Something new- Big Bear Ultra race and Laurel Highlands trail system

Big Bear Ultra Marathon Race
Big Bear Lake Trail system,  Bruceton Mills, WV
August 5, 2017
Jess 1st overall women, Joël 2nd single speed

Sometimes I wonder why we do these things.  The drive down consisted of one severe storm after another; bad enough to even result in a flooded interstate at one point.  Due to these conditions it was much later than expected when we pulled into our camping site at the race venue, thus sleep would be scarce the night prior to the race. Waking up race morning to the sound of rain on the van roof; ugg, another wet race.  And to top things off the temperature was in the 40s when we woke up. I had to layer in every article of clothing I had to keep warm while getting ready and huddled around the camp stove for extra warmth while making breakfast.  It was warm and sunny at home in the Lehigh Valley that morning...putting thoughts of "we should have stayed home" in my mind.  But those thoughts were fleeting, life is meant to be lived and experiences had, so here were Joël, Clifford, and I ready to undertake another adventure.

The Big Bear Ultra race and the Big Bear Lake trail system were all new to us. In fact, this was our first time even just racing in West Virginia. From what we had heard this trail system would be right up our alley; technical, lots of rocks, and pretty much all single track. And that's exactly what it was.

The course consisted of two approximately 20 mile loops. A prologue around the race venue started things off and allowed people to jockey for position. The course then went on part of the jump line that was featured at Dirt Fest which was super fun.  After that things turned technical.  Rocks, roots, mud...challenging and smile invoking.  Racers were warned about a particular feature called "The Crack Trail" which would be extremely slippery due to the rain. Well, the race director wasn't kidding. This trail consisted of a wooden bridge about handlebar width within the the "crack" of a large rock.  I sort of did a pin-ball maneuver off of the rocks while sliding my way through. The second lap I opted for the go around for this!  After this there was a little bit of everything. Lots more rocks.  Some flowy trail through pines.  A few bits on a gravel road.  A sketchy washed-out loose downhill.  Hub deep mud puddles.  This course kept one guessing the entire time about what was next and challenged every skill a rider has. But wow was it fun!


After a battle during the first few miles of the race I moved into first place women and kept that placing until the finish. Late in the race Joël was making his move into first place for the single speeders when a flat stopped him, he ended up second. Prizes consisted of cash and these really cool locally hand-crafted mugs.

But the best part of this whole event- the post race festivities. The food was amazing! It was never ending. Burgers, pasta, salads, fruit... and cupcakes and sweets made by a pastry chef.  Add to that beer and one was in post-race food heaven.  The company was great also; all racers hung around and chatted afterwards and no-one felt excluded.

This is one event Joël and I will definitely recommend to others.  Free camping at the race site, an awesome and challenging course, good prizes, and amazing post-race food with a chill race vibe all made it worth the journey.

-Jess

Laurel Highlands Trail System
Near Ohiopyle; south western PA
August 6, 2017

A post race stop for ice cream at a small rural store after the race in West Virginia and we were on our way to the Laurel Highlands trail system for a ride the next day.  Being that most of this trail system is in state forest, we found a good parking spot for the night and retreated to the back of the van for a good night's sleep.  A dark parking area within the forest, the cool mountain breeze, and listening to nothing more than the forest creatures brings about some good resting conditions.

We planned a relaxing, playful ride the next day that centered more around Clifford and picture taking than necessarily training; the perfect ride the day after a tough race.  We took time to session the trail features and play on the big rocks, enjoyed the views at overlooks, and took in the beauty nature has to offer. The trails ranged from double track gravel trails to technical rocky trails with numerous boulders and rock gardens.

The trail system is incorporated into various state forests and state parks, which means a variety of trails and natural features that are highlighted with kiosks and informational signs.  We visited a rock cropping overlook, rode a trail that skirted a small mountain stream, and the best part was the visit to the bog. The bog was filled with carnivorous plants, unique natural features, and beautiful flowers.

After lunch in the state park it was time to head home which meant back to work the next day. Oh well, we had fun for the weekend and would be dreaming about the next weekend adventure.


- Jess