tatanka 50k. The Tatanka 100 is NUE’s first and only point-to-point race beginning beneath Iconic Mount Rushmore and finishing in Sturgis! From the shrine of democracy to the city of riders, racers will test their mettle as they navigate South Dakotas famous Centennial Trail. The Tatanka 50k will retain many of the same challenges albeit over a shorter distance that offers NUE Marathon Race Series points.

One week later, think Big Foot and Volcano’s as Mudslinger Events hosts The High Cascades 100 in Bend returning for its eighth year to represent the state of Oregon on July 15. The Trails around Mt. Bachelor are truly epic and racers are treated to quality craft brews from Deschutes Brewing. With just 350 spots available, racers are encouraged to register as soon as possible.

Also on July 15, a new race has been added to the NUE Marathon Schedule located in Maine. The Carrabassett 100k located in the Carrabassett Valley adds some northeast flavor to the NUE Series.

On July 29, The Wilderness 101, directed by Chris Scott, is located in the Rothrock and Bald Eagle State Forests just outside of State College, Pennsylvania, home of the Penn State Nittany Lions. If you enjoy technical backcountry single track and hair raising downhill thrills, nothing rocks quite like PA! W101 was one of just six races included in the inaugural NUE Race Series.

Also on July 29, NUE heads west for the return of the Breck 100 and B-68 in Colorado. Breckenridge can take your breath away, literally, as it begins at an altitude of 9000 feet before crossing the continental divide three times, eliciting jaw dropping views throughout in a three loop Clover shaped race originating from Carter Park in downtown Breckenridge.

The final four races will occur within two month period, as usual, has a tendency to create some chaos in the series standings before the final tie breaking event.

Josh Tostado attacks the DH with the Grand Teton in the background. Photo by: Jakes Hawkes

First up is the 9th Annual Pierre’s Hole 100 and Pierre’s Hole 100k located near Alta, Wyoming on August 5. “Pierre’s Hole, a mountain valley tucked up to the Wyoming border on the western side of the Tetons, was once known as the strategic center for fur trade in the Northern Rockies. Today it is known as the strategic gathering place to ski unfathomable deep powder and ride some of the best unknown single track in the nation.

According to race director Andy Williams, “The Pierre’s Hole 100 and Pierre’s Hole 100k at Grand Targhee Resort  newest course layout adds even more new single track without the nasty climb down to the ranch from the early years of the race that many old timers may recall. The 2017 course will take racers through fields of wild flowers, aspen trees and old growth forest right in the shadows of the Tetons.”​ The “Grand Loop” which is all a part of the Pierre’s race course was recently named as an IMBA Epic trail!”

On Saturday, August 19, The Hampshire 100 mile and 50 mile races return as the Crotched Mtn. Hundred. According to race director, Andy Gendron, “Crotched Mountain Ski and Ride, a ski area located in Bennington, New Hampshire is continuing the tradition of the Hampshire 100 race hosted in Greenfield at Oak Park. The race has been a huge success over the last decade and Crotched Mountain is looking to build on that success for the future. The ski area will now host the staging area, on-site camping and event venue at their location in Bennington, which has been a part of the race course in the past. In addition, an outdoor BBQ and beer garden are planned for 2017 and the event date will be moved to a Saturday, Aug 19. The new event organizers are excited for this shift in the Hampshire 100 event and look forward to hosting in August.”

On September 2, The NUE Race Series goes Latin to beautiful Liberia, Costa Rica for the Fifth Annual Volcano 100, formerly known as the Rincon Challenge and Rincon Challenge 100k, a 100 mile and 100k loop around a volcano that features both jungle and desert conditions. Now served by Southwest Airlines, racers should note that travel to Costa Rica has become much more affordable with airline pricing about the same as a ticket from the east to the west coast in the US. Enjoy Costa Rican cuisine and hospitality competing alongside local Tico’s and fellow mountain bike racers from all over the world.

The next day, on September 3 over Labor Day Weekend in the USA, The Shenandoah Mountain 100 in Harrisonburg, Virginia, will send up to 650 racers into the George Washington National Forest. Shenandoah is the grand-daddy of them all, and the largest strictly 100 mile race in the NUE Race Series! Shenandoah not only has a great reputation for amazing trails but is also well known for the outstanding support of volunteers and aid stations that many racers would agree sets the bar for excellence.

One September 23, NUE shifts north to the upper peninsula of Michigan to Ishpeming for the Marji Gesick 100 and 50 mile races.  100 miles and 13,000 vertical feet armored with rocks, roots, drops, jump lines, flow trails, grueling climbs, dangerous technical descents and a final fifteen miles designed to push riders to their mental and physical limits.

Over its ten year history, the NUE Race Series has alternated the Championship race from east to west several times in an effort to keep the playing field level for racers. In 2017, the final NUE race will break all ties and determine the new NUE Champions on a new date and location returning to the west coast of California for the Big Bear Grizzly 100 and Grizzly 75k in Big Bear Lake. Big Bear has attracted racers from nine countries and eighteen states!

Tinker Juarez on course at the 2016 Big Bear Grizzly 100

 

Directed by Derek Hermon, racers familiar with the 100k Grand Fondo course will be treated to an extended portion of trail along a ridgeline with amazing views with the altitude beginning at 7000′ and reaching 8500′ with enough single track racers will beg for a fire road.

The NUE series schedule is tentative and subject to change as race organizers are still in the usual process of procuring forest service permits and other logistical race planning details. Stay tuned here for upcoming information about NUE Series Sponsors, Prize Money, and other race details. www.nuemtb.com

 

2017 NUE Epic 100 Mile Race Series

Date Race Location Limit
March 11 True Grit Epic St. George, UT 600
April 29 Cohutta 100 Ducktown, TN 275
June 3 Mohican MTB100 Loudonville, OH 700
June 17 Lumberjack 100 Wellston, MI 450
July 8 Tatanka 100 Sturgis, SD 300
July 15 High Cascades 100 Bend, OR 350
July 29 Wilderness 101 State College, PA 400
July 29 Breck 100 Breckenridge, CO 750
August 5 Pierre’s Hole 100 Alta, WY 150
August 19 Crotched Mountain 100 Bennington, NH
September 2 Volcano 100 Liberia, Costa Rica 500
September 3 Shenandoah 100 Harrisonburg, VA 650
September 23 Marji Gesick 100 Ishpeming, MI 650
September 30 Big Bear Grizzly 100 Big Bear Lake, CA 500

 

2017 NUE Marathon Race Series

Date Race Location Limit
March 11 True Grit 50 St. George, UT 600
April 29 Cohutta Big Frog 65 Ducktown, TN 275
June 3 Mohican MTB100k Loudonville, OH 700
June 17 HUNDitO 50 Bailey, CO 200
July 8 Tatanka 50k Sturgis, SD 300
July 15 Carrabassett 100k Carrabassett Valley, ME 400
July 29 Breck-68 Breckenridge, CO 750
August 5 Pierre’s Hole 100k Alta, WY 150
August 19 Crotched Mountain 50 Bennington, NH
September 2 Volcano 100k Liberia, Costa Rica 350
September 23 Marji Gesick 50 Ishpeming, MI 650
September 30 Grizzly 75k Big Bear Lake, CA 500

 

Fool’s Gold 60 – NUE Marathon Finale

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KENDA NUE Series #10

Fool’s Gold 60

Dahlonega, Georgia

Ryan O’Dell

For the first time this year, Fools Gold offered a 60 Mile option. This was another challenge for the Marathon Racers, providing a final opportunity to improve their national ranking. Besides being the final race, Fool’s Gold also served as the NUE Series tie breaker. This year’s Fool’s Gold moved to a beautiful new location at Anderson Creek Retreat near Elijay, GA, that included camping. Racers and spectators were treated to amazing views, including Springer Mountain, the southernmost point of the Appalachian Trail.

In addition to race day awards, the top five NUE Division winners will receive a share of the $6,000 cash purse. Each of the four division winners will also be rewarded with complimentary entry into All NUE races in 2017, a custom made NUE Champions Jersey by Voler.

Women’s Open

Nielson Takes the Win!

Jen Nielson, South Paw Cycles/Liv, won the race with a time of 5:11:15. “Fool’s Gold 60! 60 miles of pavement pounding, gravel grinding, flowing single track fun! No issues with illegal day-of registration this time around. I was prepared(ish). From the detailed website, to the email updates, to the extensive race guide, this event was clearly going to be well managed down to the finest of details.

The extreme organization stressed my somewhat naturally chaotic and unorganized self…just a bit. Packet pick up no later than 06:20? Race starts at 07:45? Deadlines. So early! I hustled to get out of work on time Friday, so as to finish the race day packing. Erik busily wrapped up shop duties, ultimately making for yet another late travel night. No sooner than our heads hit the pillows, it was time to be up and moving. Packed up, bikes loaded, bodies fueled, race packets secured, port-a-potty trip in the dark…check! Back in the comfort of the Element, I was quick to announce pre-race nap time and get multiple alarms set. Good luck 90 mile racers, we Nielsons need our beauty rest! Thirty minutes of glorious sleep, plus hitting snooze x1, and it was show time. I won’t lie, this was my first time enforcing pre-race nap time and I wasn’t sure whether or not the effects would end up being most regrettable.

The mass start was indeed massive as everyone jockeyed for positions in front of the timing mat. I was among the many racers fanned out on the outskirts of the gravel road and into the grass, well outside of timing mat territory. As I tried to inch closer and closer to the gravel road, not wanting to risk any sort of timing penalties, a lady on a BMC calmly reassured me that we would all eventually make it across the mat. Unfortunately, that did little to reduce my anxiety or desire for a good start. A car horn announced the start of the race and I squeezed in with the rest of the racers, making it over the mat with a foot to spare. Whew! Go time for real now!

The Lust was locked out and ready to go, so we jumped to the outside of the pack and made quick work of getting up to the front before tucking back in for some drafting. Big sigh of relief. It was sketchy going, surrounded by the sounds of brakes squealing and tires rubbing other people’s tires. I was just hoping that the results of those sounds would not include me being on the ground. I found myself mostly spending time with a couple of riders behind Erik, who was a couple of riders behind Thomas Turner. Wise? I’m not sure, but I wasn’t about to give up what I had. Neutral start completed, the pack was getting friskier, with random attacks off the front. As things ramped up, my thoughts simplified, focused on things that I had survived and had prepared me for this…TNR @ Pendleton, TNR, TNR, TNR, Tabata, Tabata, Tabata (thanks Brian Sheedy)! Well, I don’t know if those things really made a difference, but they were pretty much all I could think about.

The first climb was long and chunky. The rhythm I had hoped to carry was quickly lost. At times, it felt like everyone was passing me and there wasn’t a wheel I could manage to hop on. After the climb, was a long, fun descent. I was totally awake and ready for it. I was ready to chase some of those carrots that had passed me on the up. The Lady Lust and I made amends after Black Bear Rampage, getting in some quality bonding time over the last week, and were finally finding our groove. It was exciting!

When we hit single track, it was fast and flowy. The Lust and I were ready for it. There were certainly some “oh $#*t” moments, coming into corners hot, not realizing the trail was no longer directly in front of me. Guys were caught and others passed me. I tried to grab wheels where I could, hoping to pick up the pace for some sort of meaningful impact on the competition. I guess it wasn’t all fast and flowy. There were some punchy hills in there that made the down to up transition hard on the legs. At one point, I hopped off the bike to hike behind a line of others hiking, and realized I was looking at some long slender legs that couldn’t possibly belong to a guy, right? I checked her out closely. Yup, definitely not a guy. I debated asking the burning question that was on my mind and finally decided to let my mouth win. Much to me relief, she was racing the 90. I passed with some words of encouragement and continued on, wondering who was really behind me in pursuit.

Lesson learned from Black Bear, I was conscious to be eating every time I hit a fire road. Food, food, food was another overriding simplistic thought for this race. Even if I wanted to forget eating, the volunteers at the aid stations were on it, chastising me for not getting nutrition, despite my reassurances that I was eating what I packed. Other thoughts that generally preoccupied me while I was out there were, surely there is a Carey Lowery out there on the prowl….Carey, Carey, Carey….and as I hit the downhills, surely there is a ripper like Kaysee Armstrong behind me…Kaysee, Kaysee, Kaysee! Much to my amusement, I wasn’t the only one thinking Carey.

The final ascent was a long steady fire road climb of about 3.6 miles. This climb I liked! My happy rhythm was ready! While grooving on up the climb I passed a guy I had been going back and forth with and he jumped on my wheel. Not long after spending a little time together, he asked “Are you faster than Carey?” I responded with an, “I don’t think so.” “Are you sure?” is what I got in return. “Well, she beat me last weekend.” was the best I could do for him. “Oh.” It felt like disappointment, which for some reason had me laughing a little. After a little longer, he asked how much further the climb was. I could only answer that I didn’t know for sure, but thought it was seven miles from the top to the finish (thank you Jerry McClung). He debated hanging on my wheel or catching me on the descent. His final words were that if we could rejoin by the end, he would give me a good draft in to the finish. Who could refuse an offer like that? So, I climbed on and he settled into his pace.

When I reached the top of the climb, I was greeted with a sign that indicated eight miles to the finish. Damn you Jerry! An extra mile?! 61 miles! Up until then, my mind had been racing with thoughts of excitement at the awesome descent that would await me. I was ready to rip. Or so I thought. Not long after starting down, my right calf started to cramp up. I never get leg cramps! I sat down on the sections I could, trying to shake things out. This wasn’t happening! After a shorter time than I expected, my friend came tearing by me, yelling that this was my opportunity to jump on his wheel for my lead in. Everything in me snapped to attention. It was go time! Forget your cramping legs, forget your aching hands, forget your throbbing feet, and forget everything else. I worked hard to stay on his wheel, but ultimately lost him. It was ok though, because I was finally on and catching other people.

I hit the final section of pavement, grabbed some nutrition, and set to work. I managed to get into a group of three guys. There were suggestions of working together, there was attacking and definitely not working together, there were words of encouragement that gave me extra boosts I didn’t know I had, and there were look backs to ensure others were dropped (including me). The final drag to the finish was a grass field that felt a lot like trying to ride through thick, deep sand. It felt like going nowhere. It didn’t seem to matter if you were standing up or sitting down. It was all the same slow arduous progress trying to reel in that finish line banner. Boy did it feel good to finally make it! Well, nothing felt good then, but it sure does now. 1st overall/women’s open. Erik Danger Nielson rocked it into 5th overall/men’s open, in a tough field of men.

Lisa Randall and Mountain Goat Adventures put on a great event! One of the best organized, most well marked, and well supported races I have been to. The amenities, post-race food, and awards/payouts were definitely something to brag about. It was a fantastic experience!

A surprise arrived for me on the Thursday before the race, meaning that this was the last race the Lady Lust and I would be doing together. It did have me on the verge of tearing up at one point during the race (endurance races will do that to you). I am glad this is the way we got to finish together!”

Tiffany Ballew, Peachtree Bikes, came in about fifteen minutes behind Nielson, with a time of 5:26:16. Having just finished with a first place win at Rincon, this was her fourth NUE Race of the season and her second place finish also moved her into second place overall in the NUE Series.

Beata Wronska, City Bikes, finished third with a time of 5:42:50. This was her second year racing at Fool’s Gold. She won first place in 2015. “This was not my first take at the Fool’s Gold since I had an opportunity to race it year ago and was fortunate enough to take the win. I was looking forward to come back on this challenging course and have some fun. Making the drive all the way from South Florida makes for quite a trip, but I and other Floridians find it well worth it.

Just two weeks ago, I raced in Val Di Sole, Italy in the Cross Country Masters World Championship where I can proudly say I podiumed and shared the stage with an Olympic medalist and 3-time World Champion and other top European riders. I felt already accomplished but realized that this endurance event would be a good aid to clear my mind and enjoy the quite different scenery to our local bike scene as well as a good moment to finish my season on a good note.

The truly off-road part of the course was pretty spectacular, especially the flowy single track and super tough and fun Bull Mountain. I had a wonderful time riding those sections and tackling the small creeks, steep uphill’s filled with roots which were so tough that only strong riders could make it all the way up, as well as having a blast on the super-fast and technical downhills. It was all so enjoyable that often I was forgetting that I was actually racing. There were times where I was battling my competition and swapping spots but also times when I felt like I was on my own in the whole forest and could hear only the trickling of water, rustling of leaves and my own breath.

I don’t think I will ever forget how I felt on the final rocky descent coming back to the finish line. The descent was so loose, rocky and bumpy that I experienced at the same time pain and almost complete numbness in my hands and feet. For sure my body was not used to descents like this and it made it more of a challenge for me than anything else. Coasting to the finish line after that was quite elevating and I had a brilliant time going back and forth with a few male riders and giving one rider a sprint finish which made if fun for both of us as well as spectators.

Finishing third and still placing on the podium this year leaves me completely content and satisfied, especially knowing the field was deep and stacked with talented riders. Now I just wish we had more races like this closer to home. I hope one day I will be able to focus solely on endurance racing and hopefully compete for the overall NUE series points.”

Laura Booth, City Bikes, finished in third place with a time of 5:42:50 jumping up to fourth place overall in the NUE Series.

Overall for the NUE Marathon Race Series, Karen Jarchow, Team Toepeak-Ergon, earned her first NUE Marathon Series Championship, sweeping the series with a perfect score of 4, winning ALL of the NUE races that she participated in.

Tiffany Ballew placed second overall and Becky Edmiston, Steamboat Velo, earned a final ranking of third overall in the NUE Series.

 

Men’s Open

Mendez takes the win in his first NUE Race!

Gabriel Mendez, Team 706P, won the Men’s Open with a time of 4:18:16. “The morning of the Fool’s Gold 60 and 90 mile endurance races, everyone was on their bikes in anticipation for the starts. At 7:15 sharp, we watched the 90 mile racers take off down the gravel road to embark on the grueling task. By 7:30, many of the 60 mile racers were already hanging out in the staging area, making small talk to pass time until the neutral rollout at 7:45. At the whistle, a couple hundred mountain bikers rolled out behind the lead car for the first portion of the race.

