Single Track Sunday
Event: Tuscarora Off-Road Weekend; Enduro and Endurance races
Place: Tuscarora State Forest, Blain, PA
Ridden: April 2015
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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.
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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
