California Pa Criterium

OK.  I am tired of waiting for the Appalachian Bicycle Racing Association Criterium Series FINAL Standings to be updated just so I can link them here.

Bottom Line?

Ag3r's Steve Brewer finished the Category Pro/1/2/3 Series in SECOND PLACE...!!!

The series began in Clarksburg, WVa....many months ago, IN THE RAIN, and ended on a perfectly sunny day in downtown California, Pennsylvania, nestled between the college campus and the river.  As with any series, attending (every) race is a critical as placing well in the ones you attend.

In this final race, Henry Dimmick...

...went to work for Steve...

...both of them knowing that Steve was in a battle to make the podium with two other racers, from two different teams....and needed to score points no matter what to stay there.

After a SUPER fast start, many racers were shelled off...but Steve and Henry hung on to finish in 11th and 12th Place respectively...

...vaulting Steve into his final podium position for the Series.

Dan Schar was the only other Ag3r racer to attend this event, putting out an excellent effort to finish in 5th Place in the very competitive Men's 40+ Race.

Afterwards, we attended the California River Festival...

...and ate street fair Hot Sausage...

....made by THIS guy...

....whose kids think looks like THIS...

 ...all while watching a local band play! 

Well Done Steve :)

Ronde-Ohop-Kermesse

WHAT?!?!!!!

You need to check out the incredible views Kirk Morrison experienced during a race he did ...WAY out WEST.

See his post on the right sidebar, or click here --> Late Bloomer

Two Mile Run?

Two MILE Run?

TWO mile bike? 

Confused?  So were all the riders who attended this race :(

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Story by Hannah Brewer

I usually count on Kirk or Mike to write something informative, witty, and entertaining after each race, but I guess I'll have to fill in since I was the lone Ag3r rider at the Two Mile Run mountain bike race.

For this race, I don't even know where to start. Actually, I did not even want to start. After three days of hiking combined then three days of cycling in Boulder, my legs were totally beat, but since we came home from CO in time to race, I had to go.

I heard from Richie, and many other local riders, that Two Mile Run is a long grind and that I would get lost at least once, if not several times. Although I usually appear calm and rationale, I am inherently a strong-minded "know-it-all", and didn't REALLY believe that I would get lost. Following a marked trail can't be too hard, right? Wrong.

Within the first two miles, I followed at least 10 other riders off course, for a .5 mile detour. Great. My longest mountain bike race yet (18 miles) and I'm adding more mileage! That wasn't my last mishap. I made at least five more wrong turns, but luckily I caught my mistakes before riding too far in the wrong direction.....Shame on you if I pass you once, shame on me if I pass you twice!

When my legs finally accepted that they were racing and I finally accepted that this was a mountain bike race/scavenger hunt, I had a great ride. The weather was perfect, the single track was dry and fun, and "staying on course" became an added challenge --and I love challenges.

Oh, and logs. At least 25 log crossings. No joke. If I didn't know how to hop a log before, I do now.

I was no speed demon, but I finished 40th overall and 2nd overall for the ladies....1st overall women 14-39 yrs.  The fastest lady must be under 14... or over 40!

Results found at: http://www.smileymiles.com/2012/RES12%20TWO%20MILE%20RUN%20PARK%20MT%20BIKE%20EXPERT%20OA.HTM

Hannah

Steamboat Stinger

See how these two things fit together by reading Kirk Morrison's blog post by clicking here --> LATE BLOOMER.

White Park XC Throwdown

Story by Kirk Morrison:

Fun race for the finale of the ABRA mtb series with lots of podium action with Hannah Brewer, Steve Brewer, Rich Allen, Dave Shaffer and me in attendance.

Steve’s 11:30am single speed race saw the greatest condition changes starting with dry, followed by a rainstorm which turned the course slippery and finally, with the rain ending, an improvement in the trail to a tackier condition. Our 1:30pm race was primarily on the tacky, wet trail with the biggest obstacles being wet roots and logs.