The pace remained tame for miles, even onto the first ascent of Nimblewill Gap, where Phil O’Donnell and myself rolled off the front (being roadies who could probably use a cushion on the twisty downhill) and established a small gap on the pack. By the end of the descent of Nimblewill, freshly graded and thus riddled with overturned rocks and potholes, we were joined by three others, Thomas Turner included.

The first upset in the top positions was caused by Erik Nielson and my stop at the 21 mile aid station; my bottle had been bucked out of its cage on the descent. This caused the two of us to have to chase up to O’Donnell and Turner, the race leaders. After some amount of time, I rejoined Phil and we pursued the charging Thomas Turner, who I was told was dropping the hammer at a hopefully unsustainable rate. At the 30 mile checkpoint, we were told that we were about two minutes behind the leader.

It wasn’t until the vicious ascent of Bull Mountain that I regained sight of Thomas. This was undoubtedly the toughest section of the entire race: the combination of mangled roots and gradients consistently in the double digits had me (and I would assume Thomas as well) hugging my granny gear and wrenching my bike simply to stay upright. However, the descent almost compensated in enjoyment for the suffering we endured up the mountain; it took all I had to hang on to Thomas’ wheel as we screeched and skidded down the single track and dirt roads at speeds in excess of 30 miles per hour.

Following the descent, there was a stretch of road and a small amount of trail left before the 7 miles going up the backside of Nimblewill. At the base of the climb, I upped the tempo a bit in hopes of opening a small gap by the top of the climb, which lasted nearly 30 minutes but felt like an hour of switchbacks. Upon cresting the mountain, I realized I had to take all the risks on the final descent of Nimblewill to keep Thomas Turner at bay, as I had found he was significantly more competent at descending than I. Unfortunately, these risks earned me a cracked rear rim after the fact, but they also maintained my gap to the bottom of the downhill. From there, I knew it was a matter of elbows-on-the-bars time trialing against the headwind to the final stretch of gravel and grass.

The turn onto Big Bear Lane was a huge relief, although I did not realize we were to be routed down into the valley to be made to climb back out to the finish. As immensely painful as it was at the end of such a long race, hats off to the people who made this decision as anything less would have been unfitting to finish the brutal course (which was nothing short of epic) and it made you give everything you had left in the tank. All in all, I must say this was one of the best organized, most challenging races I’ve ever had the opportunity to compete in, and alongside multiple highly respected figures of the sport nonetheless.”

Just six minutes back, Thomas Turner took second at 4:24:40.

Fifteen seconds later and following two reported flat tires, Andrew Purcell, Wooster Bikewerks/Y-Not Cycling, in his fifth NUE Race of the season, took third with a finish time of 4:24:25.

In the NUE Race series overall for Marathon Men, Alex Pond earned his first NUE Marathon Race Series title. In point battle that was determined at Rincon in Costa Rica, Andrew Purcell placed second overall. David Pike, DNA-Movement p/b Penetron, took third overall in the point series.

Singlespeed

Betz comes out strong in second NUE Race, wins first place!

After finishing in fourteenth place at Big Frog earlier in the season, Jason Betz, Raising Cane’s Racing, grabs the win with a time of 4:47:15, just seconds ahead of second place.

Fifteen seconds later, at 4:47:30, Bradly Cobb, Motor Mile Racing, took second in his first NUE Series Race, the closest finish in the Fool’s Gold 60.

Cobb’s teammate, Justin Mace, Motor Mile Racing, took third with a time of 4:52:24 in his second NUE Race of the season. He raced earlier in the year at season opener, True Grit, placing 37th.

Overall, James Litzinger, Napoleon Elite, become the first NUE Marathon Series Champion undefeated with a perfect score of 4. Litzinger’s teammate, Scott Williams, Napolean Elite, finished the season ranked second overall in the NUE Marathon Series.

Ernesto Marenchin, Pivot Cycles/Twin 6/Was Labs, ranked third overall just one point behind Williams earning early season wins at both True Grit Epic and the Bailey Hundito.

 

Masters 50+

Turner on top!

In his first NUE Marathon race of the season, Greg Turner, Cartecay Bikes, wins Master’s 50+ with a time of 4:51:57.

Nineteen minutes later, last year’s race winner, Jorge Cortez from team JOVACO, finished second with a time of 5:10:41.

One minute later, Matt Hammond, Team Engine, completed the podium, finishing third with a time of 5:11:56. Along with his fellow podium dwellers, this was Hammond’s first NUE race this season.

Overall in the NUE Marathon Standings, 52-year-old Anthony Hergert, Rescue Racing, became the first NUE Marathon Masters Champion. Herget placed fourth at Fool’s Gold 60 this year, nine minutes behind Hammond at 5:20:06.  In route to his first series victory, Hergert,  completed in five of the ten NUE series races this season, including a first place finish at Rincon Challenge in Costa Rica.

NUE Webmaster, 61-year-old Dan Mock, finished 16th on the day at Fool’s Gold, moving into second place overall in the NUE Marathon Master’s division. 51-year-old Jim Thacker, Queen City Wheels ranked third overall in the NUE Standings.

 

WHATS NEXT: Stay tuned for the 2017 NUE Marathon Race Series schedule to be announced in early November. www.nuemtb.com

Fool’s Gold 100 – NUE Series Finale

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KENDA NUE Series #14

Carla Williams and Dylan Johnson Wrap Up NUE Titles in Georgia

Dahlonega, Georgia

Ryan O’Dell

The Fool’s Gold 100, the final stop of the Kenda National Ultra Endurance Series, was the last opportunity for racers to improve their national ranking. Besides being the final race, Fool’s Gold also served as the NUE Series tie breaker. This year’s Fool’s Gold moved to a beautiful new location at Anderson Creek Retreat near Elijay, GA, that included camping. Racers and spectators were treated to amazing views, including Springer Mountain, the southernmost point of the Appalachian trail.

In addition to race day awards, the top five NUE Division winners will receive a share of the $10,000 cash purse. Each of the four division winners will also be rewarded with complimentary entry into All NUE races in 2017, a custom made NUE Champions Jersey by Voler, along with an all-expense paid trip, excluding airfare, to Costa Rica to represent NUE at the La Ruta del los Conquistadores November 3-5, http://www.adventurerace.com/ . La Ruta is a three day stage race that stretches across Costa Rica from the Pacific to the Caribbean along an amazing course that includes two volcanoes, two oceans, Jungles and high-mountain passes.

Carla Williams descends on Jake Mountain. Photo by: Dashing Images LLC

Carla Williams descends on Jake Mountain. Photo by: Dashing Images LLC

Women’s Open

And the winner is, Carla Williams!

Carla Williams, Joe’s Bike Shop Racing Team, took top honors for a third straight year at the Fool’s Gold 100 finishing 7:42:09. This year Carla won first place in the NUE Series after taking second last year! Congratulations! “Fool’s Gold has some of the most fun and flowy singletrack in the NUE and it’s one of my favorite races. I was in a good position overall in the series leading up to this race and since Christy Olsen wasn’t at the start line, I could pretty much relax and just have fun out on the trails which is what I did. I pushed hard up the climbs and really enjoyed all the downhills. I was able to take 1st overall and win the women’s series! It’s been such a fun season traveling to new places, seeing old friends and making new ones, and I couldn’t be more excited to be heading to La Ruta in November.”

Simona Vincenciova, Hammer Nutrition, finished second with a time of 8:52:17. This was her fourth NUE race of the season. Anne Pike, DNA-Movement p/b Penetron, took the third spot on the podium at 9:35:38. She raced five NUE races this season and moved into third place overall in the standings. Although not present at the final race, Christy Olsen, Fat Fish Racing/Crazy Pedaler, took second place overall in the series and Linda Shinn, Blacksmith Cycle, finished fifth overall! Congratulations to all of the women’s series finishers!

 

Dylan Johnson stands on top of the Fool's Gold podium. Photo by: Dashing Images LLC

Dylan Johnson stands on top of the Fool’s Gold podium. Photo by: Dashing Images LLC

Men’s Open

Dylan Johnson battles to get the win and takes the NUE Series!

With a winning time of 6:37:30, Dylan Johnson, Giant Co-Factory Northeast, fought his way to a Fool’s Gold finish, and took first place in the NUE Series! “I came in to the NUE final at Fool’s Gold with the lead in the series but by no means did I have it locked up. Brian Schworm, who’d been on my heels all season, was in a position to take the series win from me if he won at Fool’s Gold. I knew it would be a tough final and that Schworm would throw everything he had at me. Sure enough, the pace started very high and it didn’t take long before Brian and I found ourselves off the front in a one on one battle.

For the most part I stayed on Brian’s wheel knowing that I would have the advantage on the long gravel climb ten miles from the finish. Brian didn’t make it easy for me though. He charged every section and at times got a slight gap on me but luckily I was always able to reel him back in. We made it to the base of the final climb together and as soon as the grade got steep I made a move and put a little distance between myself and Brian and was able to hold it to the finish. It’s been an amazing season and I still can’t believe I pulled of the series win. I’d like to congratulate all the NUE series competitors this year, putting together 4 good races is no easy task. I can’t wait to represent the series at LaRuta!”

Six minutes later, Brian Schworm, Think Green VO2 Multipsort p/b SWORD, finished second with a time of 6:43:48. With this finish, Brian also placed second overall in the NUE Series. “The Fool’s Gold 90 mile race was the final of the NUE series and was decisive in determining the overall winner. There were three racers with a mathematical chance of winning: Dylan Johnson, Taylor Lideen, and me, and all of us were preregistered. I knew I needed to win and felt good about my chances.

The course is one of my favorites with great flow on fast trails with lots of climbing plus I had my teammate Nathaniel Cornelius to help out. When we lined up for the start of the race, I noticed Taylor was not present. Of course, Dylan was there with other contenders Tomasz Golas, Heath Thumel, Stewart Gross, and my teammate Nate. Soon into the first big climb these racers with singlespeed extraordinaire Gordon Wadsworth established a bit of a gap on the others. As we started descending the other side, I noticed that Nate and I, with Tomasz close behind, had a small gap on the others so I pressed the pace. I knew this wouldn’t be a decisive move but I thought we could make Dylan burn a match to bridge back up. Once at the bottom, Nate took over and with his road background, put the hammer down. Tomasz and I could barely hold on and we had a small gap.

Apparently behind us, Dylan, Heath, and Stewart joined forces and were able to catch back up before we hit the trail section of the course. Once on the trails, Nate continued to lead with a strong pace with the rest of us in tow until we reached aid station two. There some of us stopped, but some didn’t. This busted up the group and I found myself in the back due to a “natural break”. It took nearly thirty minutes but I worked my way back to the front with Dylan and Tomasz. We then rode together until the top of Bull Mountain.

Once we created the summit I went full-throttle to try and distance myself with my full suspension Specialized Epic versus Dylan’s hardtail. A couple times I gained a bit of a gap but Dylan was always able to close it down. On the next lap we rode quickly but nothing significant until will we reached the steep climbs before and ascending Bull Mountain. I felt very strong up these climbs but was uncertain about Dylan. It seemed like I may have a gotten a couple small gaps but, again, he closed them down quickly. On the following descent I tried again, in vain, to get away. Dylan was always right there.

Now it was down to the final and largest climb over Nimblewill Gap. Dylan and I approached he hill slowly, even conversing about riding and such, but the moment we hit the climb, Dylan accelerated like a rocket ship. I wasn’t even able to hang with him for a minute. I was impressed!  Anyway, I still carried on up the hill to secure my second position in the race and second in the series. I knew I gave it all I had and was aggressive during the race but Dylan was simply faster. Of course I am very happy with my NUE results this year with two wins and four seconds. Dylan is an incredible racer and person. I am very happy for him winning the overall and for myself for finishing second. Thanks to my team and my supportive wife, Jennifer. Now, it’s time for some R&R and then start thinking about next year!”

Tomasz Golaz, DRT, completed the race in third place with a time of 6:54:30 at Fool’s Gold. Taylor Lideen, Pivot Cycles/92fifty, finished third in the overall NUE Series.

John Haddock on his way to a win in the SS category. Photo by: Dashing Images LLC

John Haddock on his way to a win in the SS category. Photo by: Dashing Images LLC

Singlespeed

Haddock First at FG100, moves up to third overall in the NUE Race Series!

Racing in his sixth NUE of the season, John Haddock, J. A. King / Farnsworth Bicycles, achieved the top spot! He came in with an impressive time of 7:25:50. “I’d heard great things about the trails and scene down at Fool’s Gold, so I thought I’d head down to North GA and check it out! Plus, a bunch of buddies were going and my wife would join, which made the call even easier. My overall impressions of the race were as expected: a really cool course with a good mix of climbing, gravel, road, and a good helping of generally buff singletrack. Onsite camping was superb, the aid stations were great and course markings were perfect.

The race started out fairly tame but kicked up a notch once we hit the first climb. I saw the lead group pull away and settled into a fast, but manageable pace, with Gordon ahead and Scott close behind. On the rough Nimblewill descent, I was caught by some geared riders and eventually worked my way into a group on the road consisting of a now-injured Gordon Wadsworth, Greg Golet, Nick Bragg and Carla Williams. I entered the trails first and gradually pulled away from the group. I would find out at Aid 4 that Gordon pulled out due to injuries from a bad spill. After distancing the group, I rode by myself for the rest of the day, enjoying the woods and feeling good overall. The scene at the finish was excellent, with tasty food, great beverages, bathrooms and shady seating. Thank you to Race Director Lisa Randall for hosting a wonderful final event of the 2016 NUE season. Also, huge thanks to J. A. King and our team sponsors for all of their support this year.” With his win at Fool’s Gold, John Haddock improved to third overall in the NUE Series.

Scott Rusinko, Nox Composites, took second place at 8:00:12. Joseph Stroz, Stroz Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab, P.C., came in third place with a time of 8:15:05.

Overall for the NUE series, Gordon Wadsworth achieved first place for the third year in a row! Kip Biese, KJCoaching/Old Town Bike Shop, who completed eleven of the twelve NUE races, the greatest of any racer this season, took second overall in the series. NUE newcomer, Steven Mills, 22 years old, claimed fourth overall in the NUE Series including wins at both the High Cascades 100 and first overall at the Big Bear Grizzly 100.

50-plus winner Jeff Clayton makes his way over Jake Mountain. Photo by: Dashing Images LLC

50-plus winner Jeff Clayton makes his way over Jake Mountain. Photo by: Dashing Images LLC

Masters 50+

Clayton wins FG two years in a row, and takes the NUE Series victory!

Jeff Clayton, Georgia Neurosurgical Institute, finished in 7:39:38 which was significantly faster than his finish time last year. Tied with Greg Golet with four wins each in the NUE Series, Clayton also claimed his first overall victory in the NUE Series! “When I heard that Greg Golet had been in an accident at Rincon and probably wouldn’t be able to race at Fool’s Gold for the series tiebreaker showdown, I was disappointed…I was really looking forward to the challenge. Then came the news first from the promoter, and then from Greg himself that he would be able to race after all!

With a neutral rollout for the first few miles I took advantage, along with defending NUE Champion, Roger Masse, of riding on the front of the peloton—not something I can normally manage! It wasn’t long into the race proper before Greg came by me and slowly pulled away out of sight up the gravel road climb…damn! I figured that I could/should make up time on the descent, with Greg being somewhat mobility limited with his injuries. Sten Hertsens, another strong Master’s racer came flying around me and I was happy to follow his quicker lines to the bottom, Greg still out of sight.

I did my best to lose Sten in the singletrack leading up to aid station 2, which I eventually succeeded in doing, and also reeled in Greg. After following Greg up to aid 2, I decided that I would need to put time on him in the twisty singletrack, especially the descents. This tactic worked, albeit slowly, as he gradually receded further into the distance.  By aid 3,4 at the base of Bull Mtn, he was out of sight. That is pretty much how the race between Greg and I settled in.

I was somewhat worried going into the climb back up the gravel road toward the finish as I knew Greg would probably be out-climbing me there again. That said, I figured if I had at least a ten minute gap, short of me having a complete meltdown or mechanical, I’d hold him off.  Once I hit the last few miles of pavement, I went full speed ahead all the way until the finish.

I finished under blue skies in beautiful northern Georgia, with my teammates Van and Cody cheering me on…a great victory to cap off a very fun NUE race series. I managed to win 6 of 7 series races, each venue with its own unique characteristics and challenges. My thanks to my Master’s competition for joining me in the series as well as the many other racers I suffered with. Also, thanks to the promoters and volunteers for putting on great races, my family for their support, my sponsors including title sponsor Georgia Neurosurgical Institute, and finally, Scott Sports for producing such a capable and durable race machine, the Scott Spark 900RC.”

Greg Golet, Team Chico, fighting to get back after an injury suffered at Rincon in Costa Rica, arrived next in the tie breaker showdown with a time of 7:36:49. For the season, Golet finished second overall in the NUE series. “It’d be dishonest of me not to admit that I have pretty mixed emotions about how my NUE season ended. I feel joy and gratitude in being able to race in the finals, experience the beauty of the Georgia trails, and share fun times with others, but also frustration from having to race while injured. I had a head-on collision with a vehicle driven by a reckless driver two weeks earlier at the Rincon de la Veija Challenge (Volcano 100) in Costa Rica. This left me with a fractured scapula, and considerable soreness on the front and backsides of my ribcage. I didn’t expect to be able to race; however, I started to feel better as the event approached, and anyway, was committed to the trip east given that I had a conference to attend in North Carolina immediately afterwards.

On the day before the race I did a long pre-ride of the Jake and Bull mountain loops of the course (first time my tires touched dirt since CR), and found that I was able to ride fairly well, as long as I didn’t have to absorb jolts of the trail with my left arm, or larger hits or twists with my torso. The ride got me really psyched up! The single track was amazing, and I was thinking about this Abby Wambach interview where she was talking about how pro athletes compete all the time while injured. I stopped feeling sorry for myself, and realized that I just needed play the hand I’d been dealt. It would be better to race and not do well, then to not race and wonder how it would have turned out if I did. Plus if I won this one, I would take the series title!

