Tour de PocahontasA weekend of stage racing, new and old friends, and amazing showers
GC Stage Race: Jess 1st overall female, Joël 1st overall single speed
Before I get into the details of the actual race, I have to mention the showers at Pocahontas State Park. Joël and I have used the showers at many state and federal owned camping establishments. Pocahontas State Park rates up there with some of the best ever. This may seem trivial to many of you, but when riding bikes and living in the van a top-notch shower is a luxury. The showers at Pocahontas were spacious, heated, the water was hot, and the water pressure amazing. To give a little more heat, which really wasn't needed but I felt like being spoiled, I took the Little Buddy heater into the shower room also. These amazing showers made an already excellent weekend just that much betterThis was our first time racing the Tour de Pocahantas put on by RunRideRace. Three races in two days; a marathon on Saturday then an individual time trial and cross-country on Sunday. Riders could do each race individually but the main purpose of this race was to do it as a stage race; fastest time of all three races combined being the overall winner.
Courses for all three races were primarily single track on the trails within Pocahontas State Park, mostly on the Lakeview Trails. Twisty and turny, with short punchy climbs. Mainly smooth but there was a good bit of roots and just a few rocks here and there. Overall the trails were swoopy and fast. Definitely a place to go fast and have fun. Which we did.
The race was centered out of the Algonquain Ecology Camp. What a great place for a race venue! There was free camping for racers throughout the weekend which even included rustic cabins to stay in. Obviously we just stayed in our van. There were flush toilets and as noted above the wonderful showers. The race director provided food and beverages for those staying over Saturday night. There was a campfire, games of cornhole, and everyone enjoyed the evening just hanging out and relaxing. Cliff made some new canine friends in the camp area and just plain enjoyed being off leash around the camping area.
This race brought together all of the reasons we ride and race. There was tough competition for both Joël and I; we both had to ride hard and leave it all out there on the course to earn our wins. The race courses were fun, interesting, and well marked. Great camping area and lodging for the weekend made being there for all three races convient and comfortable. Hanging around with old friends and new friends is always fun. Full bellies of food and beverage without having to cook or go somewhere is always a great feature. A race director who truly wants the racers to enjoy and have fun at his race made for a complete racing experience.Results:
Joël: Overall single speed stage race winner: 2nd marathon, 1st time trial, 1st cross countryJess: Overall women stage race winner: 1st marathon, 2nd time trail, 1st cross-country
-Jess