As advertised this was a flowing course with almost 100% single-track. While there were almost no rocks, there were a few steep downhill sections to keep our adrenalin up. Very well marked and maintained ….. great course !!

Hannah: 1st place – Womens Cat 2/3 Sport

Shaffer: 2nd place – Clydesdale

Richy: 2nd place Mens Masters 55+ (Cat 1/2/3)

Kirk: 3rd place – Mens Masters 45+ (Cat 1/2/3)

Steve: 8th place - Single Speed Open

Additionally, in the final ABRA MTB Series Standings:

Hannah: 1st Place Women's 2/3

Richy: 2nd place Men's 55+

Kirk: 2nd Place Men's 45+

Another super event by JR and Gina of ABRA Racing !!

http://www.abraracing.com/Results/WhiteParkResults2012.pdf

http://www.abraracing.com/Results/2012mtbSTANDINGS.pdf

Shannock Valley MTB

Story by Hannah Brewer:

Rich Allen and I raced the Shannock Valley MTB race. Terrential downpours all week and again Saturday morning meant MUD, MUD, more MUD ...and puddles (or small ponds).

Once I accepted the fact that I would be soaked and muddy all day, I decided that the course was one of my favorite race courses so far!

Richy had a fast, 9th place overall finish in the Open/Sport category. He was 2nd in his age group.

I finished 1st Overall for females, and 19th Overall in the Open/Sport category.

http://www.smileymiles.com/2012/RES12%20SVF%20MTN%20BIKE%20SPORT%20OA.HTM

Photos Compliments of Gracie Lim Clark

Storm Peak Challenge Hill Climb

While STORMS in W.Pa. look mostly like THIS:

...the "storm" referred to in the name of this RACE is (probably) the hurricane of LACTIC ACID...

...cascading through Kirk Morrison's veins, as he races along on LESS and LESS oxygen...

Should look like THIS

Should NOT look like THIS!

...while ascending into the clouds at over 9,000 feet.

To read how Kirk is killing off what few brain cells he has left, click on his blog icon titled "Late Bloomer" on the right sidebar under Rider Blogz., or for your Mobile App users, click HERE ...!!!

PMVC 10 mile TT

After an afternoon of Team Building and Race Prep (Waterskiing!), Ray Sielski, Hannah Brewer, and Steve Brewer met up with Steve Marlette for the Pittsburgh Master's Velo Club 10 mile Individual Time Trial.

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Story by Ray Sielski

Here we are at the first event of August to find another night at the track with temperatures hovering around 95 degrees. Clear skys with little of no wind welcomed the racers, apparently there were no pre race track records that needed to fall in this heat so the group got started on time.

Steve Brewer had his sights set on first place as he refused to participate in the team pre race warm up (see abstact above!), then went on to win the event sporting a baseball card in his spokes to intimidate the rest of the field as he cruised by with his noisemaker.

Steve Marlette, not to be intimidated by Brewer's "motor", joined in the team effort by posting an easy second place.

Ray and Hannah sporting their new tan lines and impish grins from the pre race warm-ups, put in fine performances that will be well remembered past the pain of not posting any PR's.

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Results by Oscar Swann
Here are revised results for the 10m TT.

1st Place @21.45 - Steve Brewer (Personal Record)
2nd Place @ 21.59 - Stephen Marlette
10th Place @25:06 - Ray Sielski
12th Place @ 27.03 - Hanna Brewer

The added BONUS of the day's "warm-up" was that Hannah "got up on ONE (water) SKI" for the first time!!! 

Way to go HANNAH  :)

Aliquippa Criterium

Story by Mark Briercheck

It was a counter-clockwise race....definitely a bit faster. The way turn #3 feels is almost like a swooping roller coaster. Super Fun, even with Steve working himself to death :)

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The Killer B's go in a circle...again

Cat 1/2/3:
Steve Brewer and I hung on for a hot and fast Sunday afternoon hour long criterium in Aliquippa, PA. From the gun the race was fast. No time to sit and chat...just all business.