Pretty early in the first big climb I passed Jeff and Roger (my main competitors), and was feeling great on the relatively smooth mostly hard-packed dirt road. The decent off the back was rough in spots, and I was perhaps a bit more cautious than I needed to be, but I didn’t want to crash (like Gordon did!). Mid-way through the Jake Mountain loop, Jeff caught and passed me. I stayed with him long enough to admire how well he was ripping the single track, but eventually he got away from me. My trail riding was OK, but I was stiffer than I needed to be, especially on the rougher descents, such as off Bull mtn. Realizing this bummed me out a bit (which was somewhat self-defeating), but I knew it was a long race and hoped that my endurance would pay off later on. Well, it didn’t; at least not enough for me to make up the deficits I suffered in the middle part of the race. Jeff finished about seven minutes ahead of me. I don’t know if I would have won if I wasn’t injured, but was pretty disappointed crossing the line. So it goes with racing some times. I’m glad that I gave it a try and am truly happy for Jeff. We hung out for quite a while after the race and he’s a great guy.

My compliments to Lisa on running a fantastic race. Everything was really professionally done. Also huge thanks to NUE Series Director, Ryan O’Dell, for putting on the best series imaginable. He always has the best interests of the riders in mind and it shows in so many ways. Thanks too to my amazing wife Debbie and my three kids for supporting me in pursuit of my dreams. I love you guys so much!”

Two-Time NUE Defending Champion, Roger Masse, Rare Disease Cycling, took third place with a time of 7:45:58 edging out Carl Reglar, Verge Sport/Test Pilot, in the battle for third place overall in the NUE Series. Reglar, who was not at the NUE Final, finished the season fourth overall.

Click Here for Full Results From Fool’s Gold 100

2017 NUE Race Series Top Five

Women’s Open:

1st Place- Carla Williams

2nd Place- Christy Olson

3rd Place- Anne Pike

4th Place- Chase Edwards

5th Place- Simona Vincenciova

 

Men’s Open:

1st Place: Dylan Johnson

2nd Place: Brian Schworm

3rd Place: Taylor Lideen

4th Place: Christian Tanguy

5th Place: Tomasz Golas

 

Men’s Master’s 50+:

1st Place: Jeff Clayton

2nd Place: Greg Golet

3rd Place: Roger Masse

4rd Place: Carl Reglar

5th Place: Sten Hertsens

 

Singlespeed Open:

1st Place- Gordon Wadsworth

2nd Place- Kip Biese

3rd Place- John Haddock

4rd Place- Steven Mills

5th Place- Scott Rusinko

 

WHATS NEXT: For the last four years, NUE Champions have a perfect record of first place finishes at LaRuta. Can they maintain such a high standard against some of the best stage racing ultra-competitors in the world?! Stay tuned right here and follow the Kenda NUE Series Champions as they compete with racers from all over the world at the LaRuta this November! www.nuemtb.com

Shenandoah 100

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The 18th Annual Shenandoah Mountain 100: KENDA NUE Series

By Ryan O’Dell

September 4, 2016

The Shenandoah 100 has became a pivotal race for NUE Contenders as they head out at 6:30AM into The George Washington National Forest of Virginia, just two weeks away before the final race that breaks all ties at the Fool’s Gold 100 in Georgia. The oldest race in the NUE Series, Shenandoah is a highly anticipated showdown showcasing top level talent in a festive atmosphere with most racers choosing to camp out at the Stokesville Lodge and campground.

 

Women’s Open

Andrea Dvorak for the win!

Ex US National Road Team rider, Andrea Dvorak came in first for the Women’s Open with a time of 8:27:06.

Carla Williams, who leads the NUE Race Series, took second with a time of 8:31:56. “Shenandoah was an awesome race. Race Director, Chris Scott, does a fantastic job of putting on races. The day was beautiful, the trails were in great condition and rolling fast, the volunteers at the aid stations couldn’t have been more helpful, and the post-race campground party made pushing through all those hard miles worth it!

I had a great race. I felt really good on the climbs and was having so much fun on the downhills. I rode my full suspension bike this year, and it made the downhills so much more fun compared to the hardtail I raced previously. This was my second time racing Shenandoah; the first time was in 2014. I took almost 1.5 hours off my time from 2 years ago, but unfortunately, it wasn’t quite fast enough for the win. I am looking forward to the last race of the season at Fool’s Gold next week!”

Laura Hamm, Moonstomper, took third place, coming in at 9:03:25.

 

Men’s Open

Tanguy on top at Shenandoah!

Christian Tanguy of Rare Disease cycling came in at 7:00:50 for the win.  Tanguy is currently in fourth place overall in the NUE Race Series. Dylan Johnson, representing Giant Co-Factory Northeast, and current NUE Series Points Leader, came in second place at 7:02:37.

Cole Oberman had an impressive showing at the race, taking third place at his first NUE of the season, which is extra impressive considering this was his very first 100 mile race. “The Shenandoah 100 was my first ever attempt at a 100 miler so I wasn’t sure what to expect. While I am most definitely a XC specialist, I do a few endurance races throughout the year. Most recently I had done the 7 day La Leyenda Stage Race in Colombia. My hope was that I was still carrying some endurance from that event into the 100.

From the gun, I stuck on the wheels in the top-five and tried to stay comfortable. Dylan Johnson put the hammer down going up the super steep Lynn climb and that basically blew the race apart. After we descended Wolf Ridge, there were four of us (Chris Michaels, Sam Koerber, Dylan, and me). We rode well together as a group on the gravel section into Hankey Mountain. Right around the base of the climb, Christian Tanguy bridged up to us. He immediately went to the front and just shattered our group. By the time we were descended Dowels Draft, it was just Christian, Dylan and me.

I stopped to fill my bottle at the next aid station and Christian attacked. That was the last time I saw either Christian or Dylan (or anyone else) for the remainder of the race. Pushing through the four hour mark in a race was fairly uncharted territory for me but I was pleased to find that, as long as I kept taking in sugars, I could keep tapping out a really solid tempo. I was totally stoked to finish up my first NUE race in third. I race a full cyclocross schedule so I won’t be able to make it to The Fool’s Gold but I definitely plan to do a few 100 milers next season. I’d also love to give a shout out for Chris Scott and Shenandoah Mountain Touring for putting on such a killer event (and for convincing me to come out and give it a shot).”

 

Singlespeed

Haddock gets his first win!

John Haddock, J.A. King MTB Team/Farnsworth Bicycles, got his first top spot on the podium with a time of 8:13:22. Haddock is currently in fourth place in the NUE Series. “After suffering some mechanical and nutritional issues in the last few NUE races, I came into SM100 hoping for a clean, good time. I started well and rode the first two singletrack sections with fellow SS’er Regis Ricketts. Coming off Wolf, I noticed Regis had dropped back a bit. At that point I figured someone had to be in front of me. I exited the trail with Dan Kotwicki and Roger Masse, which I was very happy about as those guys are super smart, experienced racers. We worked well together on the roads leading up to Hankey, at which point I was informed I was leading.

After that, I just maintained my pace, tried not to flat or wreck, stayed on top of nutrition & hydration and worked with geared riders on the roads. I pedaled with some awesome folks including Jeff Clayton, Matt Crawford & David Parsons-Foresi. My 34/19 gearing proved to be nice for the flats but pretty tall for the singletrack climbs. It’s always tough to pick your poison, but I feel it was the best choice for me that particular day. Big thanks to all of the volunteers who made the event possible. Also, I want to give a huge shout out to the MTB community for being awesome and making races like this so much fun. Congrats to everyone who toed the line! I plan to finish out the series at Fool’s Gold. As for next year, we’ll have to see how busy school gets but I hope to make it out for a few races.”

Collin Snyder, OAM NOW/Athletic Mentors, took second place with a time of 8:46:45. “Normally, I go all out from the beginning and finish the race limping home. This year, I decided I’d actually pace myself and just ride for fun, so I let everyone ride away at the start. I rode my pace up climb one and two without seeing another single speeder. I kept this ethos for the majority of the race. For the Death Climb, I started to put a little more effort in. At this point I knew that I was somewhere in the top ten. Slowly, one by one, I started passing people. Most were geared, but four were my single speed comrades/commies.

As I reached the summit and started descending, I passed Scott Rusinko messing with his bike who, realized I was a single speeder too. Panic set in Scott and he put it in high pursuit, bombing down chestnut. He passed me like I was standing still. I’m a good descender, but I’m still a flat lander so I eased off, knowing that I don’t want to die. Midway down the trail, there’s a short climb where Scott came back into view, and he was walking up it. I managed to ride it. With climb six still to come, I knew I’d have him. I made it down to the bottom safely, despite nearly running over a big old rattlesnake coiled in the center of the trail! I made a NASCAR style pit stop at Aid 6 , and left in hot pursuit. When I got to the base of climb 6, he was out of sight, but I kept a steady tempo, never becoming impatient. Although slow, it was faster than I’d ever gone up that climb in the five other editions. I actually had gas left in the tank, what a concept! Mid-way up the climb, I saw Scott, and he had nothing left. The grade was too much for his blown up legs. I put a poker face on and stand up to “dance on the pedals” as he hiked next to his rig. As I pass, he told me he had nothing left and congratulated me on my effort. I rode safely up and down the six, and rolled in nearly twenty-five minutes faster than my personal best.”

Scott Rusinko of Nox Composites finished in third place with a time of 8:49:09.

 

Masters Men 50+

Jeff Clayton, GA Neurosurgical Institute, took first place with a time of 8:10:42. “I hadn’t done any taper leading up to the race, after racing Hampshire 100 two weeks before there was too much good racing and riding to be had! That said, I felt ready to race come Sunday morning and the weather was delightful. Carl Reglar had told me that he was going to pace off of me, and we lined up together at the start. I figured Roger Masse would be watching us both, but didn’t see him to start. After some close calls heading out of the campground, I settled in with Carl close by but a mile or so after entering the dirt road, Carl zoomed off with a surging lead group. So much for pacing off of me! I was happy to draft Dan Kotwicki for a good while until I noticed a large train of riders coming up…probably including Roger. I definitely didn’t want to hit the first singletrack stuck in the back of that pack, so I went around Dan and soloed for what turned out to be ten minutes or so. Thankfully it worked and I led up the tight trail.

After the fun climb and descent, a few of us formed a pace line on the next road section only to be caught by the large group again. Shortly, we caught Carl alone on the road. Now Carl, Roger and I were together again. The next climb up Lynn trail was brutal! Roger got a gap after Carl and I went to hike-a-bike mode and held a gap until 1/3 way up the Hankey mountain road climb. My legs started to come alive and I dropped Carl and then soon passed Roger.

From that point on, I worked with several different racers as I would catch up and eventually pass them. I caught young Adam Croft on the “death climb” shortly before aid 5, similar to 2015. Last year, he almost re-caught me on the Hankey 2 climb shortly before the finish, so I issued a challenge to him to beat me this year. My descent down to aid 6 went a lot faster this year and I never saw Adam chasing. In fact, I didn’t see any racers from aid five until the finish which seemed pretty strange considering how many racers there were. I had another great time racing with a bunch of great folks with perfect weather in a beautiful setting in 2016 at the Shenandoah Mountain 100!”

Roger Masse, Rare Disease Cycling/ Kewick Cycles came in second place with a time of 8:39:12.

Carl Reglar of Verge Sport/Test Pilot rounded out the top three with a time of 8:44:48.

 

What’s NEXT?!

The NUE Championship race at the Fool’s Gold 100 slated for September 17, 2016 will break any and all ties in this best four of thirteen race series. All four Division winners there will receive complimentary entry into all NUE Series races in 2017, Custom Voler Champion Jersey Kits, plus a share of the $10,000 Kenda NUE Series cash purse.

In Addition, NUE division winners are invited to represent the NUE Series at The LaRuta de los Conquistadores, a three day stage race across Costa Rica November 3-5, 2016. There is still time to register for anyone that would like to join NUE Champions on this incredible journey from the Pacific to the Caribbean.

ALL NUE Series finishers who do not qualify for prize money will receive prizes courtesy of NUE Sponsors Kenda Tire, Sigma Sport, KMC Chain and Darn Tough Socks.

2016 has proven to be an exceptionally exciting year! Stay tuned here for the latest news and information on the NUE Series Championship Race!

Click Here for Results from All Categories

Hampshire 100 Mile

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Anne Pike and Dylan Johnson Get It Done at Hampshire 100

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.”

Tinker Juarez rarely misses a chance to race the Hampshire 100. Photo by: David Smith Photos

Tinker Juarez rarely misses a chance to race the Hampshire 100. Photo by: David Smith Photos

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!”

 

WOMENS OPEN

Pike achieves her first NUE win!  

Anne Pike, Team DNA-Movement p/b Penetron, claimed her first ever NUE win at Hampshire finishing in 10:52:40. “This was my fourth consecutive year of competing in this race and although the course has been slightly different each year, this one, even though a little more tame for us, still certainly lived up to its reputation of being one that is fun yet very tough!

I started out feeling pretty good but quickly knew I needed to settle and take the first lap as it came, knowing that the majority of the energy sucking trails were saved for the later part of the lap. In that first lap I was back and forth in 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and headed out on the second lap in second.

I really had to keep my head strong knowing that it was still fairly early in the day and, if I was to be able to fight back in to first, I just had to focus on myself and my race. That paid off as I caught back up, passed, and managed to gain a fair lead, holding off until the finish!

I am super happy with my first NUE win and especially so as this race has become one of, Dave and my, favorites and as well, learning that it was in its last year. We really love the atmosphere surrounding the race. Thank you to the NH100 organizing team and volunteers for making this a great race we have wanted to come back to each year!

Elizabeth Bove, NEMBA Racing, was second finishing in 12:11:52. Julie Huang Tucker was third at 13:01:09.

With just three races remaining in the NUE best four of fourteen race series, Carla Williams, Joe’s Bike Shop, continues to lead the NUE Series with three wins including Cohutta, Tatanka, and Wilderness 101 plus a second place finish at the Pierre’s Hole 100.

 

Arizona-native Taylor Lideen doesn't mind the unusually high heat out east and showed it with a 4th. Photo by: David Smith Photos

Arizona-native Taylor Lideen doesn’t mind the unusually high heat out east and showed it with a 4th. Photo by: David Smith Photos

MENS OPEN

Johnson gets his third NUE win, now leads NUE Race Series!

21-year-old Dylan “The Kid” Johnson, Giant Co-Factory Northeast, earned a hard fought win against a stacked field to claim his third NUE win of the Season with a winning time 7:49:25. With victories at both Cohutta and Mohican plus his second place finish at Tatanka, Johnson now leads the NUE Series.

“Last year the Hampshire 100 was one of the hardest races for me. Much of the race I battled bonking and fatigue alone out on course. I kept this in mind coming into the race this year and I think it payed off. I stayed on top of my nutrition and rode conservatively until it counted. The lead pack gradually dwindled to five riders by the final lap. This group included Schworm, Tinker, Lideen, Wadsworth, and me.

I had a hard time judging how fatigued the others were so I decided to test the waters on the ski slope climb out of aid station 1. At the top of the climb I looked back and saw a small gap had opened so I decided to continue on alone. By the final single track section I paid for my efforts, battling cramps in my forearms and triceps over the roots. By the end I could feel a bonk coming on but luckily I was close enough to the finish to hold off Schworm and the others. I am thrilled with the result and, hopefully, I can maintain this fitness for the Shenandoah 100 and series final at Fool’s Gold.”

Just five minutes later, Brian Schworm, Think Green-VO2 Multisport P/B, placed second at 7:54:46. Schworm has led the NUE Race Series for most of the season following wins at Lumberjack and Wilderness 101 plus second place finishes at Cohutta and Mohican. Schworm is still in contention needing just one more win to contend for the title at the Fool’s Gold 100, where all ties will be broken.

"The Kid" Dylan Johnson is proving tough to beat in 2016. Photo by: David Smith Photos

“The Kid” Dylan Johnson is proving tough to beat in 2016. Photo by: David Smith Photos

“I was apprehensive about the Hampshire 100 for a few reasons.  First, I had never ridden the course.  I heard that the course was fun but it was also very demanding. That, in conjunction with the high temperatures, had me a bit worried before the start of the race.  I knew I was going to be extremely challenged physically. In addition to this, the list of registered competitors let me know it would be tough.  Tinker was going to be there!  He has always been my hero and I knew he would be fast!  Also, Dylan Johnson and Taylor Lideen were registered.  Up to that point we each had two wins and at least one second in the series so I knew this race would be important for the overall standings.

The start of the race was relatively mellow until a few of the 100k racers caught us (they started about 30 seconds behind the 100 milers). The pace then quickened and we had a fast first lap.  By the second lap a group of seven or eight had formed: Tinker, Dylan, Taylor, and me from the Open 100 mile race, Gordon Wadsworth racing singlespeed, and Drew Purcell and Dereck Treadwell with Alex Pond just behind racing the 100k.  The second lap was also very quick, mostly due to the 100k racers. It was neat to watch Drew attacking in the singletrack and Dereck trying to chasing him down!

The third and last lap started at a snail’s pace. I didn’t mind…I was hurting and I knew things were going to get intense soon. Sure enough, once we hit the ski slope climb, Dylan attacked and the group fell apart. Initially, I was in the back of the group but climbed up to second position by the top with Taylor on my heels. We worked hard to chase Dylan down but to no avail. On the next climb with the “babyheads” (there was a neat sign announcing the presence of these babyheads; aka rocks, along this trail), Taylor dropped back a bit and I continued to try and chase Dylan down. I was getting time checks of about a minute but as I continued to chase to the finish, the gaps kept growing. “Two minutes”, some would say. “He’s just three minutes ahead”, others said later. It just kept growing. In the end, Dylan finished five minutes ahead with me coming in second position.

