Jeff and I are honored to be profiled in "The Healthy People" portion of the Healthy Monday Campaign website out of the Learner Center for Health Promotion at Syracuse University.
I encourage readers to check out the website. A lot of great information and resources for healthy minded individuals.
Many thanks for Mrs. Skinny for this opportunity.
Together, we are Jeffina. Crankin' out the love, crankin' out the miles for Crankskins.com.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Single Track Stampede (STS) Race Report or the Rootiest Race We've Ever Done
Last week's race report detailed the Bear Creek Challenge which is lovingly described as the "rockiest race we've ever done." This past weekend's race, the STS, is now in the books as the rootiest race we've ever done. While we had heard from others that this was a rooty course, we quickly found out that the roots were never-ending throughout this 7 mile loop. Luckily, it was a dry day and a dry course which made the entire course entirely ridable. There were few climbs to speak of and just wonderful flowing single track through a beautiful park complete with picnic sites, shelters, and free-growing wildflowers.
The STS took place at Sprague Brook Park which is located about 20 miles south of Buffalo right on the edge of the Allegheny Mountains. This was a new race and new venue for the Jeffina and we looked forward to racing with our teammates from this part of the state, as well as spending time with EJ. We drove to EJ's house on Friday evening and woke up early Saturday morning to head out to the race. EJ chose not to race since he was one of the sponsors and dedicated his time to promoting products. EJ's line of products now includes not only crank protection, but full bike protection for frame and forks, as well as a race promoter's package of bike numbers, banners, and soon-to-come course tape.
As we pulled up at the race venue, many other vendors were setting up. EJ and Jeff got the pop-up tent ready and I went to work preparing food and water bottles for our race. Jeff's new handy-dandy foldable, portable, mobile feed station (say that three times fast) has elevated Jeff's prototype feeder to new heights. All the water bottles are easily accessible and we can even throw in gel backs, if need be.
As we warmed-up, Jeff and I rode the first part of the course and remarked that after riding so many different types of courses this year, each race presents us with a challenge. For instance, if you only ride courses that are rocky, you become a great handler in rocky courses; if you only ride double-track, you have great speed on double-track courses. So, when courses are drastically different from week-to-week, it forces you to consistently work on handling skills that you may not otherwise.
We lined up in our respective categories with the experts up front, separated by a small gap to the sports, and then beginners. Typically, the expert category takes off a few minutes in front of the other categories, but this was not the format for the STS and this will be my only criticism of the race. Even though the categories were separated by small gaps, we all took off at the same time. This meant that approximately 100 racers were on the course at the same time and all the categories would mix together. As you might imagine, this created some havoc on the first lap. Both Jeff and I would talk later about the amount of traffic on our first laps. It was nothing less than chaotic.
Jeff was in a "train" of guys on the first lap and would have few opportunities to pass. The majority of the course was singletrack which made passing difficult and it very quickly become obvious who knew the course well and who didn't. For the locals, Sprague Brook is a mainstay in their riding. Jeff really couldn't open up any speed until down towards the end of the first lap. At this point, his teammates and brothers, Ben B. and Jason B., were a few minutes a head, so Jeff just kept the pace high as he began learning the course. At the end of three laps, Jeff finished in 6th place overall and 1st in his age group. He has been feeling better as the summer moves towards the fall and hopes to keep his fitness for cross season.
In my race, similar to Jeff's, I was in a train of riders on the first lap and not knowing the course, felt very tentative. I had a strong start, but towards the end of the first lap, found myself passed by a local woman. I watched her lines and quickly realized that she knew this course well. I pushed myself to work back up to her and through the start/finish area (which held the only extended climb), continued to push hard. I would start to open up a small gap. On the second and third laps, I continued to learn the course and enjoy flowing singletrack since I was not being pushed by the sport riders. I would go on to take the win by 3 minutes, but that is not to say that my race was without hardship. As many of your know, I've been working through low back pain for the past 18 months and have been helped tremendously by a new chiropractor and Brent Moorehouse. Both have helped to restore my full range of motion and increase strength. On my 2nd of 3 laps, I slid out on a root, which is not a big deal since I pulled out a foot to catch myself, but when I did, my hip hit a tree -- it stopped me cold. I went on to finish the race, but immediately got ice on the area. It is now Monday morning and my low back is severe enough to keep me off the bike for a few more days. Luckily, I am well-versed in low back pain and know what to do: give the body time to heal. I am hoping to be back on the bike in a few days and ready to race on Sunday in the NYS series.