Countless attacks went out but each one was reeled back in by the field. By the final lap the field wound up in the final turn and the day was to end with a bunch sprint. During the long final stretch the field was all over the place.

Brewer and I fought through traffic and pushed just enough to move up towards the front to stay out of trouble and come home with a decent result.  Average Speed for the hour race - 27.09 mph!

Mark Briercheck - 10th Place
Steve Brewer - 11th Place

Women's Cat 4:
Hannah Brewer - 4th Place

Bridge Out

You know those days, when life is tight, and you have only SO MUCH TIME to fit in a ride ...and then something UNEXPECTED happens?  

Well...

PMVC Track Night

More Fixed Gear action with single speed regulars Steve Brewer and  Henry Dimmick being joined for the first time this season by teammate Kirk Morrison. 

Hannah Brewer was again on hand to help Oscar run the show!

But before the fixie action got underway, Steve Brewer took on the standing start 200m Track Record.  His first attempt was cut short when he came out of his pedal early on (so we now know Steve is at least 16 newton-meters strong!)  His second attempt, a full run, was negated due to a timing clock error. 

It was on his third attempt he officially set a new track record... giving Ag3r the first FIVE (5) Track Records at the Bud Harris Oval in Pittsburgh Pa!!!

200 m flying start ; 200m ; 13.07 s. ; 34.25mph ; Henry Dimmick ; 8/29/03

200 m standing start ; 200m ; 17.05 ; 26.24mph ; Steve Brewer ; 7/13/12

1/2 mi standing start ; 1 lap ; 55.59 ; 32.38mph ; Steve Brewer ; 6/10/11

1/2 mi flying start ; 1 lap ; 54.52 ; 33.01mph ; Steve Brewer ; 6/29/12

1 mile standing start ; 2 laps ; 1.55.00 ; 31.25mph ; Steve Brewer ; 6/29/12

We are the kings of the short/power events!

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Story by Oscar Swann
Friday Night Track Night. July 13, 2012

A beautiful night for racing. Calm, cool, and fast. Steve Brewer found a gear he really liked, and broke a long-standing record for the 200 meter standing start. Ted King-Smith unwittingly set a record for 2 miles, no previous record having been established.

200 meter standing start record attempt. Steve Brewer 17.05 (new record)
Former record: 200m ; 17.61 ; Michael Leek ; 6/3/05

Here are the results:

Chariot Race
1st - Steve Brewer
2nd - Henry Dimmick

4-lap Time Trial
3rd @4.42 - Steve Brewer
4th @4.51 - Henry Dimmick
7th @5.18 - Kirk Morrison

Danish Sprint
1st - Steve Brewer
2nd - Henry Dimmick

Rabbit
1st - Steve Brewer

Sprint Finals
1st - Steve Brewer
2nd - Henry Dimmick

2-Man Handicap 4-Lap TT
1st - @4.48 - Steve Brewer, Dennis Cowan
2nd Tie @5.01 - Andrew Rose, Kirk Morrison
2nd Tie @5.01 - Henry Dimmick, Travis Rabbit

Overall Omnium Results
1st Place - Steve Brewer - 16 pts
2nd Place - Henry Dimmick - 7.5 pts
6th Place - Kirk Morrison - 1.5 pts

Afterwards, we hung out in the parking lot with Oscar well past everyone else's departure!

Tomlinson Run XC

Hannah Brewer,

Photo by Fred Jordan

Rich Allen,

Photo by Mike Briggs

...and Kirk Morrison all headed WEST (this time) to the on-going ABRA MTB Series.

THE COMPLETE STORY to be found on Kirk's New Blog:

Click: "It's Now or Never"

Good Job, ya'all  :)

PMVC Time Trial

Story by Oscar Swann

Results of 20 Mile Time Trial.