Overall it was a fantastic race. The course was incredible with all the technical singletrack and I was satisfied with my result since I knew I gave it all I had. Dylan is an amazing racer and great person with an incredible future ahead of him and definitely deserved the win. I guess this now puts him in the lead of the NUE series with me in second. Next up for me is Shenandoah 100 in Virginia followed closely by the series finale Fools Gold in Georgia.”

Three minutes later, and fresh off his second place podium finish at Big Bear, Hall of Fame Mountain Biker and Two-Time US Olympian, David “Tinker” Juarez, Cannondale, placed third at 7:57:37. At 55, Juarez continues to display amazing strength and stamina as an ultra-racer, often competing with racers young enough to be his grandkids. His passion for the sport he started in as a kid in the world of BMX has been an inspiration to NUE Racers and his many fans worldwide.

“I had great race. The course was the best ever since I started racing here. This is my fourth year racing here and I have made the podium three out of the four times. The conditions were the best ever and the course was awesome. This couldn’t happen without many great volunteers to make this happen. I pray for someone with great love and passion for the sport to keep this epic event going.”

Five minutes behind Juarez, NUE Series contender, Taylor Lideen, Pivot Cycles 92 Fifty Cyclery was fourth at 8:02:09. Lideen is ranked third in the NUE Race Series following wins at True Grit Epic, Big Bear, plus an eight place finish at Bailey Hundo.

“I was super excited and am really thankful to have had the opportunity to be able to travel and race an NUE back east this year. I really didn’t know what to expect racing the Hampshire 100 for the first time but I was really impressed with the course!

The first two laps had a small group of us off the front and we all seemed to be having a blast riding together, especially on the amazing singletrack! As we finished up lap two, I knew I was in for a rough finish. You always hope you don’t have “one of those days” during a big race but that’s what happened. The legs just had enough and I really struggled to put out any power for more than half of the final lap. I think my body was screaming at me for some rest.

Singlespeeder Gordon Wadsworth mixes it up with the lead group. Photo by: David Smith Photos

Singlespeeder Gordon Wadsworth mixes it up with the lead group. Photo by: David Smith Photos

It’s been a long 12 months of racing and the legs had enough on the last lap. That is what makes racing excited I guess! You roll the dice and hope it works out on the day but you need to roll with the punches when it doesn’t. A big massive thank you to everyone involved with this race! I don’t think I would have made it out for the event if not for so many kind and helpful people!

Gregory Jancaitus, Bicycle Express Racing, was fourth at 8:20:54. Five minutes later, Scott Hoffner, CIC Racing, was fifth at 8:25:16.

 

SINGLESPEED

Wadsworth crushes the field, earning back to back wins at Hampshire!

Two-time NUE defending Champion, Gordon Wadsworth, Blue Ridge Cyclery/Pivot CYC, earned his second straight win at Hampshire by a HUGE margin finishing 7:58:44, good enough for fourth overall. Wadsworth now has three wins including True Grit Epic and Wilderness 101 needing just one more win or a second place finish to become the NUE Series leader.

“My SS win started with a little bit of drama! Immediately out of the gate my seat post began to slip and I found my knees in my chest before long! I eased up, put my weight on one leg and was able to loosen the post enough to pull over, eyeball the height and go with it from there. Fortunately my Thomson Dropper post allowed me to fine tune it enough to complete the rest of my day with only minimal adjustments along the way. This had me really glad I decided to keep the dropper onboard for the Hampshire 100, although it’s usually a good choice to run a dropper.

Gordon Wadsworth threw down in the SS category at Hampshire. Photo by: David Smith Photos

Gordon Wadsworth threw down in the SS category at Hampshire. Photo by: David Smith Photos

My usual tactic is to remain with the lead group as long as I can, trying to make it a fun ride along the way. This time, it gave me a great front seat to some of the best racing the NUE might see this year. Dylan, Brian, Taylor and Tinker are all always great to ride with and as a group we had some real fun ripping New England’s old school turns and trails.

The race also gave me a front seat to the Men’s Open 100K with an ON FIRE Drew Purcell fighting an, always fit, Derek Treadwell. Their battle and Drew’s two attacks on the second lap put some stress into our leading group which cut it down to just me, Tinker, Taylor, Dylan, and Brian. That group was amazingly cordial on a course known for attrition; agreeing to stop at aid stations and even regular nature breaks, what gentlemen.

The race opened wide open on the third time up the ski hill and I battled back up to Tinker to ride much of the lap with the living legend and friend. We eventually caught a flagging and cramping Taylor before Tinker launched his own attack, distancing himself from Taylor and a little bit from me, not far from the finish.

The SS race had an on-a-roll Kip Biese and an always strong semi-local Will Crissman but I felt comfortable in my ability navigate the course away from these two strong men; knowing the course which brought me a second place overall in 2015. I can’t say enough how much fun my Pivot LES SS continues to be on the technical and varied #BeastCoast course. The LES; like every Pivot bike just rides everything with aplomb. I’ve yet to find a place where it doesn’t feel absolutely at home. Here’s to finishing out another NUE season strong and safe!”

Will Crissman, Dedham Bike, was next taking second at 8:43:56. “After an easy first ten minutes or so, the race took off and a group of about eight riders got a big gap. I managed to stay about 3-4 minutes behind them riding mostly by myself for the first lap with the exception of a short time when the second chase group got me.

I crashed hard about a mile from the lap point and had to take a few minutes to re-group, doubting I would be able to continue and finish. After eating and drinking some after lap one, I decided to keep going and, after a few miles, I managed to latch onto a few guys. We rode together for much of the second lap and then I slowly peeled away from them. Jeff Clayton and I rode together for a bunch of lap three and I managed to get away from him on the climbs. I caught one more rider in the last few miles who seemed upset that a rigid singlespeeder had caught on so he hit the gas and beat me by about a minute.

In the end, I was thrilled with my finish, my best overall result at an NUE – second singlespeed and ninth overall. I rode a 32-19, basically the same gearing as Gordon. I’ll never catch him, though. He’s a true professional racer with a fitness level I’ll only dream about. NH100 was a great event – I’m sad it’s ending. This was the only NUE I could get to this year. Hope to be back at Mohican next year and maybe try out a couple I haven’t done before.”

Kip Biese, KJ Bike Coaching/Old Town Bike, placed third at 9:29:05. Biese continues to lead the NUE Race Series with ten straight finishes, including seven top three podium finishes. Biese is attempting to complete the maximum possible of 12 of the 14 races in the NUE Series.

“I had another simple slogging race; I’m still very tired for some unknown reason. I started fine but, on the very first fast gradual road downhill, I couldn’t hold the wheels of the lead group. When we finally hit a bit of an up and I stood, I realized my front tire was slowly leaking so I stopped to add CO2 and make sure it held. I knew I fell back a long way at that point, but as I’m still racing fatigued, all I could do was simply my own ride.

Afterward, I just counted how many SS’ers I caught the rest of the race (8) and eventually worked up to third, another long hard day on the SS, but worth it because the second half of the course is fun and it’s a cool event. I went with 32/19 gearing on a 29er and have two more NUEs on my calendar; the Volcano 100 and Fool’s Gold.”

 

MASTERS 50+

Clayton wins, now tied for NUE Series lead!

51-year-old Jeff Clayton, Georgia Neurosurgical Institute, earned his fourth NUE Series victory of the season with a decisive win at Hampshire in 8:48:11. With this win, Clayton is now tied with Greg Golet who also has four wins setting up a showdown at the Fool’s Gold 100 Championship race where all ties are broken in this best four of fourteen race series.

“I started the race with ten stitches in my arm from a nasty crash a week before…thankfully I finished with those stitches still intact! Carl Reglar and Roger Masse were two guys I knew to watch carefully.

The first surge of the race came pretty early on a dirt road climb and I managed to stay in the front group. After a few rough descents and climbs, Carl had a gap on me and I had a gap on Roger. Roger found some allies and caught me shortly before the singletrack descent prior to the Croched ski area, but then dropped off again. Carl was ahead, but I soon found him on the singletrack after the ski area. Carl and I marked each other throughout the rest of the first lap but, by not stopping in the pit area, Carl put a sizable gap on me starting lap two….he seems to have a strategy of not stopping for nutrition. I kept my pace restrained on the dirt roads and stayed patient. Eventually, I caught him while he was taking a nature break and decided he looked a bit rough so I surged a little and he dropped off.

I had been pacing with Steven Edwards in the 100k and then Will Crissman, the second place 100 mile singlespeeder. He was a monster on the rough climbs and I could catch him again on the dirt roads. Will and I rode together for much of the second and third lap until I decided to ride more conservatively in the technical sections (no more stitches!). I finished tenth overall in what was the hardest NUE race for me yet. Many thanks to my awesome wife Jodi for her aid station support. I’m looking forward to the Shenandoah 100 and The Fools Gold finale.”

Two-time defending NUE Masters Champion, 53-year-old Roger Masse, Rare Disease Cycling, took second in 9:05:26. With top finishes at True Grit, Mohican, and Wilderness 101, Masse jumped up to third place overall in the NUE Series Standings.

Six minutes behind the defending champion Masse, 54-year-old Carl Reglar, Verge Sport/Test Pilot, placed third at 9:11:47. Reglar got his first win of the season at Mohican plus a second place finish at Wilderness 101. His third place finish at Hampshire means that he can still take the third spot overall in the NUE Race Series with just one more top finish.

“The race started pretty mellow. As soon as we hit the first long climb at around mile ten, the fireworks began. After the dust settled, I found myself in a good group with Jeff Clayton and Roger Masse, feeling pretty good and confident about my chances. I’m not sure why but the wheels started to come off on the second lap, and by the third lap I was running on fumes. The single track was amazing but I think it was also my undoing. It was a great race! Huge thanks to organizers and all the volunteers.”

Seventeen minutes later, 55-year-old David Boyce, Jawbone Racing/Berkshire Bike, finished fourth at 9:28:55. Seven minutes later, 2015 Hampshire 100 Masters winner, 53-year-old Terry Blanchet, North American Velo, claimed the fifth spot at 9:35:01.

What’s NEXT?!

The Kenda NUE Series heads due south to the only NUE race held outside of the USA for NUE #12. The Rincon Challenge, now the Volcano 100, featuring a rematch between USA Champion, Todd Wells and the former Costa Rican National Champion, Paolo Montoya, will roll out on September 1 from Liberia, Costa Rica. The very next day, NUE heads to Virginia for NUE#13, the Shenandoah 100 on September 2.  www.nuemtb.com

Stay tuned here for the latest NUEz and information.

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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.

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Pierre’s Hole 100 Mile – Grand Targhee Resort, Wyoming

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Jeremiah Bishop Returns with a Win and Christy Olsen Closes in on the Overall Lead

By Ryan O’Dell

With lift service and high end rentals available for both XC and DH riding along miles of pristine singletrack, Grand Targhee Resort has become a cool mountain destination resort for mountain bikers. This is the time of year when the wildflowers are in full bloom and waist high in many places along the singletrack. Timely rains a night earlier made the course conditions more tacky and ideal for racers.

The Eighth Annual Pierre’s Hole 100 has been adding new singletrack each year featuring long, fun descents showcasing jaw dropping views of the Tetons and surrounding mountains. This year’s race included a 100 mile race, 50 mile and a one lap 50k race.

World road race champion and Tour De France green jersey winner Peter Sagan blazed through the 50k course in just over two hours. Photo by: Cody Downard Photography

World road race champion and Tour De France green jersey winner Peter Sagan blazed through the 50k course in just over two hours. Photo by: Cody Downard Photography

A highlight of this year’s race for many was racing alongside world road champion Peter Sagan who recently won the green sprinters jersey in the Tour de France. Sagan won the 50k race setting a blistering pace and, to the delight of many, stuck around for photos and autographs following the awards presentation.

The first NUE Marathon Racer to cross the finish line on a rigid singlespeed at NUE Marathon Series races this season wins a Lauf TR29 or TRBoost fork. James Dwyer, Green Mountain Sports Velo, earned this special award.

The next day, a dedication ceremony was held for the new AJ Trail in nearby Victor. City councilman and NUE SS contender, AJ Linnell, before his untimely death, led a vision for an urban trail that would lead out of Victor to nearby BLM lands. Last year, more than 130 volunteers picked up AJ’s mantle, constructing 700 vertical feet of trail on private property located at the edge of town connecting Victor to nearby BLM lands. The goal is to construct at least 12-13 miles of trail on BLM lands.

Carla Williams gets going early at the top of 38 Special. Photo by: Jakes Hawkes

Carla Williams gets going early at the top of 38 Special. Photo by: Jakes Hawkes

Women’s Open                                                                 

Olsen gets her second straight win at PH100!

Four years ago, Christy Olsen, Fat Fish Racing, attempted her first 100 mile race at Pierre’s Hole describing her effort as “failed miserably”. This year, Olsen finished 9:41:34 in her second straight win at Grand Targhee.

“The Pierre’s Hole 100 race this year went really well. I was coming off of a really bad race at Tatanka so I was quite nervous about how it was going to go. The course was spectacular. It’s a challenging beginning to a race with a tough climb right out of the chute, but you are rewarded with 38 of the ‘most fun you will have on a bike’ switchbacks.

At the start, Carla Williams charged up to the top with a lot of power. I could not hold her wheel, but luckily I was able to slowly catch her on the descent and ride with her for most of the first lap. She really pushed me to my limits that whole lap. I enjoyed the new AJ Linnel trail. That was a great addition to the race. The next two laps were spent just trying to ride smart, smooth and stay on top of my hydration and nutrition because I knew Carla was right on my heels. The weather was superb, so staying hydrated was manageable. The course was well marked and the trails were fun and flowy, so that helped keep me going mentally because it was fun. I had great support at the aid stations so I didn’t have to stop for more than a few seconds each time which helped me keep the lead and boost my confidence for the next section of the race. I felt strong all the way to the finish line, which is all you can ask for in a grueling 100 mile race. Thanks goes out to my Casper support crew, Pierre’s Hole race organizers, and Crazy Pedaler Bicycles-Casper,WY!”

Thirteen minutes later, Carla Williams, Joe’s Bike Shop, took second at 9:54:54. Williams leads the NUE Series with three wins including Cohutta, Tatanka, and most recently, The Wilderness 101.

Pierre's-Hole-2016-Grand-Targhee-037

“I think Pierre’s Hole was the hardest and most beautiful NUE race I’ve done so far this season. It is a course of wildflowers and switchbacks, beautiful mountain views and there were still patches of snow on the course. The course is almost all single track and all of it rideable without any hiking sections.

Looking at results from last year, I knew Christy was going to set a super-fast pace. I had a good start, but even up the first climb, I was breathing way harder than I was used to. I kept pace with Christy for most of the first lap but she got a gap before aid two, and I stopped to refill my camel pack knowing most likely I wasn’t going to be able to catch her again.

After the 1st lap, it was constant battle with my lungs and legs. I was breathing so hard on the climbs, my legs were getting more and more tired, and overall I felt pretty bad. It was my first time racing at altitude so didn’t really know what to expect going in. Very happy just to finish this race! Shenandoah is next on the schedule for me.”

Ivy Pederson, Team Rockford, placed third at 10:58:44. “Pierre’s Hole was a great event. The trails at Targhee are SO FUN! Everything flows well, the climbs aren’t too steep, and the views of the Tetons and the valley are amazing. The volunteers on course and at the aid-stations were very organized and super helpful. The other racers were awesome too. People leaving after finishing their 50k/100k races even stopped to cheer me on when I needed it the most – at hour nine while I was riding up the road in the pouring rain (thanks Bowman Family!).

I rode alone for most of the day, quite happy to just focus on maintaining a consistent pace and ride my own race. I accomplished my goals for the race which were: don’t break my bike, don’t break myself, and have fun riding all day.”

 

Taylor Lideen leads the chase group. Photo by: Cody Downard Photography

Taylor Lideen leads the chase group. Photo by: Cody Downard Photography

Men’s Open

Two-Time NUE Champ, Bishop wins!

Jeremiah Bishop, Team Topeak Ergon, crushed it this year to finish 8:00:22! Bishop was the 2011 and 2013 NUE Series Champion, now focused on competing in World Cup and other large events around the world. Leading for the entire race, a crash on the final descent threatened to derail what had been, so far, a perfect race.

“Pierre’s Hole 100 was the most single track I have ever done in a race. After coming back from Trans Alp and training up for Leadville, I knew this would be a good race for the rocky mountain guys who shred single track. I had an absolute blast dropping in on 38 special’s 38 banked turns! There were only three sustained climbs so that’s where I worked to gain my gap. Knowing anything can and will happen in a backcountry race like this, my goal was to keep steady pressure on from the gun and it worked.

Jeremiah Bishop powers away from the field at Pierre's Hole. Photo by: Cody Downard Photography

Jeremiah Bishop powers away from the field at Pierre’s Hole. Photo by: Cody Downard Photography

I got the buffer I needed to win despite a terrifying side wall cut that was one inch long! Racing to bring back seconds, I slid out on the ‘not packed edge’ of one of the new trails and sampled the local dirt. Indeed, it was a nice vintage. I can’t wait to come back to the Tetons for more amazing single track adventures!”

Taylor Lideen, Pivot Cycles, coming off his first victory at the Big Bear Grizzly 100, went on to finish second at 8:15:40.

Exactly one minute later, 2015 race winner, Josh Tostado, Santa Cruz/Swiftwick, finished third at 8:16:40. Tostado also finished fifth this year at the True Grit Epic and third at the Tatanka.

“I was very happy with my race, got to the front with Taylor, Jamie and Jeremiah. We rode the first half of the first lap together then Jeremiah gapped the three of us. We worked as a trio until the middle of the second lap when Jamie dropped off. Taylor and I rode the rest of the race together and we were able to work well together. In the last ten minutes of the race, Taylor was able to get a small gap on me and couldn’t keep pace with him at the end. I had a great time ripping around a super fun course with Taylor all day, great race!”

Fourteen minutes later, Sam Sweetser, Cole Sport, claimed the fourth spot at 8:30:02. Thirteen minutes later, Gabe Klamer, Fitzgeralds Bicycles, took fifth to finish 8:43:04.

