MNSCS #6 Muddy River Rock & Roll

Matts Race

Deja Vu!

I lined up to the start for what I knew was going to be a very long race. Based on my lap time from the pre-ride the day before, I figured I would be on the course for near 3 hours. With that thought in mind, my game plan would be to conserve my energy and try to maintain consistent lap times over the duration of the race.

At the line I was in the second row in a fairly small group of expert riders due to the 24 hours of 9 mile and various midsummer vacations. By my standards I had a fairly good start maintaining a reasonable pace around the open field. Fortunately, I was able to pass by a few riders on the left as it ducked into the first section of single track. I settled into a good pace through the first tight section, but was passed by a couple of riders when it opened up into the double track again. In general I was riding fairly fast, but I was expending a great deal of energy maintaining the pace set on the first part of lap 1. I got hung up on "stairway" and was forced to walk the bike up the last half, losing valuable time. To make up some ground, I pushed it hard down through the quarry and unfortunately hit a sharp rock very hard that put a hole large enough that the stans was unable to seal it. I was forced to wait while the entire field Comp and Expert made it down through the quarry before heading back up. It took about 15 to 20 minutes to walk back to the pit and that entire time I was having a battle with myself on whether I should continue with the race or throw in the proverbial towel. I asked Andrea what I should do and she pointed out that I have never quit a race. I grabbed the wheel off my hard tail (probably not legal by the rules) and headed out to resume my first lap. It took me nearly 5 minutes to ride back to the downhill leading into the quarry. I probably would have been better off to walk the remainder of lap instead of backtracking. Oh well, you learn from your mistakes right?

By the end of the first lap I felt like the race should have been over. My legs were tired, I was already starting to feel dehydrated, and I couldn't get my HR up to where I would like. I think the 2+ hour pre ride late the day before had something to do it. I missed my water bottle hand-off from Andrea on the start of lap 2 and had about a half bottle to finish the lap. I knew the leaders were close behind so I tried to ride as smooth and fast as possible to stay out in front for as long as possible. I was making good time through the single track, but the double track rises were really starting to fatigue the legs. As I came in to start my third lap I pulled over to grab a new bottle of water from Andrea and drank a bunch of here Acceleraid.

Jesrin and Jay caught me near the end of my third lap (their fourth). Jesrin was pushing hard on the double track and I didn't even attempt to hold his wheel. A little while later Jay passed me and I was able to hang with him for a little while before he flew up the Stairway to Heaven and was gone.

The hardest part of the race was going out for one more lap when the leaders had already finished. The goal at this point was to just finish the race and I did so in a little over 3:30 over 1 hour behind the leader obviously in last place.

Race Results

Andreas Race

Jordans Race

After being away at camp for the past week and not riding her bike since the last race, Jordan turned in another great performance.

She got a great jump off the line and maintained a good pace around the double track lead out section. She did a great job in the "washing machine" which is a series of side hill turns on opposite sides of a half pipe shaped ravine. Her race had a fair amount of double track ski trail which is not one of her strengths, but she says she loves it.

After her first lap she was in third position (for the women) just slightly ahead of Sophia Marchiando and Micole Hendricks closing the gap. She looked fairly fresh and she had a determined look on her face, but I could see a slight smile when I cheered her on.

She rode the "washing machine" clean on lap two and motored up the exiting climb. I would not see her again until near the end of her second and final lap. She must have rode the second lap fairly clean because her lap time was nearly the same as the first lap and she came through the line in third place with a time of 1:04:38 only 1:42 ahead of Micole.

Race Results

Feeling Rejuvinated

In general I have been feeling a little burnt out and have lost some ambition to go out and ride. I typically try to get in 5 -6 rides in per week, but for at least the last month I have been lucky to get in 4.

The mid season break and our trip to Kansas City, however, has refreshed my enthusiasm to train and race. In addition, upcoming solo races at the 12 hours of Kato and the 24 Hours of Afton have given me something different to train for.