17 riders showed up despite the nnearly 100-degree heat. By the time Skip Rogers and Mark Bowman had completed their 2-man 15 mile record attempt (not surprisngly given the weather, they fell about 1 ½ minutes short), the track was covered in shade, but it was still wiltingly hot.

Thanks to Hanna Brewer for help with officiating.

2nd Place @45.13 - Stephen Marlette

6th Place @46.04 - Steven Brewer
(too many laps?)

12th Place @49.47 - Henry Dimmick (3rd 50+)

14th Place @51.01 - Ray Sielski (4th 50+)
Personal Record

Race to lil Moe's Place

Story by Kirk Morrison:

Hannah Brewer, Rich Allen and I headed down to Philippi, West Virginia to check out this WVMBA race and found that it was plenty challenging with lots of hills, rock gardens as well as some fast single/double track sections.

Unfortunately, this years WVMBA "Race to lil Moe's Place" never made it to lil Moe's Place (a local bar where awards are traditionally dispersed) since all the power for the entire area was knocked out by trees downed in Friday night's storm (!). However, high kudo's are due to the race organizers (headed by Thad Kelley) for working overtime to clear the trails of fallen trees and carry on with this race in spite of the adverse conditions (Note: almost a week later and many of these areas are still without power !!).

The conditions were hot (mid 90's) and muggy with plenty of sunshine. The day was filled with challenges as Richy and Hannah got lost on the course (as well as from each other) on their warm-up ride and ended up riding the entire 6 mile beginners loop (barely getting back in time for the race start). Richy's luck was the worst with a hard fall on the warm-up lap, a flat tire during the start sprint, another hard fall on the course, another flat, a bent rim, a back injury and two heel blisters from the hike back to the start area... bummer !

My day went a bit better with a good first lap. On the 2nd lap I had just passed a competitor to move into 2nd place (in my Masters Sport class) when I tumbled in a rock garden. I quickly recovered from this and was back on the chase when I took a more notable fall resulting in a cracked helmet, torn jersey and the need for a number of bike adjustments before continuing. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to catch back on and ended up in 4th place (45 seconds behind my 2nd place fellow !). Oh well.

While Richy and I were busy with our most excellent “3 Stooges” impersonations, Hannah was laying down a great ride to take 1st place in the Womens Sport class! 

This was especially impressive in light of yesterdays race at Yellow Creek (with a 2nd place finish !), an "extended" warm-up ride and showing up at the start line just as the race began. Nice work Hannah !

After the race, we joined the other racers for a refreshing swim in the Cheat River.

Results:
Hannah - 1st place, Sport Women

Kirk - 4th place, Sport Masters

Rich - DNF, Sport Grand Masters

Results link:
http://www.iplayoutside.com/Events/?eid=2012/07/13904r.html

PMVC Individual Time Trials

Rotating through (5 different distances) throughout the summer, the PMVC Friday Night TT landed on 10 miles this particular night. 
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Here is the (short) story by Oscar Swann:

Here are the results for the June 6, 2012 10m TT. A nice night, not too hot, a slight breeze. Andy Seitz majorly outdistanced people, but didn't come close to the record: 10 miles ; 20 laps ; 20.46 ; 28.9mph ; Joe Vallese ; 7/3/09. Thanks to Stephanie Swan for registration and timing. 

5th Place @22.13 - Steve Marlette

11th Place @23.46 - Mark Biercheck

17th Place @24.41 - Dan Schar

18th Place @25.14 - Ray Sielski (6th 50+)

Hilly Billy Roubaix

Kirk Morrison continues to prove he is either tougher than the rest of us, or more stupider(?)  Which one do YOU think it is?!?!!!