Pierre's-Hole-2016-Grand-Targhee-002

Singlespeed

Smith wins on an SS!

Two-time Men’s Open winner of the Pierre’s Hole 100, 2013 and 2014, Cary Smith, The Hub Bikes, is a local favorite from nearby Jackson, WY. For the first time, Smith attempted the race on a single speed with surprising results. Smith took it to the competition, including last year’s race winner, getting his third win at Pierre’s Hole in 8:28:23.

Last year’s race winner, Corey Larrabee, Kuhl clothing, was next placing second at 8:59:27 on 32×20 gearing. “The single speed field was very stacked this year, with Carey Smith deciding to race single speed I knew that beating him would be a challenge. From the start, I never was able to ride with Carey. I went back and forth with Kip and a couple of other single speed riders through the Peaked climb but, once we hit 38 special, there was just Carey and Shaffer up ahead.

I pushed up the road and was able to catch Shaffer on the road. Carey, on the other hand, started fast and continued to put time on me with every pedal stroke. At the start of the second lap I could see Carey up ahead but wasn’t feeling super great and, by the end of that lap, he had an even bigger time gap. I rode the rest of the race trying to stay motivated and, whenever I would see another geared racer up ahead, do my best to use them as bait. I was happy to hold onto second place with some severe leg cramping going into the final lap. Thanks to my amazing sponsors KUHL clothing, ESI grips, Carbo Rocket, Wolf Tooth Components, and my pit crew of my five kids and wife Amber.”

Twenty minutes later, Mark Schafer, Team Eastside Cycles, took third at 9:18:51. “Pierre’s Hole was my final race of the season and I was coming off a very successful third place finish at High Cascade 100. This race was definitely in my head.  I raced it the last two years and both years I was left a broken man. Noting how stacked the SS field was, my only goal was to get the belt buckle which slipped through my fingers in 2015.” Pierre’s Hole buckles were awarded to all men who finished under 10:15 and to all women who finished under 11:15.

“This year I decided to go with 32×20 in hopes to make the climb up the Peak Trail more bearable. On the first climb I hung back with my friend Matt Woodruff, who I could trust to set a perfect pace. We lost track of Cary Smith right away as he crushed up the climb.

We had a blast ripping down 38 Special, Mill Creek, and Cold Springs. As we spun up Ski Hill Road, we got passed by one of Matt’s Kuhl teammates on a single-speed. I ask Matt “Is that Corey?” and his response was “Yeah, he is AJ fast”. Noted… I will not be chasing him either, I needed to survive lap three.

I finished lap one after having a blast on Perma-grin (such a great trail!) and started into lap two just enjoying Action Jackson when I noticed Trevor Rockwell was gaining on me. Trevor put a hurt on me going up the Peak Trail but I was able to catch him again before More Cowbells on Lap two. At this point in the race, I was feeling really strong; belt buckle was in sight, so I decided to see if I could hold off Trevor and fellow teammate Adam Karch who was nipping at my heels all day.

I kept a steady pace the rest of race while enjoying the amazing views of the Tetons and some of the best single-track around. I came across the line thirty minutes ahead of what I thought my finish time would be and, not only did I get the buckle, but got the honor to stand on the podium with two of the strongest Single-speeders in the nation. Super Stoked! Thanks to (Race Director) Andy Williams and the Grand Targhee crew for putting on an amazing event. See you in 2017.”

Adam Karch, Eastside Cycles, placed fourth at 9:30:55. Six minutes later, Kip Biese, KJBike Coaching, was next for fifth place at 9:36:32. Biese holds the distinction of finishing the most NUE races this season. Pierre’s Hole marked his ninth straight finish including four second place finishes!

Pierre's-Hole-2016-Grand-Targhee-032

Masters 50+

Gardiner wins the Masters race!

Following a second place finish to Greg Golet in 2015, 53 year old Gary Gardiner, Bountiful bicycle P/B Mountain America Credit Union, from Centerville, UT achieved victory this year with a winning time of 9:48:39.

Four minutes later, Sten Hertsens, Muleterro, was next to finish second at 9:42:52, his best finish of the season following a fifth place finish at True Grit Epic, third at the Mohican MTB100, and fourth at High Cascades 100. “The course was is great shape and the rain helped to make it even better.

I had a good start and I think I was in first (Masters) after the first climb. I had a surprise when I came upon a tree that was laying across the course on the 38 special descent but it was gone the next lap. On the descent, Brian Brothers caught me and we rode together for the rest of lap one. I was feeling good at this time and thought I’d ride with him.

At the start of lap two, I went ahead of Brian and, I guess, he decided to let me go. I had a gap at the top of the second climb and was thinking I’d see Brian on the descent, as he seemed to be faster on the downhill sections. I didn’t see him and, later, found out he flatted on the downhill.

I came upon Carla Williams and we rode together for some time. On lap two, at aid station two, I refilled my pack bladder and had my crank bolt tightened. It was making a noise and needed to be checked and it was a good thing I did since it was loose. I was still feeling ok at this point.

Pierre's-Hole-2016-Grand-Targhee-017

On the third lap climb, I thought I may have seen Gary Gardiner and felt like he may be close behind. At the bottom of the last descent I felt a little sluggish then, on the last road section of the day, I turned and looked back to see Gary Gardiner coming up behind me. I tried to hang with him after he passed but couldn’t. Later, I did some refueling and started to feel better. Carla Williams and I came back together and rode the rest of lap three.

The rain and wind started, but didn’t affect my race. I seemed to feel better on the last section of lap three and finished feeling good with my race. All in all, I didn’t have any mental, physical or mechanical issues that really affected my results and I’m happy with the end result. It was a great course that was well organized and had some great volunteers to boot. No volunteers, no race. This was my fourth NUE race and I will be going to Fool’s Gold to finish the season. It’s been a good first year of NUE racing and hope to finish well at Fool’s Gold. Keep the rubber side down and keep hammering. Peace”

John Lauk, Boutiful Bicycle Racing, finished third at 10:17:26. Twenty-seven seconds later, Brian Brothers, Hammer Nutrition, took fourth at 10:17:53, following his first ever NUE win at Tatanka.

What’s NEXT?!

The NUE Race Series heads east to New Hampshire for the Hampshire 100 on Sunday, August 21. Visit www.nuemtb.com for more information and stay tuned her for the latest news, photos and results.

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Wilderness 101 – State College, PA

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Brian Schworm and Carla Williams Win a Scorcher in State College and Take KENDA NUE Series Lead

By Ryan O’Dell

The Wilderness 101 proved to be a major player in the NUE Race Series Standings resulting in three division lead changes www.nuemtb.com. Located near State College, Pennsylvania, Home of the Nittany Lions, W101 has become known for its fast gravel roads and rocky, technical singletrack. Much like Tatanka and the High Cascades 100, heat would be a factor on race day with temperatures soaring into the nineties by midafternoon.

Women’s Open

Williams gets her third straight NUE win and now leads the NUE Race Series!

Carla Williams, Joe’s Bike Shop Racing Team, had a substantial lead winning the women’s race in 8:15:00. Williams has three wins now, including Cohutta and Tatanka, and now leads the NUE race series just past the midway point.  “I was super excited for W101. This was my third year doing the race and, even though the course has changed slightly each year, I basically knew what to expect and had a race plan ready in my head.

The first part of my race plan: be better prepared. My race prep for Tatanka was a disaster. I had to race in brand new specialized MTB shoes from a local bike shop because the Pearl Izumi shoes I like disintegrated on my feet before the race. I also forgot to pack bike gloves, and I found myself scrambling to find a new bladder for my camel pack in Sturgis, SD at 8pm the night before the race. For W101, I had everything packed and prepped two days in advance.

The second part of my race plan: get to State College, PA. I had to work an ED shift on Friday which meant flying up to State College later on Friday night. Jeff drove up with the bikes and met me at the airport at 10pm. luckily; there were no flight delays or cancellations.

The third part of my race plan: Stay with the lead men off the start. I burned a match or two on the first climb, but I was able to stay with the leaders and was able to draft and push the pace with them for the opening miles of gravel road. I was off to a good start!

The fourth part of the race plan: Don’t die on the rocks. I basically pushed up every gravel climb as hard as I dared so I could take my time on the rocky single track and downhill sections. I fell off the bike a couple of times, clipped my handlebars on a tree that sent me flying, but overall, enjoyed the rocks way more on my full suspension then I did last year on my hardtail. I flip flopped with several guys on the course, passing or catching them on the climbs, only to have them zip by me on the downhill sections.

The fifth part of my race plan: stay hydrated! It was definitely a hot day but not too bad compared to the furnace that Chapel Hill has been recently. I stuck with Hammer Perpetuem to start the race and then filled up on Heed and water at the aid stops.

Last part of the race plan: river swimming, coke drinking, eating veggie burgers, and hanging out with friends at the finish. By far, the best and most well executed part of my race plan! Overall, it was a great day, fun course. Christ Scott as always puts on such well-organized events. The aid stations were top notch, the volunteers couldn’t have been more helpful, and the race course was very well marked. I especially like how they have filled water bottles at each aid station that you can grab quickly and keep on pedaling. I’m looking forward to being at Shenandoah in September.”

Linda Shinn, Blacksmith Cycles, was next at 8:55:26. Shinn is a proven competitor with a fifth place finish at Cohutta followed up with a second straight victory at the Mohican 100. “Last year I had gone off course and ended up with fourteen stitches after falling in the river crossing, so I was determined to do well at this year’s race. Because of the heat and humidity, my plan was to start conservatively, make sure I stay hydrated, and push it in the singletrack and descents.

On the first climb, Anne, Simona and a couple of other women blew past me and I was sitting in sixth but I had to keep telling myself to be patient, it’s a long race, and stick to the plan. Between aid one and two, I started to pick it up and jumped on a fast train of guys, picking off a couple other women. At this point, I was in third. Halfway up the long climb before aid 3, Vicki Barclay was there giving out cold water and cheers. She told me that the second place woman was just up ahead, which gave me the extra push – thanks Vicki for the cold water and motivation!

I rolled up behind Simona, was happy for her company, and we rode together for a bit into the next aid. The volunteers at all the aid stations were so amazing, getting us cold drinks and the best was a cold towel for my neck! Simona and I rolled out together and into the next singletrack. The baby heads and technical trails were tough and draining, but this is where I knew I had to attack. We rode together for a bit, and in the long rocky descent, I attacked and opened it up and didn’t see Simona again after that.

I got into a groove and started passing guys that were starting to fade from the heat. The last steep climb and hike a bike section after aid five was definitely the toughest, mentally and physically. I was done at this point but my plan was going well and I was stoked to be in second. I had a blast in the technical trails. It was definitely a really tough day with a tougher course than last year. Next up, heading to Wyoming the following week for Pierre’s Hole!”

Simona Vincenciova, Hammer Nutrition, was third at 9:16:49. “Originally, I wasn’t planning on racing Wilderness 101 but decided to jump in at the last minute before the registration closed. The women’s field looked pretty stacked which would make for an interesting race.

I had a good start and moved into the second position on the first climb, working hard to put some time and distance between me and the other ladies. I got caught by Linda Shinn halfway through the race. We arrived and left Aid #3 together, and rode together for a little bit, until she rode away from me on the next technical downhill. By now the heat was getting to me and I started slowing down a bit but was able to stay in third until the finish. It was a tough day on the bike but it was fun racing with the women I got to know over the years of racing NUE and to see how things shake out. My next stop is SM100.”

Libbey Sheldon, Crosshairs Cycling – CXHairs YO, was next in fourth place at 9:35:52. Anne Pike, Team DNA-Movement/p/b Penetron, claiming the fifth podium spot, adding to her sixth place finish at Cohutta followed by a second place finish at Mohican.

 

Men’s Open

Schworms narrow victory just enough to lead the NUE Race Series!

Brian Schworm, Think Green VO2 multisport/ p/b Sword, got a narrow victory, by just one minute, claiming his second win in the NUE Race Series this season.  Schworm now leads the NUE series with wins at W101 and Lumberjack adding to his second place finishes at both Cohutta and Mohican.

“I heard great things about the Wilderness 101 but didn’t know what to expect since this was my first attempt at this race.  I heard the trail sections were technical and a blast to ride and I also heard that it was 25 to 30 miles of gravel and forest roads before the first section of singletrack. This, together with the forecasted heat for the day, I knew it would be important to start conservatively. Other racers had the same plan for the beginning of the race and the front group consisted of about 25 to 30 racers for the first hour and half or so of the race.

Once we hit the first section of trail there was a bit of a split in the group, and once we hit the second section the group reduced yet again. There were probably seven or eight racers remaining and then Francis Cuddy put the hammer down for a few miles to distance ourselves from the chasers. I can’t remember if it was that second section of trail or the next, but Aaron Synder flew through it and gapped the group by 30 seconds or so. We were able to catch back up but I knew then he was someone to watch!

Just past the 50 mile mark we hit a big climb.  I knew, from checking out the profile of the race course, that it was about four miles long. I decided to apply some pressure and I worked it up this hill. Christian Tanguy went with me and we separated ourselves from the rest of the group.  We rode together for many miles but, after a long technical section, Aaron caught back up. His skills through those trails must have been absolutely incredible!

Just after aid station four, we hit another long climb.  I noticed that Aaron dropped back a bit so I accelerated and was able to get a bit of a gap on Christian. I reached the top with a significant lead but it was all in vain. Christian and Aaron joined forces, reeled me back in, and we rode together through the last aid station.

I knew that there was one last significant climb at the 90 mile mark. I was definitely getting tired but I knew I still had to try if I wanted a chance of winning. I guess I was just the least tired since I accelerated up the climb with no response. I went as fast as I could up that hill but never lost sight of Christian behind me so I was running scared!  I sprinted down the following downhill but then got a bit confused at the river trail and back-tracked to double check the course markings. I regained my bearings but was really running scared now, especially with my legs cramping up on the hike-a-bike section along the trail. Once through that, I rode the remaining railroad bed trail as fast as I could. I thought it would never end! I was constantly looking over my shoulder and giving it my all. Fortunately, I was able to hold on for the win with Christian and Aaron finishing closely behind.

Overall, it was an amazing race! It was definitely awesome to win another NUE race but this one was extra special since my parents surprised me by coming to watch the race! Thanks definitely need to go to my team Think Green VO2-Multisport p/b SWORD and my other sponsors Specialized, Schwalbe Tires, ESI Grips, TruckerCO, and AbsoluteBlack, but most of all to my supportive wife Jennifer for all her help with these races.  Next up is another new race for me, The Hampshire 100 in New Hampshire. “

Exactly one minute later, 2013 NUE Champion, Christian Tanguy, RBS/TREK, rolled in second, his best finish this season following a narrow fourth place finish at Mohican.

Two minutes behind Tanguy, Aaron Snyder, Stans NoTubes/7 Mtns Lodge, held on for third place finishing 7:00:08. Eleven minutes later, Heath Thumel, Race Pace Bicycles/ I9/Maxxis, took fourth at 7:11:38. Four minutes later, Stewart Gross, Griggs Ortho, claimed fifth at 7:16:20.

 

Singlespeed:

Wadsworth gets his second NUE win!

Defending NUE SS Champion, Gordon Wadsworth, Blue Ridge Cyclery / Pivot Cycles, crushed the field to finish 7:11:39. Wadsworth, following back to back NUE Series SS Championships 2014 and 2015, now has two wins this season following his opening season SS victory at True Grit Epic back in March.

“Knowing that the Wilderness 101 is fire road heavy on the front end, I rode conservatively and easily on the lead-up to the first aid station; saving matches and biding time until the steeper climbs in the middle of the race course. I felt good about my climbing and my fitness and stayed in smart position on three bridges and all of the fire road climbs, using momentum on the gravel downhills to be right where I needed to be.

Kip Beise was ever present in the front group for the first 25 miles but, in the initial selection coming down Dettweiller trail, I worked my way up to third wheel behind Aaron Snyder as Kip must have faded. I wasn’t sure I could keep up with the likes of super local Snyder all day but I was confident in my ability to hold my own on my Pivot LES SS with Thomson Dropper post when the trail turned down, so when we bottomed out of Dettweiller and Kip wasn’t in sight, I remained calm but felt a wave of confidence. My usual custom of clinging to wheels and helping set pace amongst the fastest open riders would again be my goal.

When Brian Schworm and Tanguy attacked on the steepest of the days climbs around mile 55, I quickly decided to let them go and ride a more conservative race. Aaron Snyder and I rode to the top of this climb together and Heath Thumel joined us at the top when we pitted in the neutral aid station. Thumel and I would lose contact with Snyder on the technical ridgeline trail; comforted by the knowledge that this wasn’t his first round on the #PArocks and that we had held our own. Thumel and I would ride the rest of the day together. I was pushing on the climbs, Heath motoring flats and fire roads, before descending comfortably together through the best that Rothrock and Bald Eagle forests had to offer us.

Arriving at Aid Station four, I found my drop bags had NOT made the leap from Aid 3 to 4 so, climbing away from mile 74, I knew I would have to ride conservative; especially in the heat. Heath and I continued our pacing together and eventually worked through the never ending technical Panther Run descent and down into Aid five. From that point on, it was rail to trail, one steady fire road climb and clamoring our way to the finish line. We continually darted our eyes backwards in hopes we would remain alone and, thankfully did, all the way to the finish line. I told Heath to go ahead and take the fourth place slot so he would be guaranteed that overall result and, as we crossed the finish line, we thanked each other for a hard day’s work. Basking in the campside creek, it felt great to be back on the top box of the NUE SS standings.”

Kip Biese, kJBike Coaching/ Old Town Bike Shop, was next finishing 7:54:49. Completing seven out of eight races so far in the NUE Series, Biese leads the NUE Series SS Standings, earning the mid-season travel award, a trip to compete in NUE #12, The Volcano 100 in Costa Rica. Biese has four second place finishes, including Cohutta, Bailey Hundo, and Tatanka.

