Nankmans take Mens and Womens Open Championships
Saucon Valley Bikes Open Team Second Overall
Words by Jess
August 31, 2013
The 2013 MASS (Mid Atlantic Super Series) endurance series came to and end with the last race at Rattling Creek in August. It was a fun, tough, rewarding season for Joël and I. We raced nine out of the 10 endurance races on the MASS schedule. Only the seven best races count towards championship points, so consider us overachievers. We raced through cold and snow, wheel-sucking mud, heat and humidity, and ate more Cliff Shot Blocks that may seem physically possible. Friendships were made and friendly competition ensued throughout the year.
So how did we do? In the end, both of us ended up the MASS Open Endurance Mens and Womens Champions. The two of us are the only team members making up the Saucon Valley Bikes Open team, which was second overall team. (On a side note, the Saucon Valley Bikes Grassroots team was first overall). A great ending for the season for both us and the team combined.
So here is the MASS season summarized:
Tuscarora 4 hour- March 24- cold and wet! 26 degrees on race morning. Joel 5th (racing single speed) and Jess 6th
Greenbriar 4 hour- deceptively large amount of climbing. Joel 7th, Jess 3rd
Ironhill 4 hour- twists, turns, and big dips. Joël 6th, Jess 6th
French Creek 4 hour- lots and lots of babyheads and chattery rocks. Joel 4th, Jess 2nd
Bearscat 50- rocks, boulders, and roots that never ended. The longest 50 miles ever for both of us. Joel 7th and Jess 6th
Andrew Meins Excellent Adventure 12 hour- rain for days before made for hub-deep mud most of the course, it was a long, slippery day in the saddle. Joel 4th, Jess 1st (overall women winner)
Stoopid 50- Tussey Ridge, Jess's favorite trail system, a beautiful and fun course. Nothing like bombing down Old Laurel Trail after riding almost 50 miles. Joel 15th, Jess 5th
Fair Hill 50- twisty and rooty with non-stop pedaling. Joel 5th, Jess 4th
Rattling Creek 50- rocky, fun course, almost entire race on singletrack. Joel 10th, Jess 4th
What a great MASS season for both Joel and I and team Saucon Valley Bikes/Weyerbacher. A big thanks to our main sponsors; Steve at SVB for all the support and Weyerbacher for all the beer. Also a thank you to all of the other sponsors who have helped us throughout the year; Nick's Disposal, Frank Armetta at State Farm, SRAM, and Schwalbe.
An additional shout-out to the MASS for putting on this series. Thanks to the MASS organizers, Mid Atlantic Timing, Victory Brewery, and Toasted Head for supporting the MASS series awards.
The MASS season my be over but it's not time to relax...Pisgah Stage race is coming up soon. It's a nice feeling to be going into Pisgah with a successful endurance season completed.
Team SVB endurance racers with series awards
Jess with Topher (who is filling in for Nicole at the awards presentation)
Our racing buddy Jesse Kelly accepting his award