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The story of the day, by Kirk Morrison

I headed down to Morgantown for my 2nd ABRA Hilly Billy Roubaix. I raced in the inaugural HBR 2 years ago and was happy to simply survive and finish. This race has definitely grown to a hallmark dirt/gravel/Cx endurance event (attracting racers from all over the country) and is now a part of the American Ultracross Championship Series (http://www.ultracx.com/). As an indicator, my race category (Mens 40+) has grown from 13 racers (2 years ago) to 82 this year !

Photo by Fred Jordan

The race day conditions were good with sunny skies, a light breeze and temperatures peaking in the mid-80’s. Thankfully, the course was much drier than during my previous race so most of the monster puddle sections were much improved (resulting in 3 course records !). However, we still had a number of muddy, wet sections as well as an 8-12” deep, creek crossing.

The Hilly Billy race is appropriately named since it included (at least) 9 - Cat4 climbs (according to my Strava file) with almost 7400’ of climbing over the 73 mile course. The climbing and the gravel/dirt take their toll as it seemed that every 2-3 minutes I was passing a rider stopped by a flat, mechanical problem or overwhelming fatigue. As a reference, of the 243 starters, there were 51 DNF’s (for a 21% DNF rate). Even worse, from the Mens 40+ category, of the 82 starters there were 24 DNF’s (for a 29% DNF rate !). This is not an easy race ….

Photo by Fred Jordan

Bike choices covered the entire range including skinny tire road bikes, Cx, mountain and even one snowbike with 4” balloon tires. This year I switched (from my rim brake Cx bike) to a more comfortable Frankenbike gravel grinder assembled (as per Sam’s advice) from a Cannondale F29’r frame (with disc brakes), a rigid Lynskey fork, Stan’s Alpha 340 cyclocross wheels and Hutchinson tubeless Bulldog tires (700x35mm). The Stan’s system worked great and provided a flat-free race ! The disc brakes and wide handlebars were perfect for tackling the long, sometimes steep gravel climbs and descents. The disc’s were a big improvement over the rim brakes since they allowed me to descend faster and with the confidence that I would actually be able to stop (if needed).

Photo by Fred Jordan

The only mechanical issue was experienced at about mile 40. As I was approaching aid station #2 when I noticed that my front brake was rubbing. As I started to loosen the caliper bolts to adjust its position, I found that both mounting bolts were completely loose (and almost falling out !). I’m guessing that this was from the continuous vibration of the gravel roads. Unfortunately, after several adjustment attempts I was still not able to remove the brake pad drag (I suspect that one of the caliper brake cylinders has seized-up) so I ended up finishing the race with a bit of brake drag.

While I was on pace for a 5:30 – 5:45 finish through the first 4 hours, I started feeling the effects of the long day and jarring roads (as well as the nagging sound of the front brake dragging) after this and suffered through the final 2 hours for a 6:13 finish. This was good enough to land me in 48th place (out of the 82 racers in my group) with a 20 minute improvement over my time from 2 years ago.

Photo by Brian Parker

http://www.abraracing.com/Results/2012HBRresults.pdf

The course support was outstanding with 3 fully stocked aid stations as well as an unofficial aid station at mile 23 (including a live stringband duo and beer handups …. Yes, in the spirit of Cx I accepted). Also a big thanks to Dan Schar (course marshal) for the offer of water and shouted encouragement.

Photo by Dan Schar

Post race festivities included a truckload of pizza as well as 3 kegs of beer (courtesy of Morgantown Brewing). Outstanding !

Photo by Pathfinder

This was an excellent event with plenty of course marshals and clear course markings. Another great race hosted by JR and Gina !

Highly recommended (as long as you don’t mind a bit of suffering).  To see some suffering, watch the video HERE:
http://bigbikesmedia.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249501-Hilly-Billy-Roubaix/video/644850-Hilly-Billy-Roubaix-2012

Two by Twelve

Hannah Brewer, Steve Brewer, Ray Sielski, Kirk Morrison and Mike Maher headed to Bruceton Mills, WV for the Big Bear 2x12 Mountain Relay.
 ------------------------------------------------

Kirk Wrote:
WV moonshine on the podium …… tasted great!