Holding on to claim third was Michael Tressler, D-Generation X, at 8:16:12. “The race started off with a pretty casual pace. Fellow single speed frenemy, Dahn Pahrs led the large leaders group up the first climb at a comfortably uncomfortable pace. At the top, the pace ramped up and I was immediately thrown off the back, ping ponging off one chase group after another, hedging my bet that, if I conserved energy early on, the 90+ degree heat would claim some victims on the climbs between aid two and three.

Sure enough, I was able to reel in several SS’ers on the Alan Seeger climb up to aid three and was back in the game. My 34X20 gearing was a little lighter than most in the race, but it served me well on the climbs and didn’t kill me in the heat. I caught up to Dahn at the top of Sassafras DH, giving me the motivation to ratchet up the pace on the killer single track to aid four.

The Stillhouse climb put me into some difficulty, but I was able to bridge up to ally Dan Kotwicki and sketched his mad descending skills down the tooth rattling Panther Run and into aid five, catching Matt Ferrari along the way. From there to the finish, I just did everything I could to not get the living rigormortis death cramps from the intense heat.

Next up for me is the Pierre’s Hole 100 and then most likely Shenandoah and maybe Fool’s Gold, depending on how much I want to continue to hurt myself.”

Seven minutes later, Matt Ferrari, Freeze Thaw/Stan’s NoTubes, was fourth at 8:23:47. Four minutes back of Ferrari was Igor Danko, Fibaro Racing Team, at 8:27:23.

 

Masters 50+

Clayton claims victory and NUE Series lead!

Jeff Clayton, GA Neurosurgical Institute, won with authority, the only sub eight hour finish in the Masters race, an impressive 7:42:52. With this win, Clayton narrowly leads the NUE Masters division following victories at Cohutta and Lumberjack plus a second place finish behind Greg Golet, Team Chico, at the True Grit Epic season opener.

“The mellow pace for the first few miles was nice, my body/nerves like a bit of warmup.  On the first gravel road climb the pace picked up. I saw Carl Reglar, winner of the Mohican in the 50+, right near the front, so I decided to move up and mark him.  Things seemed to settle down until each climb where the pace went up again, but the breaks in tempo between climbs were enough to make it easy for me to keep up.

After passing Carl on a fast downhill road and then flying down the first double track section, the initial group seemed to have broken up and I didn’t see Carl. I even joined in a breakaway and soloed briefly off the front, both firsts for me in an NUE race! Things were going well until I got gapped back about thirty seconds on three bridges trail. I chose to follow Brian Schworm as he bridged back up but that put me into “the red”.  After several minutes with the small leading group, I fell off the back. To make matters worse, I lost my remaining full bottle on the next double track descent.

Leaving aid station two, I pace lined with Ross Anderson, normally a good race companion for me, but still dehydrated and not recovered from the earlier effort, his pace ended up being too much for me after 15 minutes or so and I was now solo and trying to recover on the longest climb of the day. A couple of racers passed me and I was looking back for Carl and Roger Masse a lot. I’d mostly recovered and re-hydrated by aid three and enjoyed trying to match the single-track skills of Madison Matthews as he would pull away and then I would catch him on the flats and gravel downhills.

My legs finally felt really good again on the Coopers Gap gravel climb where I passed a couple of guys before the Beautiful and No-Name Trails where I had a pretty good descent. I caught Madison again at the top of the double track climb after aid four and really hit the gas, trying not to flat (or lose any fillings) on Panther Run/Poe Valley and drill it on the gravel roads/rail trail.  I was solo until the finish finishing first in Masters 50+, 12th overall.  It was great fun and a challenge to race the Wilderness 101 for my first time.”

Carl Reglar, Verge Sport/Test Pilot, who earned his first ever NUE win at Mohican, was next for second place at 8:09:26. “I thought I learned a few things from the Mohican 100 (my first 100 miler) that would help me get through this race with less pain than I experienced in Loudonville. I cramped pretty badly, starting around mile fifty in Ohio so the last half of that race was not that pleasant.

My goal at Wilderness 101 was to focus on nutrition before and during the race so I could delay cramping as long as possible. I did not factor the extreme heat and ultimately did not hydrate as well as I would have liked. However, I did delay cramping.

I felt good at the beginning but had to stop at the first aid station to add air to my rear tire. It was not completely flat but very squishy. Thank you again to the women who went to her car to lend me her floor pump!

A few takeaways: I probably went a bit too hard trying to catch up to the leaders after I stopped (never did catch up). I never really got out of the hole I dug for myself early in the race. I was climbing okay but not really recovering due to the heat. To finish, I knew I had to dial it back a bit. Not recovering on the fun downhills meant I launched it a few times into the woods. The aid stations were awesome, the volunteers are so amazing. A few times in the race (top of that long dirt road climb) I was in a pretty dark place but their enthusiasm kept me going and really made my day! Thank you!

Congrats to all the riders who lined up for 100 miles of very challenging but beautiful terrain! Due to the amazing people I met, how well run these events are, and the great time I had, I will certainly line up for the Hampshire 100 in August.”

Fifteen minutes later, Mike Ramponi, finished third at 8:24:08. Another fifteen minutes later, Adam Linstedt, took fourth at 8:39:13. 56 year old Lindstedt also earned a fourth place finish at Mohican and garnered sixth at True Grit Epic.

NUE Defending Masters Champion, Roger Masse, Rare Disease Cycling / Keswick Cycles, claimed the final podium spot, just 27 seconds behind Linstedt, to finish 8:39:40. In 2014 and 2015, Masse won back to back NUE Series Championships. In the hunt this season toward defending his title, Masse has placed fourth at True Grit Epic then second at Mohican.

 

NEXT: The NUE Race Series heads to Grand Targhee Resort in Wyoming for the Pierre’s Hole 100 on August 6. Pierre’s Hole will host both the NUE Century Series and the Marathon Series offering both 100 mile and 100k options. Stay tuned right here for the latest news and reports.

High Cascades 100 – Bend, Oregon

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Local Superstars Serena Bishop-Gordon and Christopher Jones Win High Cascades Presented by Hammer Nutrition

By Ryan O’Dell

At 5:30AM, Racer’s gathered at Bachelor Village, near Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Oregon in anticipation of one of the most popular races in the NUE Race Series. The town of Bend is a growing destination for mountain bikers thanks to hundreds of miles of primo singletrack trails that can be accessed directly from downtown connecting to other nearby towns including the town of Sisters.

The Eighth Annual High Cascades 100 marked the midway point of the fourteen race National Ultra Endurance MTB Race Series where NUE series hopefuls had just one final opportunity to lead their respective divisions earning a mid-season travel award to compete in NUE #12, Rincon Challenge, the first NUE race held outside of the USA near Liberia, Costa Rica.

Deschutes Brewery, www.deschutesbrewery.com, one of the top rated craft breweries in the US, was on site at the finish line serving up draft brews including Pinedrops IPA and Hopslice, a new refreshing seasonal session IPA. Sagebrush Cycles of Bend, www.sagebrushcycles.net, in addition to offering mechanical services on the race course at every aid station, also offered racers a place to ship their bikes that included getting the bikes race ready and inspected before the race.

Race winner Serena Bishop-Gordon. Photo by: Michael Anderson Images

Race winner Serena Bishop-Gordon. Photo by: Michael Anderson Images

Women’s Open

Gordon makes it two in a row at HC100!

Serena Bishop Gordon, LIV|Giant Co-Factory Team, the local favorite from Bend, crushed the field for a second straight year by nearly an hour to finish 9:08:14.

Jennifer Shultz, Balance Point Racing/TREK/Fresh Air, from Kelowna, BC was next at 10:07:21. Five minutes later, Emily Kachorek, Squid, from Sacremento took third at 10:12:21. Twenty-three minutes later, Amber Bethe, 9:ZERO:7, rolled into fourth.

The youngest woman to ever finish an NUE race at the age of 16, Susannah Hart, Hapi-Go, now 19, moved up to fifth at10:54:14, more than a half hour faster than last year. Susannah’s favorite part of the race course is the climb out of Lava Lake, one of the most difficult climbs in the race.

Overall in the NUE Race Series point standings, Becky Edmiston, Crazy Pedaler Bicycles, leads all women.

Men’s Open

Jones gets his first HC100 win!

With a winning time of 7:53:44, Christopher Jones, the local favorite from Bend, achieved his first win at HC100 with a time that was less than three minutes short of the record set by Barry Wicks, Kona, in 2016. “Winning the High Cascade 100 was a pleasant surprise. I’m a roadie to the core, including my dismal dirt handling skills, but, as luck would have it, sand and my cyclocross skills made the difference on Saturday. The two riders I was with dismounted on a sandy climb about twenty miles into the HC100. I was able to remount quickly and ride away, a move I learned from racing cyclocross in the dunes of Kokjside.

From there it was a six hour ride enjoying some of the best trails my home town, Bend, has to offer. The local trail building organization, COTA, has done a fantastic job building and maintaining the local trails including the new Catch and Release trail that was included in the HC100 for the first time. Thanks to the Mike the Mudslinger, and NUE crews, for putting on such a great race.”

Fastest man on course Chris Jones rallies at High Cascades. Photo by: Michael Anderson Images

Fastest man on course Chris Jones rallies at High Cascades. Photo by: Michael Anderson Images

Less than four minutes behind the leader, a multi time winner of the HC100, Cary Smith, The Hub/VFuel, from Jackson, WY came in at 7:57:23 placing second.

Clint Muhlfield, Sportsman Ski Haus Cycling Team, from Whitefish, Montana was third at 8:22:46. “The High Cascade 100 is by far my favorite 100-mile MTB race. It’s a super fun point-to-point course that has it all: fast and flowy single-track, technical rocky (lava) zones, steep climbs, and power sections.

I’ve done this race several times, and it requires steady pace and not going out super hard at the beginning, saving some gas in the tank for the last thirty miles. Also, it gets hot out there and it’s a long time in the saddle, often in no man’s land, so I tried to focus on the moment, concentrating on the next corner ahead, and keeping the pace high. I had a good race with no technical issues, and, for a Dad with a demanding job, I’m very happy with my podium finish at a national event.”

Less than five minutes later, Erik Bee, The Bike Hub Spokane/For The Veterans of the U.S., from claimed fourth in 8:27:09. Seven minutes later, John ShalekBriski, US Military Endurance Sports, also from Spokane, WA claimed the fifth spot at 8:34:01.

Overall in the NUE Race Series point standings, Anthony Grinnell, Napleton Elite Cycling pwrd by Dirty Harrys, leads the Men’s Open Division.

Single Speed Open

Mills gets his first NUE win at High Cascades!

Steven Mills from Redding, CA held on to get this first win of the season following a third place finish at True Grit Epic and a sixth place finish at the Bailey Hundo. Mills winning time was 8:27:56. “Pedal, Pedal, Pedal the High Cascade 100 was a fun day on the bike. The race started off good. “Just Ride” is what Mike Ripley said and that’s all you can do or else it’s no fun so I stuck with it on race morning. Don’t try racing, just ride at your own pace and you will do well, so I just started pedaling down the trail.

I had decided to wear a camel back for the whole race so I had everything that I needed, water, a bunch of GU, and stuff to repair the bike if it breaks down. I also thought it would be easier to drink water hands free and focus on riding the trail. It worked great and saved my back when I crashed after clipping a log, flying and landing on my back. What I didn’t realize, until I had to refill, was that the lid had broken into pieces and was leaking. I thought wow, so I asked for some duct tape to tape the plastic lid back together so I wouldn’t lose water down the trail. Then, a dude had an extra camel pack so I took the lid off it. He said “What are you waiting for, GO!” so off I went.

For the majority of the race, I was riding back and forth with the fourth place finisher, Ricketts. We had a great time shredding the trails, trying to reel in the next racer, but I ended up alone toward the finish down the road. The 34-19 gearing is not too quick for the road so my legs where spinning. I got dizzy spinning and just rode to the finish line thinking what a great day at the High Cascade 100. I can’t wait to go ride the grizzly 100 in a few weeks! YeeHaaaw!”

2016 HC100 winner, Ben Shaklee, Jack’s Bicycle Center/Homegrown Racing, from Bellingham, WA arrived ten minutes later to finish second at 8:37:14. “I entered the first fire road climb with two other SS riders, Steven and Mark, and a few geared guys. I wasn’t exactly sure on the position of our group, but estimated we were in the top 10-15. I was the first of our group into Tiddlywinks singletrack just before Aid 1 and put maybe thirty seconds on the others but stopped to relieve myself and they passed.

I jumped back on with Steven and Mark ahead; passed Mark in the rocks and never saw him again (he was running 32×18). I bypassed Aid 1 and was spinning my 34×19 well on the fire roads, maybe a little more smoothly than Steven Mills (34×19).  I caught Steven and a couple geared guys, including Jay ShaleBriski. Jay and I worked together, gapped off the others, and wound up riding with or near each other for much of the day.

Jay blew through Aid 2 but I stopped for water. I passed him back as he was stopped trailside on the singletrack loop between Aid 2 and 3. A fast feed stop at Aid 3 and I was into the techie stuff descending to Lava Lake. At Aid 4 (mile 70) I was told I was in fourth overall and four minutes behind the leaders – I was pumped and resolved to ride steadily and smart for a linear effort to the finish.

This fell apart when I took a wrong turn crossing the fire road just above Aid 4, rather than climb over a log into the Edison Lava trail. I went out and back about 6 miles total and was off course for just over twenty minutes. Jay, who came through Aid 4 about one minute behind me, made the same mistake and we met on the fire road before getting back on course. I kept discouragement at bay and, once back on course, I passed back a few of the places I lost, but had no intel on where any SS riders were.

I crossed the line at 8:37:15 for second SS and ninth overall, about ten minutes behind Steven Mills. I was hoping to beat my 2015 time of 8:21 on this same course, and was on track to do so before my 20-minute detour despite slower course conditions this year. I felt good the entire ride and am pleased with the results. I thank, race director, Mike Ripley and his crew for another great HC100, and extend congratulations to Steve Mills for a great ride!”

Nine minutes later, Mark Schafer, Team Eastside, from Boise, ID took third at 8:56:34. Regis Ricketts, Iron City Bikes/Super Relax, was seven minutes back of Schafer for fourth at 9:03:34.

Seven minutes later, Kip Biese, KJBikeCoaching/Big Wheel Racing/Old Town Bike Shop, from Colorado Springs placed fifth at 9:10:35. Biese leads the NUE Race Series in the SS division with six finishes, including three second place finishes.

Masters 50+ Open

Golet crushes the field, getting his third straight NUE win!

Following wins at the True Grit Epic and Bailey Hundo, Greg Golet, Team Chico, was the only sub nine in the Masters division getting the win in just 8:42:59. Golet is undefeated this season and leads the NUE Race Series.

“At High Cascades the course has endless cornering, mostly around trees through the woods. In many sections you can’t see very far ahead, have to really focus, and be ready to react quickly. Constantly changing lighting, as you ride in and out of the shade, adds to the challenge. The trail surface is mostly smooth dirt and sand close to town, interspersed with occasional roots and rocks. Farther out, where the trail sees less traffic, it is more encroached with manzanita, and there’s a lot of loose and welded lava rock.

All this means you’re not going to do well unless you can ride varied singletrack really smoothly and efficiently. This point was really driven home for me last year. Even with 10,000 feet of overall vertical elevation, there just isn’t enough sustained climbing to do well simply by crushing the climbs. I tried that and it didn’t work. Also, unless you are a ripping descender, ideally with local knowledge of the trails (like my main competitor), you’re not going to gain much on anyone by saving energy until the second half of the race—my usual strategy.

So my plan was to eek the most out of every section of trail and get a big lead by Dutchman (mile 57), before the descent to lava lake. When I rode through there I was feeling pretty good, but didn’t really know my standing in the race. I knew I was ahead of Wayne Tonning (2015 Masters champ), who I passed early on, but definitely wasn’t ready to relax, knowing that there was a lot of race left. As it turned out, I was leading at that point, but only about two minutes ahead of Wayne!

Not wanting to flat, I rode pretty conservatively through the lava, checking my speed through blind corners, but still trying to push it where I could. I didn’t have any crashes or mechanicals there or anywhere else all day, and my nutrition was fine. I had energy to push hard through the last steeps and my decent to town was nicely uneventful. After finishing, I was feeling glad about my new “smarter” race strategy, but then I learned that my time was only twelve seconds ahead of last year, when I felt like I had played it all wrong!”

Wayne Tonning, Trinity Bikes, from Lake Oswego, OR placed second at 9:18:45. “Greg Golet, the winner, is a stud. I beat Greg last year and he took it to me this year. I tried to stay with Greg out of the gate, immediately red-lined, and still could not go with him. I ended up paying the price by riding sloppy; going over my handle bars twice, and had nothing the last twenty miles. I also flatted twice and had to run the bike into an aid for a new tire (sidewall cut) but persevered to finish and held onto second. That is what 100 milers are all about – digging deep and not quitting. What an incredibly competitive race, so many studs, and yet, really nice people. Gotta love the mountain bike community.”

Nine minutes later, Tim Phillips, Broken Spoke, from Eagle, ID rolled in to take the third podium spot at 9:27:34. “I got a better than expected start and, soon after hitting dirt, Golet went by with authority, followed by Tonning at a bit slower pace. Both pulled away as I expected.

The race went as planned and I felt pretty good through the Skyliner Aid Station #2 at mile 42. The climb to Dutchman Aid #3 (mile 58) seemed to go on forever. I believe it is the hardest section of this course. I rode smooth and safe on the downhill from Dutchman to Aid #4 Lava Lake. This section has tire gashing lava, numerous rock drops, and has been known to ruin many a racer’s day. I pegged my anticipated split times within a couple of minutes all the way to Lava Lake. However, the climb out of Lava put me under.

I came into Aid #4 at Edison (mile 78) but my legs were somewhere else and the usual cramping culprit wasn’t to blame. In addition, this course tests your upper body like no other. Starting at about mile fifty, the back of my left arm was screaming with every corner and pull of the brake lever. Volunteers at Edison mentioned that I was five minutes behind another 50+ racer. That’s when the mind games kicked in, who is in front?

