Event: Curse of the Dark Hollow 30 mile marathon race
Place: Michaux State Forest, near Shippensburg, PA
These are great races, what more can we stay about the Michaux Races. This was the second race in the yearly Vovlo Michaux Endurance Series. Each race offers a 10, 20, and 30 mile option. As you can guess, we always race the 30 mile race. There is also an enduro category within the 20 and 30 mile race; which is a separate event to enter.
Michaux State Forest is known for it's rocks, and the race course is full of them. Even the best racers (and I am writing this based on Joël's analysis of the course) still had to walk at a few places. There is a good mix of single track with just enough double track and gravel roads for passing. Climbing at just over 1000 feet per 10 miles, there were some decent climbs within the race but nothing too terrible. The course was well marked, aid stations sufficient, and the rhododendron were blooming which made for a beautiful scenery.
Both Joël and I were looking forward to a day of racing. We felt good, finally recovered from the 24 hour race. We love rocky and technical courses; and those are what we ride well. Many other fast people showed up, so we had our work cut out for us. We both rode well; I know I pushed my limits multiple times. And we both had fun out there, enjoying the course and enjoying the ride. Joël was 6th in the open men and I was 1st open female.Post race food for racers included burgers or sandwiches and fries. Overall winners received cash and prizes; enduro winners and the 10 and 20 mile winners received prizes. The race director is enthusiastic and the atmosphere at all of the Michaux races is one of fun and friends. What great races!
-Jess and Joël