Double Header weekendRothrock Trail Mix (36 mile IMBA version) and Michaux Maximus (30 miler version)
June 10th and 11th 2017
Anyone who decides to do this is somewhat crazy. These are both tough races; each one on its own is a challenge, but doing them back to back is asking for suffering. And yes, this was a tough weekend of riding; about four hours of riding each day filled with some of most challenging single track these areas have to offer. To add to this; it was the first real heat wave of the year; temps in the 80s to 90s each day. Despite the adversity of it, Joël and I both agree that we really had a good time out there, both days we were just so happy to be on our bikes. We were smiling ear to ear for both races. And as a bonus, both of us made it on the podium both days.
Rothrock Trail Mix put on by Happy Valley Biking is just such an awesome event. It brings together some of the most fun, challenging, and beautiful trails in the Tussey Mountain area. Have I ever mentioned how much I love riding in Rothrock State Forest? OK, I do mention that often because I just really love it there. The race organizer is super nice and puts his heart into the race; it is well organized and you can tell everyone involved wants it to be a fun time. Tasty food (whoopie pies, yumm) and beer post race , great race swag, and good prizes make for a complete race experience. All I can keep thinking about it how amazing everything was at this race. Joël, Cliff, and I slept in the van in the state forest the night prior. We were parked next to a babbling brook; going to sleep to the sound of the water with the star-filled sky made for a perfect pre-race sleep. Race day was filled with sunshine and blue skies. The trails were fast and dry. Mountain laurel were blooming everywhere. The views from atop Tussey went on forever. Everything was just so beautiful. I just can't get over how amazing mother nature was for this race experience. The womens field was filled with fast ladies; and the single speeders were a strong group. Joël came away with with win and I was 2nd open women. Other members of the Saucon Valley Bikes racing team were there; it was great to hang around with teammate post race.
After Rothrock we heading over to Michaux State Forest for the Volvo Endurance Series Michaux Maximus. This race was rescheduled from May. Camping was allowed in the race parking area, so we joined a few others who were there for the night. What an amazing night it was. A full moon light up the sky and the stars were plentiful. Race morning came around with more sunshine, dry trails, and flowers blooming everywhere. Both Joël and I had tired legs from the race the day prior, so we made just having fun our goal for the day. I got a flat tire early on, but luckily due to all those Liv Fx-a-Flat clinics I teach changing it went smoothly. In fact, during the process I was told by a fellow racer I was one of the most positive flat-fixers he has encountered. Both Joël and I raced at a decent pace but also took time to stop and take pictures and enjoy the views. Having fun and enjoying the trails was our number one priority. But...you know how that goes with competitive people . As the race went on we heard reports at aid stations and from spectators that "so and so is just a minute or two ahead". That means race on. So yes, we took our time, stopped to take photos, enjoyed the view but once we each heard we had podium spots in sight race mode kicked in. Each of us ended up doing some passing during the second half of the race to each end up 2nd; Joël 2nd single speed and myself 2nd open women.
And how did we feel on Monday...and Tuesday...and Wednesday...and Thursday. Tired, legs that felt like bricks, heart rates that would not go up. Two days of racing in tough conditions took it's toll. The following week was a tough one; but Cliff was happy because it meant lots of easy rides.
-Jess