This was another fun year at the WVMBA Big Bear Lake 2x12 duo race.  The weather was perfect with sunny skies, temps in the low 80’s and a nice breeze.  The trails were dry, fast and much more technical than we seemed to recall from last year (sorry Ray ……. future note: never listen to course advice from us)!!!

The top honors of the day went to the Brewers who took 1st Place in the Coed Sport division in spite of Steve getting lost on the first lap (high kudo’s to Hannah for saving the day with some “hot laps”).

Mike and his (fast) friend Mark Milliken stayed hard on the gas to move up from 5th place (mid race) to finish on the podium with 3rd place in the Veterans Sport Class. The amazing thing is that both were on SS rigs (competing against geared teams !)

As for us, after Ray barely survived his first lap aboard Steve’s SS/rigid fork Cannondale (repeat …. never listen to us), he and I were able to pull out a 3rd place finish in the Masters Sport class.

After race recovery activities included a nice selection of craft brewed beer while we enjoyed the highly competitive kids race.

If you only do one mountain bike a year, this should probably be the one.

Results link: http://www.iplayoutside.com/Events/?eid=2012/06/13891r.html

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While Ray Wrote:

http://skirslog.blogspot.com/2012/07/2-x-12-mtb-relay-big-bear.html

PMVC Track Night

NO BRAKES....
...is the only rule in Track Racing!
Kinda!

Thanks to Oscar Swan and PMVC, another Fixed-Gear Friday Night at the Track season has begun.

After selecting Steve Brewer as the evenings go-to-guy for the sprint,

 Henry Dimmick went to work as lead-out/domestique,

while Hannah Brewer worked as SuperFan, capturing it all on "film".
 
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Story by Oscar:
Results from Friday Night Track, July 15, 2012.
Friday Night Track Night is the best-kept bike-event secret in town. The quality of racing is really good and evenly matched, and the chance for anaerobic training is unmatched. Ask Henry Dimmick, once he catches his breath. Thanks to Jacob Yundt for beer. Here are the results:

2-lap TT
5th @2.17 - Steve Brewer
6th @2.18 - Henry Dimmick

Danish Sprint
1st - Steve Brewer
6th - Henry Dimmick

Sprints
(2 heats + repechage + finals)
1st - Steve Brewer
5th - Henry Dimmick

Points Race to Infinity
3rd - Steve Brewer
6th - Henry Dimmick

8-Lap Handicap
1st - Steve Brewer
5th - Henry Dimmick

Omnium Winners:
2nd Place - Steve Brewer
7th Place - Henry Dimmick

Aliquippa Criterium

Story by Mark Briercheck

Aliquippa Criterium - June 10th, 2012

The Killa' B's!

On a sunny and warm Sunday morning in June, the 3 B's (Brewer/Brewer/Briercheck) met up at the annual Aliquippa Criterium to be a part of a frentic race.

Complete Results: http://www.usacycling.org/results/?permit=2012-1773

Cat 1/2/3
With perfect temperatures and sunny skies - the 1/2/3 race kicked off at 8:30 am. Steve and I evaluated the situation and made plans for bringing home the win. As we rolled to the line Steve noted a number of heavy hitters in the field so we discussed who to watch and who should do the work. And without surprise - the race turned very fast very soon so we sat in and rode smart.

Photo by Fred Jordan

The field had a few breakaways but despite the attempts the field always swallowed them back up.

Photo by Hannah Brewer

The biggest event of the race was a truck spilling diesel fuel in turn 3 as we came around. But corner marshals jumped on the situation like a honey badger on a snake (ewww!) and they had the corner clean and safe in no time.

 Coming into the final sprint Steve and I both tried to get a solid position and hold in for the sprint but lots of traffic and tired legs took their toll and we finished mid-pack. Overall a fast and fun race!