The final 22 miles were brutal as my upper body, legs, and feet were all toast. The super fun DH sections on Tiddlywinks and Storm King that I rode the day before weren’t quite the same. Despite turning the cranks as best I could, I ended up fifteen minutes off my projected split on the final thirty miles. I ran into Wayne Tonning at the finish to find out he had double flatted.

An inventory of the water and calories consumed revealed I took in about 65% of what I should have, the likely the cause of my demise. I always say these races come down to fitness, mental toughness, and refueling. I failed at the latter. Despite finishing more than forty minutes behind Golet and nine minutes back of Tonning, what a thrill to be standing on the podium with these guys at one of the best races in the country!”

Twenty-two minutes later, Sten Hertsens, Muleterro, from Bozeman, MT took fourth at 9:49:14. Fourteen minutes later, James Coats took fifth in a packed Masters field.

Next: NUE Race Series #8, Wilderness 101 in State College, PA on July 23

Click here for full results from High Cascades 100

Tatanka Marathon (NUE) – Sturgis, South Dakota

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Karen Jarchow and Alex Pond Prevail at the Tatanka Marathon

By Ryan O’Dell

On Saturday, July 9, The Kenda NUE Series headed to Sturgis, South Dakota, home of the world’s largest motorcycle rally. 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.

Temperatures this year reached an unseasonable high of 97 degrees, tempered by low humidity and, at times and in places, strong breezes throughout the day. This was the first year Tatanka included the 50k Marathon as a stop on the new NUE Marathon Race Series. There was also an 85 mile race that is stop #6 in the NUE Century Race Series and a 15 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 to Costa Rica for the Volcano 100 in September.

Quarq, a division of SRAM, located locally in Spearfish, offered race fans live online tracking for the first time 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 crafts and a variety of food and beverage stands, racers were treated to local craft brews courtesy of Crow Peak Brewing and The Knuckle Brewpub.

Women’s Open

Jarchow gets her third straight NUE Win!

Following up on her wins at both True Grit and Bailey Hundito, Karen Jarchow, Team Topeak-Ergon, made it three straight winning the Tatanka Marathon distance in 3:30:57 and getting fifth overall as well. “Going into this race, I told myself that I would take zero risks.

From the start, the top ten or so had instant separation and I found myself exactly where I told myself not to be – second wheel to Alex Pond. That’s when I backed off a little, and let a handful of guys pass up the road that lead us into a creek side trail before the open road to Aid 1. By staying steady and picking my way around the random rock gardens, I was able to work myself back around a few of those guys before Aid 1, and then I stayed pretty settled into in the women’s lead and 5th overall from there on out.

Once on the trail, I focused on just staying smooth, consistent, hydrated, and enjoyed the spectacular Centennial Trail. I really enjoyed everything about this trail, from the steep, punchy climbs, the rocks, and especially the long swoopy descent through the trees before dumping back out by I-90. Next up, Jeff and I will head to Pierre’s Hole – another new location to me that I’m so excited to go check out!”

Ten minutes later, Becky Edmiston, Steamboat Velo, claimed second at 3:40:26. “HOT!  It was around 95 degrees at the Marathon start, though people’s Garmin’s were registering over 110!  The climb was HOT! I focused on Karen Jarchow’s advice (from her coach) “start slow to finish fast” and tried to keep it under control until the Aid Station at 18 miles.

Even though it was roasting I was getting chills, which seemed like a good reason not to push any harder.  After a cold towel on my neck (thank you volunteers!) and a refill at the aid station, I let myself push a little harder until the end. The trails were so fun! Nothing technical, good flow in parts, some rocky sections to navigate and some good, punchy climbs too. Going through lots of different ecosystems, (creek bottom, pine forest, grassland) kept it interesting. Sturgis was a great host town. I camped at the race camping, “Hog Heaven”, and a bunch of racers got burgers at “The Knuckle Saloon and Craft Brewery” (a biker bar), rode the day before and the day after on some really nice singletrack.

That was my fourth and final NUE race of the year! It’s been a blast. The series got me to travel to four races that I wouldn’t have otherwise done, and I’m glad, it was a really fun experience! Barb Fetters took third in 4:03:55.

Men’s Open

Pond goes sub three!

Following a seventh place finish at the season opening True Grit and his first win at the Bailey Hundito in Colorado, Alex Pond, Sonoran Cycles, took the Tatanka Men’s Open and posted the only sub three hour time at 2:58:33. “This year I made the choice to venture out and race some new venues and, with the addition of NUE’s new Marathon series, I was intrigued by the locations and the possibility of an overall title. The latest race brought me to the Black hills of South Dakota, a place I had only passed through once and only knew it for heat and crazy storms.

I arrived on Friday to ride the Victoria trail loop and got a nice taste of what the conditions of the area would be like. The heat was already pretty intense and the 15 mile loop had me out riding much more then I would have liked to before a race. After grabbing packets and food to cook dinner, my friend Becky and I made to our sweet private camp site at the Hog Heaven Campground, a site picked by the race organizer for racers to post up at. The site offered showers and ample choices in sites, seeing that it was only open during the Sturgis Bike Week, the place was empty.

The race for the Marathon division did not start until High Noon but Saturday morning I was up with the sun, already baking in the heat that would prove to make many worried for the race. I had my usual breakfast and then tried to find things to do without getting to excited about racing, checking over my bike multiple times and laying down in the shade, trying to stay cool and out of the sun. Thankfully a fellow Coloradan racer was staying at a hotel with AC who invited us to chill out for a bit before the start.

We opted for the Shuttle to the start point, since this race is a point to point, which made for a fun ride, and a chance to meet some of the other races and find out how far others had traveled to partake in the event. We all stepped off the bus, quickly running for a bathroom and shade. I think everyone had been downing the fluids, knowing the thermometer was reading above 95 which had a lot of folks nervous about the cramps that could come.

Joking around with a couple friends, I vowed not to lead out the race, and to see who was going to get out and be a serious contender for the race. As soon as the police escort drove off I found myself exactly where I said I would not be, leading everyone up the paved road and to the singletrack. I felt good, not paying too much attention to my heart rate that was already through the roof, but feeling that my legs were comfortable and my mind was ready to race.

About five racers and I hit the dirt which led us up the singletrack that would eventually lead us to the Centennial trail. We hit some creek crossings right off the bat that caused some bobbling and had me worried about the handling for the day. We made it onto some smoother terrain and up a two track road were I found my rhythm and was able to get in a groove. About three miles in I looked back to see no one was holding pace with me, so I kept it steady to the first aid station, which was only five miles in, and stopped to top off my bottle, knowing I didn’t want to get behind on fluids this day.

After the first aid we hit the main “Centennial Trail” and started to encounter the Epic racers. I was concerned before the race, not knowing how many of them we would be working to get around throughout the day, but after the end, it was not many and it was fun to see them out there knowing they were suffering much more than me. This was weekend number five of hitting the race scene and I am looking forward to a couple weeks of enjoying some Colorado High Country trail riding before getting ready to head up to Alta WY for the Pierres Hole 100k and then heading back to my stomping grounds in the North East for the Hampshire 100k.”

The trail had a fairly decent 2000′ vertical off the start, lots of little punchy hits, and some good rocks and roots thrown in to boot. My biggest limiting factor for the day was my rear brake that was howling and not giving my much braking power, and as soon as we started to descend, there were many hard corners that became tricky and had me worried about others catching me with better handling. Making it to Aid 2 was great, the staff was super energetic and the cold towel on my back was the best thing I’ve had done to me in a race ever!

From there I kept my pace steady and focused my efforts on making it a sub three hour race. Once we left the centennial and had only 5+ miles of trail left, we hit some great new trails just outside Sturgis before putting us onto the bike path to the finish. All in all, the course offered plenty of chunky rock, smooth pine needle covered singletrack and open prairie meadows that, if you could take a moment to enjoy, really made for an epic day on the bike.

This was weekend number five of hitting the race scene and I am looking forward to a couple of weeks enjoying some Colorado High Country trail riding before getting ready to head up to Alta WY for the Pierres Hole 100k and then heading back to my stomping grounds in the North East for the Hampshire 100k. The NUE has been a super fun series and all the races have offered awesome terrain, great venues, and parties that always bring out the best in the Mountain bike Community.”

Brian Stampe was next to claim second in 3:18:04. Jake Aisenbrey, Larson’s Cyclery, was next placing third at 3:31:08. “I felt the Tatanka Marathon distance was the perfect length for the first MTB race of the year. Coming out of a long gravel season, my legs were pretty shot and fast, explosive efforts were lacking.

During the pavement rollout and onto the gravel road, I was sitting somewhere in the top 12 when gaps started to open and I lost contact with the lead group. When we hit the rock sections going up Elk Creek, there was some unwanted hike-a-bike due to the close proximity with other riders. It was pretty hot due to the mid-day start but all systems were in check and I started to gain time back when we hit the singletrack at Dalton Lake.

I struggled with the climbs, having what felt like zero strength in my legs, but my cardio fitness made up for what my legs lacked. The course was incredibly dry, so coupled with the pine needles, the corners were pretty slick. I opened up on the descents and told myself to lay off the brakes. I checked off a couple more riders on the final descents towards the interstate crossing, but continued to keep the pace up until the finish. I really had no idea where I sat when crossing the finish; needless to say I was pretty surprised to see a 3rd Place finish in the Men’s Open!

Having raced the ‘Epic’ length of the Tatanka last year, it was nice to come back and enjoy the part of the course I barely remember. The Black Hills always offers a fun atmosphere and good people; there is no question why I’m down there for so many races. I don’t have any NUE races on the horizon, but if my schedule allows, I may enter into Pierre’s Hole.”

Six seconds later, Bryce Thorman, took fourth at 3:31:14. Four minutes behind Thorman, local Spearfish racer, Jonathan Reth, Spearfish Family Dentistry, claimed the fifth spot at 3:35:48.

 

Single-Speed

Litzinger now leads the NUE Marathon Series with three straight wins!

Following wins at the Big Frog 65 and Mohican 100k, James Litzinger, Napleton Elite Cycling pwrd by Dirty Harry’s, now leads the NUE Marathon Race Series arriving first at 3:23:06. “My wife, three sons, and I drove from PA so that I could take on the Tatanka 50 K.  The views in South Dakota are exceptional!

On race day, while teammate Anthony Grinnell got an early start, my other teammate Scott Williams and I tried to pass the time before our Noon start.  I have never started a race that late and was a little unsure about how it would go considering the heat would be increasing to 95 degrees.

The race started in Piedmont with a police escort out of town on a paved road. Then the race truly began for me on Little Elk Creek Road where the pace began to pick up. I was able to sit in behind some fast-geared riders until we got to the single track. Once on the single track, I was able to get by some geared riders and ride my pace through the technical canyon trail.  After popping out onto the dirt road before Aid Station 1, I noticed that my teammate, Scott, was not far behind me on the road. I stopped at Aid Station 1 for a top off of my liquids due to an extremely hot day then continued the long opening climb, enjoying the beautiful rock and pine forests. Once at the top, Scott and I rode together, enjoying the flowing and rewarding downhill.   I refueled with an apple cinnamon Hammer Bar once!

We started to climb up into Aid Station 2, where I was greeted with a freezing, soaking wet towel, draped around my neck. It was so great! Thank you to the amazing workers at Aid Station 2! I left the Aid Station riding by myself but when I got to the top of the climb, I noticed that Scott was right behind me. He was having a great race! We rode together on the ridge of the mountain, before making one of the final climbs where we were rewarded with an awesome long descent where we were able to fly with our Pivot Les bikes along the ridges flowing single track!  It seemed like this decent went on for an hour!  It was so much fun!

After the single track, we shoot out onto a long fast descent through a prairie before crossing under route 90. I knew that there were only a few miles left so I put the hammer down for the final stretch through the fast prairie, although I was held up for about thirty seconds as I was running a herd of cattle down the trail that would not get off the trail. I was a little nervous with the large group of cattle and small calves mixed into the herd; I didn’t know how they would respond to a rider. The cattle proved to be my final obstacle in taking the win at Tatanka SS 50k!  It was smooth sailing to the finish only passing a few other riders before the finish in down town Sturgis! Congratulations to my teammate Scott Williams on a great ride!  Thank you to all of our great sponsors, Dirty Harry’s, Napleton Auto, Hammer, Bontrager, Maxxis!”

Litzinger’s team mate, Scott Williams, Napleton Elite Cycling p/b Dirty Harry’s, was next just two minutes back to finish 3:25:54. “Three of us came out West from Pittsburgh to take on the bull and the rugged terrain that Tatanka has to offer. I was nervous leading up to race day with it being a terrain I was not familiar with but thought it would be an awesome adventure. Tatanka did not disappoint one bit.

Shortly before reaching Aid #1, which is roughly at mile six of our nine mile climb, I was eagerly surprised to catch Litzinger’s wheel, I quickly rolled in and with the help of a local Boy Scout who topped off my bottles with some cold water and was able to roll out keeping Jim in sight.

Tatanka throws some tough climbs that keep you working for miles but you once you top out, the descents are well worth all the work. There was no shortage of gnarly, fast, long twisty descents and you earn every bit of them. The heat was really starting to get me and Aid #2 was an absolute blessing with ice cold rags that the volunteers wrapped around our necks as we rolled in. In addition to the ice towel, I was greeted with my drop bag, Coke and ice water; it was about as good as it gets with how hot it was on a race day and kept me moving strong.

Jim and I yo-yo’d most the race, I would close the gap on climbs and he would open it back up on descents. By the end of the day, Jim held a two minute lead on me taking the single speed win and we rolled in 3rd/4th overall for the Tatanka Marathon; a solid day for us both. I had an absolute blast on my Pivot Les single speed and would love to be able to come back out here again next year. This trip would never have been possible without the support from my team, Napleton Elite Cycling and local shop, Dirty Harry’s. As of right now, I am signed up for Shenandoah which will be my first 100 miler, very excited to head down there for such an iconic race.”

Robert Herrman, Ridge Riders of the Black Hills, took third at 3:52:31.

 

Master’s 50+

Dickenson Crushes the field, going sub four to get his first NUE win!

Robert Dickenson, Mtn Mania, was the only Master’s racer to go sub four hours in route to the win in 3:59:18. Jerry Hoff was next at 4:59:42 with Mike Dailey getting third just five minutes behind Hoff at 5:04:50

NEXT RACE: The KENDA NUE Marathon Race Series heads due west to the Big Bear Grizzly in Big Bear, California on Saturday, July 30. http://nuemtb.com/series/big-bear-grizzly-100-ultra-endurance-mountainbike-race for more information and stay tuned here for the latest news, results, and photos.

 

Tatanka 100 (NUE) – Sturgis, South Dakota

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Jamie Lamb and Carla Williams Conquer the Heat in South Dakota

By Ryan O’Dell

The Kenda NUE Series headed to Sturgis, South Dakota, home of the world’s largest motorcycle rally. 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 racer’s rolled out at 6:45, down a short section of pavement connecting them to the Centennial Trail along an 85 mile 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.

Temperatures this year reached an unseasonable high of 97 degrees, tempered by low humidity and, at times and in places, strong breezes throughout the day. In addition to the 85 mile race, this year’s Tatanka included a 50k Marathon distance that is part of the new NUE Marathon Race Series. There was also a 15 mile Sprint distance for first timers that included many kids.

Quarq, a division of SRAM, located locally in Spearfish, offered race fans live online tracking for the first time 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 crafts and a variety of food and beverage stands, racers were treated to local craft brews courtesy of Crow Peak Brewing and The Knuckle Brewpub.

100-mile winner Carla Williams cools off at the feed zone. Photo by John Bush

100-mile winner Carla Williams cools off at the feed zone. Photo by John Bush

Women’s Open

Williams gets her second NUE win this season

Following her first big win at the NUE Cohutta 100 in April, Carla Williams, Joe’s Bike Shop Racing Team, achieved her second NUE win finishing 9:08:52, fourteenth overall. “I really had no idea what to expect at Tatanka. I had heard the course was rocky and technical (not exactly my favorite) with a lot of climbing (ok, I might stand a chance of doing well). I was most excited about starting under Mount Rushmore and having the chance to see the famous national monument!

The first 10-12 miles of the course was pretty brutal: lots of rocky steep climbs, lots of hiking, very hard to find any sort of rhythm. Luckily, after aid one, the trails were smoother and I felt I could actually ride my bike. It was my first race on a full suspension, and I loved it! I felt more and more confident on it as the race went on.

Since I had no idea what was around the next corner, I just focused on staying as strong and as consistent as I could. I surprised myself on some of the rocky stuff I was able to ride, disappointed myself in other sections, and really couldn’t quite believe I was leading the women’s field especially since there were so many other really strong women racing. Thanks so much to all the volunteers out on the course and to the race director who did a superb job with course markings. My next race will be WT101, but I definitely hope to be back riding in the black hills at some point.”

Abelyn Broughton, Fitzgerald’s Bicycles, was next capturing second in 9:29:30. Eleven minutes later, Christy Olsen, Crazy Pedaler Fat Fish, crossed the line at 9:40:51. “My race did not go well. I don’t think I was hydrated enough coming into this one. I felt okay for the first twenty miles but really succumbed to the heat after that. It was a really challenging course with some great competition. I wish I had a better performance, but it was good just to finish this one.” Olsen’s next race will be the Pierre’s Hole 100 on August 6.

Kaarin Tae, Bike Monkey Cycling, was next, sixteen minutes behind Olsen for fourth place at 9:56:18. Six minutes later, Mari Chandler, Team Adventure Medical Kits, placed fifth at 10:02:02. A top NUE Contender, Chandler also placed second at Cohutta and third at Lumberjack this year.

Jamie Lamb prevailed at the Tatanka 100. Photo by John Bush

Jamie Lamb prevailed at the Tatanka 100. Photo by John Bush

Men’s Open

Lamb gets his second straight win Tatanka!

