12 Hours of Port Jervis. As per the race director- a day to remember.

 

12 Hours of Port Jervis

May 14, 2022

Jessica 1^st place solo women

Joël 4^th place solo single speed

StarCrawf Promotions (Dejay Birtch)

With support from Outdoor Club of Port Jervis and Action Bikes

Port Jervis, NY

As per the race director "We believe in putting on bike "races" that will provide you with a memorable experience. Come race or ride with us for a day to remember".  Well, this event certainly fit that description.  This certainly was an event that will forever be remembered; in both smile inducing and suffering ways.  As you read on prepared for a story filled with challenge and commitment, fun, and also quite a bit of pain and suffering. But why would it be easy, if it was everyone would be doing it. As you read on you may think "why" and you may think "this sounds terrible". But it really was a great event, just a tough ride.

Not often that I finish a race and am truly glad it is over. Not often that when Joël and I talk about “what was your favorite part of the race” and “what part was the most fun” do I really need to think hard to find an answer; the same goes for Joël.

 

12 Hours of Port Jervis was an awesome race, and I would recommend it to those that are in for a challenge. In the mind of the Nankmans it is one that certainly will always be remembered and talked about.  The location at Elk Bronx Park was top notch with amazing campsites for the weekend including a special area for solo riders directly on the course. The race organization left nothing out; easy registration, race swag, electronic timing, timely and well attended podium ceremony with impressive prizes, happy and cheerful volunteers, music and festivities during the race, and beer for racers. The course was a true mountain bikers dream; techy and challenging as most of the trails of the Port Jervis watershed are, making riders earn every mile on the course. But the course is also what made this race a well earned sufferfest; especially for solos.

 

Weather for race weekend could not have been better. Temperatures in the mid 70s made for a nice day of riding and it was never too chilly in the morning or evening to require clothing adjustments.  A rain storm mid afternoon did make for some sketchy riding on the wet rocks and roots but it was a nice way to cool down and a good excuse to walk every now and then to avoid crashing.

 

A hearty group of almost 50 solo riders registered for the race. Word spread quickly through the solo ranks after some people pre-rode on Friday that this race was going to be a tough one. The course was relentless, an almost never ending challenge of rocky, rooty, twisty single track. No significant climbs on the course, but still some good elevation gain in all the punchy climbs and the gradual ups and downs.  Each lap measured in at just over seven miles and around 1100 feet of climbing.  Most of the top solo riders were averaging 45-50 minutes a lap in the beginning, and over an hour by the end. Oh ya, the start is a Lemans, riders must run to their bikes.

It was evident by the half-way mark, if not even sooner, this was going to be a true test of mental and physical fortitude just to keep pedaling.  Legs were never the limiting factor, which many other solo riders agreed with, it was other parts of the body that were crying out from the constant concussing.  Hands, feet, backs, and butts hurt. As one solo rider put it “I am going to need my hands transplanted after this race”. Another solo rider said “I feel I am pretty good at suffering and always find something to enjoy about a race even when things are tough but this one is a challenge to enjoy”. But all in all it is a really good course and has the potential to be super fun; just not when riding for 12 hours straight. Joël and I both agreed our bodies felt more beat-up after 12 hours on this course than after many 24 hour races with much more more mellow courses. Thanks DJ for making us all work hard and seeing how much we are really willing to suffer.

 

But did the Nankmans have a good time? Of course. Sure, our bodies may have suffered and our minds tired from being on high alert the entire time. But it was great to catch-up with and ride with friends.  Post race was a party atmosphere; a good way to celebrate with others what we all accomplished and earned.  Overall the event had everything a rider could expect and want; riders just need to be ready to ride.

 

On a side note, the town of Port Jervis is well worth hanging out in pre/post event or even just in general to go there to ride the watershed trails and visit the area. A historic town with so much to offer in food and beverages.  Get something to eat and beer at the Fox N Hare.  Grab a bagel sandwich from Dr. Bagel.  Shop for outdoor gear at Action Bikes. Also worth visiting is the town of Milford, a few miles south.  Another town rich in history, food, and shopping. The historical society there has the flag Abraham Lincoln’s head was laid upon after being assassinated. And yes, it has been certified to be the real thing. 

 

Now, to circle back to the introductory paragraph.  What did Joël answer as the most fun?  He said he was enjoying watching the bright orange newts scamper across the trail; until watching once caused him to hit a tombstone rock and crash. He then muttered mother f’ing newts.  I most enjoyed looking at the beautiful little flowers along the trail until it hurt to much to move my neck and back to look around, then I gave up trying to see them. So yes there was fun, but to be honest the most fun was the final time through the timing tent and then immediately getting to drink a beer.

 

And to answer the question most people asked afterwards…will we race it again. With a “we must be crazy and gluttons for punishment” look on our faces, yes, the Nankmans will go back again to race this in the future.

- words by Jessica

- photos by race promoter StarCrawf Promotions and photographer Mow Captures #mowcaptures

- photos by Joël