NOTE: (Steve's Garmin reported that the 25 mile crit averaged 24.4 mph... with the final lap averaging 30.2 mph!)

13th Place - Steven Brewer
15th Place - Mark Briercheck



Cat 3/4 Race
23rd Place - Steven Brewer



Photo by Fred Jordan



Womens Cat 4

6th Place - Hannah Brewer 

Good Job Everyone!

PMVC TT

A new Friday Night at the Track Season has begun!

The Pittsburgh Masters Velo Club (PMVC) Friday Night at the track is an alternating schedule of Individual Time Trials and Fixed Gear Track Bike nights.  The opening event was the 5 mile TT.

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Results by Oscar Swan:

June 8. 5 Mile Time Trial. Summer Kicker-Offer. Good fast weather, and 8 people under 11 minutes, but no one came close to the men’s record of 10.16. Stephanie Swan tied Sinead Miller’s record of 11.36.

3rd Place - @10.42 Steve Brewer (Personal Record)

5th Place - @10.48 Stephen Marlette

8th Place - @10.58 Steve Brewer (2nd attempt)

21st Place - @11.52 Mark Briercheck

27th Place - @12.21 Kirk Morrison

28th Place - @12.26 Raymond Sielski (Personal Record)

30th Place - @13.09 Hannah Brewer (2nd woman)

WVMBA #4

Story by Kirk Morrison

I drove down to the Race Around the Bend at North Bend State Park near Harrisville, WV. This was mountain bike event #5 in the WVMBA 15 race series.

While the drive was long (200 miles, 3.5 hours each way), the weather was great with temps around 70F, sunny skies and a nice breeze.

This was my first time to North Bend SP. It was a real treat to find such well designed Mtb trails … fast but challenging.  I was a bit concerned that the course would have lots of mud since we had 2 days of rain at the end of the preceding week. I was pleased to find that the trails were in great shape (fast, wet & tacky) with only a few muddy spots.

The course started with a loop through a freshly mowed hayfield before we entered the tight single track. The course was fairly fast with a number of steep, lengthy climbs and a few rock gardens. The most interesting part of the ride was at the beginning of a rock garden section where the course traveled between two boulders with a third cube-shaped boulder (that had fallen from the adjacent cliff) wedged overhead to create a short tunnel. Very cool. Too bad I didn’t have more time to stop and admire it !

The organization for this race was outstanding with over 20 course marshals (wearing bright green shirts) out on the course to help keep us all on track.

Results were available (immediately after finishing) on the flat screen monitor near the finish line.

I entered the Masters 45+ Sport race and ended up finishing in 6th place. After checking my result, I headed over to down a wonderful plate of spaghetti before heading for home.

Excellent organization, friendly volunteers, highly recommended !

Results link:
http://www.iplayoutside.com/Events/?eid=2012/06/13903r.html

While there were a few photographers on the course, no pics have been posted yet. I’ll forward pics later if I find them.

Ft. Cherry Classic Road Race

Story by Mark Briercheck

The Ft. Cherry Classic in McDonald, PA is a rolling loop with one climb that always inflicts a wonderful amount of pain on the legs. And in typical fashion, this year’s race did not disappoint.

From countless attacks, surges, headwinds, and leg cramps – the Masters 40+ field continued to drop riders all day.

Dave Shaffer (on course marshal duty) offered super fan support by cheering me on every lap! A huge amount of encouragement from teammates always helps the pain!

Photo by Fred Jordan

Eventually a break of 4 guys escaped with 1.5 laps to go and a main field of 15 or so to chase. I held in with the main group and probably put in too many efforts to chase breaks. By the final two miles my legs ran empty and I had no gas for the sprint therefore finishing out the day in 11th Place.

Thanks to J.R. Petsko for organizing another great race as well as a big thanks to Dave Shaffer for marshaling the course all day!