Tuscarora Off Road Weekend, Blain, PA

Single Track Sunday

Event: Tuscarora Off-Road Weekend; Enduro and Endurance races

Place: Tuscarora State Forest, Blain, PA

Ridden: April 2015



Click on video to play

Another weekend of back to back races. This weekend's adventures took us to the Fast Forward Racing Productions (Zach Adams) Tuscarora Off-Road weekend in Blain, PA.  Saturday was an Enduro and Sunday was an Endurance.  As par with Zach Adams races, the terrain was rocky, the courses tough, and we were cursing Zach multiple times throughout the day. But also par with Zach's races, it was a rewarding weekend, lots of super sweet and fun single track, unique awards, and the post-race food was amazing!

The Enduro was Saturday. Five timed stages for the Cat 1/Pro, two for the Cat2/3.  Each stage was a little different and fun in it's own way.  They varied from long tram lines with chunky baby-heads to enduro-style moto trails to a super steep downhill trail (I swear it was completely vertical at places!). At the end of the downhill my arms and hands hurt more than my legs; it was a death-defying descent.  The transfer stages were gravel roads, and shuttles were available to transport riders to the top of the mountain. Being the over achievers that we were, we decided to ride the transfer sections.  As another transfer rider said "we are earning our stages".  All it all it was a fun but long day on the bike, about 35 miles ridden total.

The Endurance on Sunday was advertised as a 50K (32 miles), but ended up being around 43 miles.  Many of the enduro sections from the previous day were included.  The "old" Tuscarora course (from the previous multi-lap races) was included.  The highlight (said in a sarcastic manner) of the course was the hike-a-bike; an approximately one mile ascent straight up the side of the mountain.  I carried my bike for most of it, carrying it over logs, climbing up over boulders, and grabbing onto trees for support.  The remainder of the course was filled with long climbs, technical single track, and super steep descents. It was also filled with beautiful overlooks, fun and rewarding trails, and wildlife sightings.

The days were difficult, our bodies are beat, and some blood was shed on the course.  But it was all worth it to hang out around the campfire with friends, sleep in the van, let Clifford run on the trails, catch-up with racing friends, and eat spectacular post race food. Thanks to Zach, Joe, and Ben for all the support out there and for putting on a weekend that brought out in me both tears and laughter.

As for results:  myself 1st Enduro and 2nd Endurance; Joël 3rd Enduro and 4th Endurance.  These results just go to show that Giant XC racing bikes can do it all.  The Lust Advanced 0 and the Anthem Advanced SX can conquer an Enduro and an Endurace race equally as well.  27.5 inch wheels really are the best of both worlds; they can roll over the rocks, accelerate though the turns, and speed up the climbs.

- words by Jess

- video by Joël



Rattling Off Road Weekend, Elizabethville, PA

Single Track Sunday
Event: Rattling Off Road Weekend; 40 mile Endurance on Saturday, Enduro on Sunday
Place: Weiser State Forest, Elizabethville, PA
Ridden: April 2015

Click on video to play

As I'm writing this on Monday morning both Joël and I have commented on how beat-up, tired, bruised, and battered we feel.  Two days of hard riding on unforgiving trails can do that.  Add in a few unplanned bruises, swellings, and scrapes and we are really feeling the almost 70 miles of riding we put in at the Rattling Off Road Weekend.

The race weekend takes place in Weiser State Forest.  The forest covers almost 30,000 acres in which there are 33 miles of shared use trails, numerous miles of unmarked trails, and 50 miles of roads (most of which are gravel). Trails are open to hikers, equestrians, and cyclists. Combined efforts of two groups- The Friends of Weiser State Forest (who were helping at the race this weekend) and The Rattling Creek Singletrackers have created and maintained an incredible network of trails on the ridge.

The race weekend consisted of an endurance race on Saturday and an enduro on Sunday. Camping for the weekend was provided both at the race venue and at a park in the nearby town of Lykens. This meant another weekend in the "Nankvan" for us. Food was provided both days after the race and as usual with Mike Kuhn races the aid stations are the best ever (thanks to the wonderful aid station crew!)

The endurance race was 40 miles of rocky, techy single track with a few gravel road sections thrown in. The trails consist of everything from long sections of baby heads to huge rock piles and boulders to climb over.  There are also some very nice flowy, twisty sections to give a break and up the average speed.  And one can't forget the 3ish mile climb at the start, it was a killer but a great way to break up the field.  Definitely a fun and rewarding course but definitely a challenge.

The enduro on Sunday included many of the same trails from Saturday. There were three timed sections each ranging from about 10 to 15 minutes. The goal for the enduro day was to have fun and just enjoy the trails. We rode with friends, took our time, and enjoyed some adult beverages at the aid station. The weather was beautiful, sunny and almost 70, so a great day to just go out and enjoy the day on the bike.

As for race results, I was 5th in the endurance and 2nd in the Enduro (Pro/Cat 1). Joël was 12th in the endurance and 7th in the Enduro (Pro/Cat 1).  Overall it was a good weekend on the trails and a fun time hanging out with friends.

- words by Jess

- video by Joël

IIGO Relay, Marysville, PA

Single Track Sunday

Event: THE International Intergalactic Global Open Mountain Bike Team Relay Championship of the Multi-Friggin-Verse

Place: Marysville, PA (held on private property- NO riding there except for race)

Ridden: April 2015

Click on video to play

What is the International Intergalactic (IIGO) relay? Put on my Mike Kuhns (The Outdoor Experience Organization), it is a relay race where teams consist of anywhere from one (solo rider) to four riders (can be all male/female or co-ed). All teams get some sort of handicapping points to start the event based on age and racing experience and then each lap completed is worth points. Additionally, since it was Easter weekend, eggs were hidden throughout the course and these were also worth points.  The team with the most points at the end of the race gets the perpetual Cup. The handicapping makes winning the race a possibility for every team entered.

Our team, the Giant Superheroes, was handicapped with barely any points.  Knowing the odds were against us, Levi, Jamie, Joël, and I went out there to put in fast laps but our main objective was to have fun.  As the team name implies, we each dressed as a superhero.  Along with costumes; how could one not have fun when the day involved shots of whiskey, beer handups, and a heckle pit complete with a chainsaw wielding crazy person.

Along with all the debauchery of the day, it was a time to catch-up with friends we have not seen since last year.  Hanging out the with Saucon Valley Bikes crew, chatting with friends both on and off the course, and finally nice weather added to the enjoyment and fun of the day.

This is an event that we would recommend to everyone. It's a fun day on the bike. Yes, it's a race but it's more about having fun so no pressure.  Goofing off is totally allowed (and encouraged). And any race that is sponsored by a beer company, taco restaurant, and ice cream maker is worth attending.

- words by Jess

- video by Joël