Single Track Sunday- Rothrock Trailmix & Stoopid 50
Single Track Sunday
Races: Rothrock Trailmix & Stoopid 50
Place Rothrock State Forest, Boalsburg, PA
Ridden: June 2014
What a weekend! Monday has come along and we are tired, sore, and hungry. 86 miles of mountain biking in two days; the 36 mile Rothrock Trailmix on Saturday and the 50 mile Stoopid 50 on Sunday. Both based out of Aikens Cabins at the base of Tussey Mountain Ski Resort in Boalsburg, PA (just outside of State College). Super convenient that both races were at the same location; we camped for the weekend directly at the start/finish for both races.
Our accommodations for the weekend
Race morning prep; Cliff smells the bacon cooking
Saturday was the Rothrock Trailmix. This was our first year doing this race, so we didn't know what to expect. From what we had heard, it was a relentless course consisting primarily of all gnarly single track. What we heard was in fact true. Trails for this race consisted of rock-laden routes such as John Wert, Longberger, Green Shoot, Tussey Mountain Trail and the Tussey Mountain Extension. Any of these alone is a challenge, but riding them all on the same day is a huge challenge. Adding to the difficulty was the weather. Rain for the few days prior and a race day that was misty and overcast made the rocks slippery and brought about some soggy trail conditions at places. But, rocky single track is what Joël and I enjoy and what we do well, so we were right at home and enjoying every minute of it. Our Giant bikes with their 27.5 inch wheels are made for this type of terrain, they made the trails fun and fast. In the end we both had good rides, and despite feeling beat up and battered, we both enjoyed the day. Joël out sprinted his arch rival at the line to make the top ten overall men and I was third overall female.
Podium for Stoopid 50
Podium for Trailmix
Sunday was one of our favorite races, the Stoopid 50. Race morning began with sunny, blue skies; a great change from the previous day. Once again we were visiting many of our favorite trails, Tussey Mountain, Old Laurel, and Three Bridges. After racing hard the day before, Joël and I decided that the Stoopid 50 would be a casual ride together. No racing, no pushing hard, just enjoying the day together while stopping for photos, and even a stop to enjoy a beer along the way. With tired legs the 50 miles was still tough, but it was nice to not have the pressure of having to push hard though the pain, we could take easy when it hurt instead. We chit-chatted with people along the way, stopped for extended times at the aid stations, and stopped to enjoy the views. Joël stopped for awhile at technical sections to heckle others. Even though we were taking it easy, we passed a few women during the day. Much to my surprise, my relaxed ride still was fast enough for fifth overall female and another day on the podium.
Rattle snake along the trail
Grasshopper along for the ride
Not only was this weekend about racing, it was about hanging out with friends. Fellow Giant team mate Jed was racing; Saucon Valley Bikes member and friend Kerry and his dad Matt made the trip with us also. Of course Cliff was with us. Add to that a friend of Jed and our camping area was packed for the weekend. There was even a concert going on at the ski area that we checked out. It was a weekend filled with bikes, friends, and fun times.
