Fair Hill Classic MASS Finals, Elkton, MD

Single Track Sunday
Event: Fair Hill Classic, MASS Finals (Endurance and XC)
Place: Elkton, MD
Ridden: August 2014

Click on video to play

The Fair Hill Classic in Elkton, MD was the last race of 2014 for the Mid Atlantic Super Series (MASS). The race and festival included Endurance and XC races, games and activities for kids, food and vendors, and all teams involved with the series were there with their team tents hanging around enjoying the day.

Joël and I raced Endurance. Coming into the race both of us had solid overall standings in the series; the outcome of this race would not make a difference. That made for a nice feeling; we still both wanted to race hard and do the best we could but we also knew that if something happened out there that made for a disastrous race it would not affect our overall results.

The 5,600 acre Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area is situated just west of Newark, DE.  It was once DuPont family land, now it is owned by the state of MD. There is approximately 80 miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.    

Jess first overall in the series

Joël second overall in the series

The course at Fair Hill is something different for Joël and I.  It's not what we are used to riding, and that being said it is also not a race course we do well at.  The trails there are twisty and turney with lots of short, steep, punchy climbs. There are barely any rocks; besides some bumpy roots here and there the trails are overall smooth.  Not many technical down hills; most downhills are short and smooth. The trails are overall well maintained and well marked. So overall nice riding, just not our riding style.

                       

The endurance competitors were numerous for this race.  52 open men and 19 open women. Joël finished 15th and I was 7th.  Not our best placings for the year but we both enjoyed the day and had fun riding our bikes.

As for the overall series, we both finished on the podium.  I was 1st in the open endurance women and Joël was 2nd in open endurance men. It was tough season, in the time frame spanning from March through August we did 8 MASS endurance races covering about 310 miles of racing (and that  is in addition to all the other races we have done).

Thanks to all our friends, family, and coworkers for putting up with our crazy racing and training schedules. Thanks to Giant Northeast, Giant and LIV bikes, Saucon Valley Bikes, and ProGold for all the bike support.  And a special thanks to Clifford for accompanying us during our training rides and to races.

Thank Cliff! Trail dog extrodinaire

- written by Jess

- video by Joël