I felt like my endurance has suffered somewhat due to all the racing and lack of the longer rides on Sundays so I managed to go out for a longer ride on Sunday. Ride Details. It was fairly windy, so I ended up pushing a little harder than I should have back home into the headwind. Towards the end of the ride my left knee was very sore, which typically happens early in the season as I build training volume. The legs were pretty sore on Monday and I had plans to put the bike on the trainer and spin for 30-60 min in the evening, but I got caught up in yard work instead.

Tuesday afternoon I went out in the heat and high humidity to perform some jumps, something I haven't done for quite a while. I am not sure why I don't do these more as they are a good workout to build explosive power and leg speed. Although it didn't feel too hot during the first part of the ride, I really started to feel the humidity by the end.

The remainder of the week looks like this. A moderate endurance ride on Wednesday. Thursday, I think I will throw in a set of anaerobic intervals then finish at threshold pace. Friday I might go out for a easy spin or take the day off. Saturday the entire family will be down at Redwing to pre ride. Sunday, will finish the week with what I am sure will be another hot race.

My goal is to continue training and finish the season strong. I am especially looking forward to the endurance races at Mt. Kato and Afton, this year I will be much more serious.

MNSCS #5 Bluff Riders Charge

Matt's Race

This Sunday's race is the reason why I keep coming back. The course this year at Mt. Kato was nearly perfect and is one of my favorite race courses. Two sections that I particularly loved were "Quick Release" and "Ridge Run", which provided a good challenge for the expert riders.

This time I lined up at the front of the line to the right hand side. At the "gun" I got a mediocre jump and found myself being squeezed into the back third of the pack. Even though there is a lot of room on the climb, you need to be careful not to fall into some of the large holes on the sides. I picked a line and settled into a decent rhythm on the climb. After the switchbacks it flattens out and I dropped a couple of gears and passed a few riders. Around frog pond loop I held a good pace and recovered slightly before making the hard left turn taking me back across the front face. The pace was high the first lap and I started to think about conserving some energy for the remainder of the race. I knew the heat was going to be an issue so I made a conscious effort to drink as much water as possible.

On lap 2 I pushed hard on the climbs, and rode the single track sections strong, but for some reason I had all kinds of trouble in the "Maze". Part of the problem was the fact that I was trying to drink water and ride the section at the same time which didn't work well. Up "Staircase" I failed to clean the short rocky climb for the second time and walked up the gravel section after it.

As I entered the climb at the beginning of lap 4 Ray Nickols was right behind me and I new it was just a matter of time until he made the pass. As I moved over to the left side of the trail, to pick up my next bottle from Jordan, Ray was only a few meters behind me. About two thirds up the climb Ray made his pass and I kicked it a little to hold his wheel. I rode Ray's wheel for nearly half the lap, but then I backed it down because I knew I had one additional lap to finish.

I felt pretty good on my last lap, but I could tell the legs were getting a little tired; I just didn't have the snap on the climbs. I new there was an expert rider not too far in front of me, but any time I would gain a little ground he would push hard and regain the gap. I pushed hard on the flat sections and tried to ride the single track as clean as possible.

I was pleased with my results, finishing 19th out of 28 and a little over 22 minutes back from the leader. I did a much better job keeping hydrated, but I still need to take in more energy during the race. I still feel that I can ride the flat sections faster; it might hurt a little more, but it will lower my lap times.

Andrea's Race

I did it!! I finally pushed through and got a good start. It is key!! As the 5 second countdown was counting off, I was ready and I gunned it at the 1. Just starting up the hill I merged into 3rd place and there I stayed. I pushed hard all the way up the hill and around frog pond, I continued to push making sure I held onto my position. To my surprise I had the endurance and I had the skills to keep the pace just behind the 2 leaders and ahead of 1 other lady who was pushing hard to keep up with me. Periodically I looked back and knew there was only one lady close behind and the rest of the ladies were back far enough not to worry about. I remained in the 3rd position until right before the end of the 2nd lap, then the lady who had been behind passed me and kept right on going. I continued to push hard through the last lap and I finished 4 th overall out of 11 and 3rd out of 4 in my age group. I finished 2 minutes back from the lady in front of me and 6 minutes back from the overall leader. I was very pleased overall with how I did and my results. It was extremely hot and the course was technical. Now there is a bit of a break and then we are off to Red Wing.