Jamie Lamb, Bicisport Calgary, made it two in a row in Sturgis getting the win in 7:20:24. “Walking out of my hotel into 80-degree heat at 4:00 AM, I was worried about both the trio of Johnson, Lideen, and Tostado, and the chance that I’d wither in the day’s 97 degree high.  Once the climbing/rock scrambling started the four of us went clear with me pleased to have made the selection and focusing on hydration for the heat to come.

Unfortunately Lideen went down hard and cut his wrist on a rock, and about 10 miles later, Josh flatted leaving Dylan and me to sort it out.  We kept it mostly on cruise to the climbs on the motorized access portion of the Centennial trail, and with 30 miles to go I leaned on the throttle, happy to create a gap but cautious about melting down, dumping full bottles on myself at Aid 4.

I kept up my shoulder checking at each switchback but the heat must have got to Dylan as I was able to roll into Sturgis stoked to get an NUE win there for the second time. Thanks to race director, Kevin Forrester and his crew for putting on another great event. Next for me will be the Canadian XCM Nationals followed by NUE #10, Pierre’s Hole 100.”

Following big spring season wins at Cohutta 100 and the Mohican MTB100, 21 year old Dylan Johnson, Giant Co-Factory Northeast, arrived just nine minutes later to take second at Tatanka, finishing 7:29:14.

After suffering two flat tires that separated him from the leaders, Josh Tostado, Santa Cruz, Shimano, Maxxis, rode solo holding on for third at 7:55:17. “My race was going great. I was having fun riding with Jamie, Taylor, and Dylan. The pace was really slow off the start but I was in no hurry. About ten miles in, Taylor crashed out then the rest of us rode together until about twenty miles in and I got the first of my two flats so I rode by myself until I got my second flat. Daniel passed me while I was changing it then I passed him at the next aid and tried to push hard to the finish. The heat was really tough and I haven’t really raced in much more than low 80’s this year but, besides the flats, I was very happy with the riding and how I felt.”

Four minutes later, Daniel Matheney, COS Racing p/b Matheny Endurance, claimed fourth at 07:59:43. Two-time Tatanka winner and local favorite, James Meyer, Quark/SRAM, from nearby Spearfish, SD placed fifth this year at 8:13:02, forty-one minutes faster than last year!

Josh Tostado leads Lamb and Johnson on the flume trail. Photo by John Bush

Josh Tostado leads Lamb and Johnson on the flume trail. Photo by John Bush

Taylor Lideen, who placed first at the NUE opener True Grit Epic and eighth at Bailey Hundo, crashed out just ten miles into the race, injuring his wrist. “The race started with Josh, Dylan, Jamie and I up front having a blast on the super raw and technical trail. The Centennial Trail did not disappoint and already has me thinking about racing on it again next year. A little over an hour in, on what seemed to be the smoothest single track so far, I reached to grab a drink from my Camelbak and clipped my left pedal on a stump hidden beneath the overgrown grass.

Dylan Johnson traveled west to experience the Tatanka 100 and came away with a second-place finish for his efforts. Photo by John Bush

Dylan Johnson traveled west to experience the Tatanka 100 and came away with a second-place finish for his efforts. Photo by John Bush

The crash happened so quickly and, before I knew it, Dylan was staring down at me checking to see if I was okay. Luckily, I was really close to a road crossing and waited there until someone from aid station one came and picked me up. After meeting up with my fiancé, we drove to the hospital in Rapid City to get everything checked out. The doctor brought the x-Ray result in and I breathed a huge sigh of relief when I was told there were no breaks.

After a generous scrub and a few stitches later, I was released and headed down to the finish to watch the leaders come through. At the moment, my wrist and palm area are feeling better and I should be good as new and ready to race at Big Bear in a couple weeks.

I want to thank all the riders who checked on me on-course as well as after the race. Even though this was a really unfortunate (and frustrating) crash, I am so grateful for this community and the sport we all love.”

Trevor Rockwell cranks his way through to a SS win. Photo by John Bush

Trevor Rockwell cranks his way through to a SS win. Photo by John Bush

Single-Speed

Rockwell gets his first NUE Win

Trevor Rockwell put it down to get his first NUE SS win this season, finishing in 8:15:43. “Tatanka100 was an awesome race! I came in with high hopes to ride for A.J. Linnell and try to come away with the Single Speed victory! The race was interesting from the get-go as the lead pack of eleven or so guys missed a turn about one mile into the race that put us behind a long line of folks. Once we sorted through the line, it was game on from there. I was able to keep up with Kip and Jeff Kerkove until Aid 1. They got out a little quicker from the Aid station so I was relegated to chasing.

For the rest of the race I thought I was hunting down Kip and trying to get myself back into the lead. Later, I learned that he took a wrong turn before Aid 2 that put me unknowingly into the lead. For the rest of the race as the heat took its toll, I settled in, trying to close a gap that was actually behind me. I pushed as hard as my body would let me. Throughout the second half of the race there were many times I thought I should pull the plug as I was overheating pretty badly but thinking of the name on the back of my jersey kept me pushing on.

In the end it was a hot and a little emotional day on the bike since it was my first race back after taking a year and a half hiatus from racing and pretty much riding my bike at all! If I had to do it again I may drop a gear as my 36×20 was a little steep, but I also know that the heat played quite the role. Next up for me is the Pierre’s Hole 100! It will be great to get back out to the Teton’s and hopefully come away with another victory!”

Kip Biese, KJBike Coaching/Old Town Bike Shop, took second at 8:40:24, twenty-five minutes behind Rockwell. With four finishes already under his belt, Kip Biese leads the NUE Race Series including second place finishes at both Cohutta and Bailey Hundo, a third place finish at Mohican, sixth at True Grit Epic. “I felt good and rode back and forth with Trevor to Aid 1.

After Aid 1, I felt confident and went ahead but twice managed to miss left turns on fast downhills and went off course both times a good ways before turning around and climbing back onto course. I believe by Aid Two, I wasn’t too far back but Trevor is really strong and I knew I had a tough fight to even try and get within sight of him. I went hard climbing out of Aid two but had a mishap descending while dodging ATVs, and, as of today, it’s confirmed I broke a bone in my left foot. Important side note; the ATV riders were cool and they all tried to get off trail as I descended towards them but the last rider slipped off trail trying to give me space. After all that fun, I just rode it out trying to find a way to pedal that didn’t hurt.”

 

Master’s 50+

Brothers gets his first NUE Race win!

Brian Brothers, Hammer Nutrition, earned his first ever NUE victory, first across the line at 9:24:30. “There was the section about seven miles in where it was hike-a-bike, playing to my strength since I do that kind of stuff all the time, I passed several riders there and soon found myself riding alone for the next forty miles. I had no idea where I was in the overall or in my ‘old man’s’ category.

From there it was another awesome section of singletrack and fire roads leading to aid station two. When I got there, I asked where all the other masters men were, thinking they were in front of me. NUE series director Ryan O’Dell, who was following the race answered that I was the first one. Dumbfounded, I couldn’t believe it. I thought for sure that someone made the cut in front with the faster riders.

Knowing I was in the lead, I headed out on the third section of trail towards aid three with renewed energy and promptly started cramping. The thing about cramping and me is that I don’t stop, I grit and bear it and pedal on through softly. It’s always worked for me and within minutes my legs had loosened up and I was cruising again, alone. Within a few miles of aid three at the 50 mile mark, I was caught and passed by a singlespeeder and the eventual women’s winner. No longer alone, I was able to finally have someone to pace with.

When I got to the aid, I proceeded to pour ice cold water over me as I had been cooking out there in the heat. That was the precise moment when the second place Masters Rider, Marland Whaley, would show up, grab two water bottles from his support crew, and head out. I was a bit relieved to finally have someone else in front and worried because I was really suffering and he looked really fresh. I took off after him with Ryan taking photos of us as we headed into the next 17 mile section. I cramped as we headed up the first climb out and backed off the pace to recover. In my mind I knew the two things I had going for me was I had been hydrating all day whenever I wanted due to my hydration pack vs his two small bottle setup and his hardtail bike would have cost him time competing against me on my full suspension Salsa Spearfish.

On the next road descent, I couldn’t believe my luck as he almost overshot a turn onto the singletrack. I was on his wheel as we entered the climb and it was apparent that something was wrong as his speed was much slower than I expected. We both pulled off the trail for a couple faster riders in the shorter race. I deferred to him to go as he was in front and he said “no you go”. Was this a trick I thought?

I decided with approximately two miles of climbing before a big descent to burn my matches and almost doubled the pace to see what his reaction would be. Several minutes later I was all alone with no one in sight. I bombed down the descent throwing caution to the wind as I drifted through switchbacks. I ended up crashing at speed as I slid on the pine needle covered trail and went over some rocks. Only some scrapes, I got up and charged down the descent again, and again the pine needles had their way but it was only a slow speed fall and I was quickly riding again as the trail straightened out. I had my GPS with course overlay showing the elevation profile and distance to the next stop and hammered it out to the aid station. I didn’t waste any time and was quickly back on my bike with the final 15 miles remaining in a mostly downhill trending profile.

I kept on the gas as best I could, feeling much better than I did during the middle half of the race. As I crossed into Ft Meade recreation area, I knew, short of a race ending crash, nobody was going to catch me. I eased off the pace to be focused on the final few downhills as I had crashed here 24 hours earlier. Even then I still struck a boulder with my pedal that sent me in the air. Luckily I landed in control and, with three miles remaining; I relaxed entirely to enjoy my first individual win in a long time. It was surreal as I crossed the line. Ryan was there to congratulate me on a great race. DirtWireTV even did an interview with me. I was like, wow.  Now where’s the beer?

Later, talking to Marland, I found out that when I went by him he was suffering through cramps and had stopped to stretch. Furthermore, he probably hit the same rock I did but was not so lucky as evidence of the blood on his arms and legs. It was such a great course; I can’t wait to do it next year.”

NUE Series contender, Marland Whaley, Red Barn Bicycles/Hammer Nutrition, was back and forth with Brothers through much of the race before finishing 9:39:35. “After racing the Tatanka 100 in 2013, I couldn’t wait to get back to the Black Hills again. This year, once again, it was a very well organized race with incredible volunteers at the aid stations.

I had been fighting an illness for two weeks prior to this, but was so “all in” to race well that I never backed off like I should have to get well. It was such a mistake that, within the first hour, I’m not sure how I’m getting back to Sturgis. All I could do is press on the pedals enough to go forward. As the temps rose toward 100, I became light headed and sicker.

To top off a really rough day, three miles from the finish at speed, I buried my right pedal into a rock, launching me down the hill, breaking my helmet, and having to retrieve my bike thirty yards down the hill. Limping my way to the finish, I was just glad to bring a day to an end that I was so much looking forward to. Congrats to newcomer Brian on his NUE win. I’m sure you will be seeing more of him in the future.”

Roger Clark finished third at 10:56:18.

 

NEXT: The KENDA NUE Race Series heads due west for The High Cascades 100 near Bend, Oregon on Saturday, July 16. Like all NUE Races so far this season, The HC100 is sold out. However, racers can get on a waiting list to enter. Visit http://nuemtb.com/series/high-cascades-100-ultra-endurance-mountainbike-race for more information and stay tuned here for the latest news, results, and photos.

Click Here for full results from Tatanka 100 & Marathon

Lumberjack 100 – Michigan

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LumberJack 100: National Ultra Endurance Series presented by KENDA

Written by: Scott Tencate

Photos by: Jack Kunnen

The 2016 Founders Lumberjack 100 racers were greeted by cool morning temps in the 50’s and brilliant sunshine as the 413 racers toed the starting line for the for the 12th annual race through the Big M trail. The racers knew that the first 33 mile lap would be the most comfortable as temps were expected to reach close to 90 and the humidity would make it feel like a tropical rainforest by noon.  The race directors designed a new start that removed some of the roll out pavement and replaced it with two track and single track that allowed more jockeying and racing from the start.  After 4 miles of positioning the field came through the pits and finish area to cheers and cowbells as they made their way towards the first separator the “Bullwacker” climb.  It was two new faces to the Lumberjack race Dan Yankus ( Team OAM) and Brad White ( United Health Care) that lead the charge with familiar LJ 100 race faces; Mens open champion Brian Schworm (Think Green VO2), Vanias ( Team OAM), Quiring ( Quiring Cycles), Jan Roubal (Velorution), Mike Simonson (The Bike & Tri Shop) Golas, Gross and Catlin looking to make the selection. The women’s open field of  37 was lead by Chase Edwards (Flagstaff Bikes)  and on her wheel was LJ 100 first timer Kaitlyn Patterson ( Team OAM) and last years women’s champion; Mari Chandler ( Team Adventure)

Terry Blanchet Nav-North American Velo 2d place masters 50+

Terry Blanchet Nav-North American Velo 2d place masters 50+

 

The Lumberjack race course is in 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.

Even with the crisp morning temps it didn’t take long for things to heat up as Scott Quiring pushed a red line pace on the front for most of the first lap with nine others staying in contact. As the leaders made their way into the support area (16 mph avg. speed) it was Yankus, White, Simonson stopping in first with seven others within a minute. Most riders stopped 5 – 10 seconds to reload with food and hydration but it was road pro racer White who never slowed and grabbed his fuel mussette style and  was the first on the trail starting the second lap. Things got testy as Quiring, Yankus, Simonson and White attacked trying to shake off anyone from the top 9 lead group. Half way through the second lap Quiring and Roubal  dropped off having pushed too hard and Mike Simonson caught a bad break with his tubular tire going flat. The second lap leaders were down to four with Vanias, White, Yankus and Schworm a minute ahead of  Catlin and Gross.  Just after the half way point of the third lap, Schworm decided it was time to make a move and not allow White or Vanias a chance to attack on the two track section with 8 miles to go. Brian Schworm finished four minutes ahead of Vanias and five on White as he tore up the last five miles of the Big M tail finishing just off a race record at 6:30:09 for back to back Lumberjack 100 championships.

The women’s open race saw Patterson and Edwards battling back and forth for the first lap with  Patterson hitting the support area at 2:27 just 30 seconds ahead of Edwards. Last years Women’s open Champion, Mari Chandler couldn’t hold on to the pace and found herself over 10 minutes back after the first lap.  The second lap Patterson decided to push the pace and never looked back as she peddled through the second lap pits with nearly a two minute lead over Patterson and held that gap to finish her first Lumberjack 100 as the Women’s Open Champion at 7:27:27 followed by Edwards 7:29:51 and Chandler 7:51:58.

Chase Edwards Flagstaff Bike Revolutions 2d place womens open

Chase Edwards Flagstaff Bike Revolutions 2d place womens open

The Single Speed race got off to a fast start with everyone going hard trying to get to the fast and flowing single track and first big climb ahead of as many racers as possible.  James Litzinger ( Napleton Elite) in his second LJ 100 appearance saw his last single speed competitior shortly after the “Bullwacker” climb and latched on to a group of geared riders including teammate Joe Fraas and Master’s winner Jeff Clayton pushing a steady pace on laps one and two. Litzinger said ” Joe and Jeff worked like semi trucks pulling on the road and I kept us rolling on the single track while grinning ear to ear!  It was so much fun riding and working with those guys!  I felt like The Lumberjack 100 was a TEAM effort!”  Litzinger got his first NUE series win with an impressive time of 7:13.  The real single speed race was between Alexander Steinhoff ( Treefort Bikes) and Mike Bernhard ( Founders Racing) who was fresh off his single speed win and 13th overall finish at Dirty Kanza. These two spent the day duking it out and exchanging position until the end of lap two when Steinhoff gaped Bernhard and held on to second place by less than a minute.

Brain Schworm Think Green-Vo2 Multisport P/b Sword mens open winner

Brain Schworm Think Green-Vo2 Multisport P/b Sword mens open winner

Lastly the Master division race saw Georgia native, Jeff Clayton ( Georgia Neurosurgical Institute) work with Single Speed winner James Litzinger and Joe Frass to set a blistering pace from the start creating a large gap over competitors Terry Blanchet and Mark Donakowski.  Clayton never faded and ended up finishing in just over his goal time of 7 hours with a time of 7:04 followed by Blanchet 7:44 and Donakowski 7:50.

All results for the 2016 Lumberjack 100 can be viewed here:

http://www.newtontiming.com/results2016.html

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

Mohican 100 Results and Photos

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Full report to come…

Hundreds of racers charge off the start line and through Loudonville, Ohio, at the start of the Mohican 100. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Hundreds of racers charge off the start line and through Loudonville, Ohio, at the start of the Mohican 100. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Christian Tanguy powers through the water early on in this 100 mile challenge. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Christian Tanguy powers through the water early on in this 100 mile challenge. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

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

Linda Shin makes her way through the dense forests of Ohio on her way to a race win. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Linda Shin makes her way through the dense forests of Ohio on her way to a race win. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

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

Slick conditions caused many falls during the Mohican 100 an conditions would get worse as rain started falling later in the day. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Slick conditions caused many falls during the Mohican 100 an conditions would get worse as rain started falling later in the day. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

100-mile race winner Dylan Johnson successfully navigates a long suspension bridge. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

100-mile race winner Dylan Johnson successfully navigates a long suspension bridge. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

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

Dylan Johnson strikes a triumphant pose as he takes another NUE win for 2016. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Dylan Johnson strikes a triumphant pose as he takes another NUE win for 2016. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Gaps were exceptionally tight at the 2016 Mohican 100. Here Federico Ramarez crosses the line just seconds in front of Christian Tanguy. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Gaps were exceptionally tight at the 2016 Mohican 100. Here Federico Ramarez crosses the line just seconds in front of Christian Tanguy. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Ramarez just after the finish. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Ramarez just after the finish. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Gregory Jancaitis celebrates his new growler and an 11th-place finish. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Gregory Jancaitis celebrates his new growler and an 11th-place finish. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

100-mile women's podium. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

100-mile women’s podium. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

100-mile open men's podium. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

100-mile open men’s podium. Photo by: Butch Phillips Photography

Click Here for full results from all categories