Jordan's Race

This weekends race would be an important one for Jordan after her poor race last weekend. I was unsure how she would handle this race mentally. Would she loose her confidence or drive?

I shouldn't have been worried, because she road this race as if she had something to prove. At the start her and Michole picked perfect positions at the center of the group and were lined up with the single track climb.

At the gun Beth (LCR), Michole, and Jordan got a good initial jump.

Jordan had a perfect line and sprinted hard out of the saddle towards the base of the climb. I shouted for her the shift down and get into a rhythm and spin up the climb while seated. Jordan would have nothing of that, however, and proceeded to climb the entire front face standing. She entered "Frog Pond Loop" in third place and exited in second.

Even though she was a bit tired from the first climb, she was keeping a strong pace through the single track and negotiating the turns cleanly. The course cuts back on itself often which was nice because I could continue to follow and get good pictures. One time when she passed, she yelled out "Where's Beth"? That's Jordan, not caring about who is behind her, but wanting to know how far ahead the leader was.

I was able to catch up to her again in the "Maze" which she said was her favorite part of the course. She was moving fast and flowing well through the sweeping turns.

Towards the end of the race she started to fade a little and Michole gained a fair amount of time finishing only 2:24 back. Jordan finished 1st in her age group and 2nd overall for the women and 38/50 overall with a time of 52:29.

Kid's Race

Preride

Stephanie offered to watch the other kids while, Andrea, myself, Ray, Connor, and Taylor went out to ride the course. Andrea was already part way up the starting climb when Taylor and I started and patiently waited for us at the top. Taylor had a difficult time on the climb and gave up about half way up. I was still frustrated from the kids antics in the car and breakfeast earlier and wasn't in the mood for Taylor giving up. I walked with her to the top of the hill and she got back on before Frog Pond. Even though she complained the entire time while on top, I though she was doing a very good job riding the single track. As we went down through the woods she handled the trail very well, but any time there was a root or drop-off she would instantly get off her bike.

We made it part way up Cedar Climb before Taylor broke down on the side of the trail and felt like she was going to get sick. I calmed myself down and her and we walked back out of Cedar Climb and down the ski hill to the Maze. She felt a little better now and was able to ride the remainder of the Maze and the service road back to the Chalet. I think we have made up our minds that Taylor will not be doing any more Kids Comp races this year and we will re-evaluate next year. Mountain biking just may not be Taylors "deal" and that is perfectly fine. I don't want to force it on her.

Matts Preride

This was supposed to be a fun race!

Matt's Race

I wasn't sure what my expectations were for the race, because I have been fighting a bad cold for nearly 2 weeks and haven't been able to get a good nights rest for a while. This coupled to the fact that the Supercaliber is getting sent in to fix/replace the frame leaving me to ride the trusty hard tail for the race.

Armed with a 5 minute warm-up and a meager lunch of some watermelon and a half of a sandwich wrap I headed to the line as they were calling up the series leaders. I waited near the back of the pack along with fellow Minnesotan Troy Melhus.


Surprisingly the start was less chaotic than I expected and because I was back in the pack the speed built up relatively slowly. The dust was absolutely horrible and it was increasing difficult to see what was going on in front. Luckily everyone made it through the first turn and down the road without crashing which is good because there would have been no way to stop in time in someone went down. I was near the back of the pack and was holding a decent pace as I made the right hand turn onto the lead out section. I slowed a little because I couldn't see anything and the dust was starting to hit the lungs. As a result, I was passed by a couple of riders. The pace was fast but manageable, however, the leaders were starting to pull away.

Leading into the rocky downhill leading over the bridge there was a good pile-up and someone though it would be a good idea to let the leading women expert riders go by which held us up even more. I can't complain though, because I managed to sneak by on the outside right behind Jenna. The first lap was fairly fast and I was holding my own in the single track, but it seemed to take for ever to complete. My thoughts now turned to conserve my energy for the next three laps. As I came through the start/finish line Jordan was too close to the fence and I didn't see her in time so I told her I would get my bottle on the next lap. I was surprised how slow some riders were going on the flat sections and I used that to my advantage to gain ground.

The second lap I was making good time as I was being pushed by a couple of riders from behind. During the first part of lap three I had a good crash as my left pedal hooked a root on a sweeping left had turn. The bike with me still attached landed on top of me about 15 feet down on the side of the trail. I had flipped over landing on my back so hard that I got the wind knocked out of me. I laid there for a minute trying to get my head back on and to ensure everything was still attached. I got up, quickly checked the bike, and started back on my way, although it took a little while before I was back up to speed. The remainder of lap three went well and I still felt like I could push fairly hard.

On the last lap I could tell that I was loosing energy and my legs started to lock up on the climbs. I slowed down the pace and took as much water as I could trying to ward off cramping in my quads. I was fine as long as I didn't stand and try to hammer up the hills. There was a couple riders in front of me, but I couldn't get the legs to catch them.

I was happy with the result and how hard I pushed myself. Some things that I need to work on are getting a better warm-up routine and eating a better lunch. Also, during the race I need to make sure I am getting more nutrition and taking plenty of fluids. I finish 49th out of 59 with a finishing time of 2:20:52 with the leaders coming in just under the 2 hour mark.

Race Results

Andrea's Race

As usual I had a bad start! I was in the 3rd line at the start after they had called up nearly every WORS woman there. Anyway before I knew it there was only 3 people behind me, so I kicked it into high gear and started passing people. We were all on the straight away on the lead out sectipn and the dust was horrible, I just wanted to keep passing people and try to get in the best position possible for the start of the singletrack.

To my advantage everyone was stopped on the rocky downhill section and instead of riding it I just ran down and hopped on and flew. By this time there were quite a few people behind me and I wasn't sure how many were in front of me. I found out soon enough that I hadn't passed as many people as I should have. I closely followed several people passing as soon as I could each time. Although some riders were not very willing to let me pass right away, so I was getting farther and farther behind the leaders. I pushed it into high gear on the double track sections passing as many people as I could and kept pushing hard through the singletrack to make up as much time as I could. I held tight to some of the ladies passing a few and making sure I stayed ahead of them. Towards the end of the 2nd lap one lady in my age group came out of no where passed me and was gone, I pushed hard all the way to the end and finished 30 seconds behind her, to my dismay this ended me in 6th place (medals go to 1st - 5th) out of 8 in my age group and 20 out of 42 overall.

It was a fun race and great time camping with friends!

Jordan's Race

Every now and then we all have a bad race and today's race was just that for Jordan. The WORS races are much different than those in the MNSCS. First off the number of participants are much greater at all levels. After call-ups for each age class, which is over half the field, the remaining riders fill in leaving her near the back of the pack.

At the start she had a good position and was charging hard into the first sweeping left hand turn and she held what looked like a good pace keeping up with the riders around her. I grabbed the camera and headed back into the woods to get some good action shots. The first time I saw her was on the only real climb of the race and she was easily spinning up the hill and handling the traffic well. Just behind that section the trail goes by the opposite direction leading into the last section of single track before the start/finish so I waited for her to come through. After waiting for a while her friend Michole passed riding really strong. I had expected her to be slightly ahead of Michole and began to worry a bit. About 3 minutes behind I saw her coming down the trail and I could tell by her body posture that she was having a tough race. She pulled over to the side of the train and explained that she had dropped her chain a couple of times and was having a difficult time getting by the citizen adults. I gave her some much needed encouragement and told her to use her middle ring and stay in the larger cogs in the rear. I also told her to not worry about it and have fun.

As I walked back passed the bridge section I stopped to watch Michole clean the section with ease and continue on her way. I waited for Jordan to come through and she had lost even more time and was nearly 5 minutes behind her at that point. Again, I told her to have fun and push hard to the finish, but I could tell that her drive to push hard was gone.

I was proud that she completed the race and she pushed hard to the finish. The true test will be how well she does at Mt. Kato next weekend.