After the race, the Ellicotville Brewing Company provided racers with free beer (mountain bikers love beer!) and pizza, pasta, and salad was available. I took down a few ibuprofen (no beer for me) and enjoyed the rest of the day.
Team Crankskins had a fine showing. Jason B. won the overall; his brother, Ben, took the singlespeed division win; Jeff won the 40-49 category; and, I won the expert women's race. Equal pay out was given to the men's and women's racers. Equality is good!
Awards Ceremony
We traveled home Saturday evening back to EJ's house, and found his wife and kiddos swimming in the pool. I was treated to a garden walk and learned from EJ's daughter about how to care for snails.
Jeff packed up the car and I gingerly got into the passenger's seat to head home. We would stop and get BIG burritos.
To view more images from the STS, click on the Flickr link at the top of the page.
Next up for us is the Bellearye, stop #4 in the NYS Mountain Bike Series.
Together, we are Jeffina. Crankin' out the love, crankin' out the miles for Crankskins.com
The STS took place at Sprague Brook Park which is located about 20 miles south of Buffalo right on the edge of the Allegheny Mountains. This was a new race and new venue for the Jeffina and we looked forward to racing with our teammates from this part of the state, as well as spending time with EJ. We drove to EJ's house on Friday evening and woke up early Saturday morning to head out to the race. EJ chose not to race since he was one of the sponsors and dedicated his time to promoting products. EJ's line of products now includes not only crank protection, but full bike protection for frame and forks, as well as a race promoter's package of bike numbers, banners, and soon-to-come course tape.
As we pulled up at the race venue, many other vendors were setting up. EJ and Jeff got the pop-up tent ready and I went to work preparing food and water bottles for our race. Jeff's new handy-dandy foldable, portable, mobile feed station (say that three times fast) has elevated Jeff's prototype feeder to new heights. All the water bottles are easily accessible and we can even throw in gel backs, if need be.
As we warmed-up, Jeff and I rode the first part of the course and remarked that after riding so many different types of courses this year, each race presents us with a challenge. For instance, if you only ride courses that are rocky, you become a great handler in rocky courses; if you only ride double-track, you have great speed on double-track courses. So, when courses are drastically different from week-to-week, it forces you to consistently work on handling skills that you may not otherwise.
We lined up in our respective categories with the experts up front, separated by a small gap to the sports, and then beginners. Typically, the expert category takes off a few minutes in front of the other categories, but this was not the format for the STS and this will be my only criticism of the race. Even though the categories were separated by small gaps, we all took off at the same time. This meant that approximately 100 racers were on the course at the same time and all the categories would mix together. As you might imagine, this created some havoc on the first lap. Both Jeff and I would talk later about the amount of traffic on our first laps. It was nothing less than chaotic.
Jeff was in a "train" of guys on the first lap and would have few opportunities to pass. The majority of the course was singletrack which made passing difficult and it very quickly become obvious who knew the course well and who didn't. For the locals, Sprague Brook is a mainstay in their riding. Jeff really couldn't open up any speed until down towards the end of the first lap. At this point, his teammates and brothers, Ben B. and Jason B., were a few minutes a head, so Jeff just kept the pace high as he began learning the course. At the end of three laps, Jeff finished in 6th place overall and 1st in his age group. He has been feeling better as the summer moves towards the fall and hopes to keep his fitness for cross season.
In my race, similar to Jeff's, I was in a train of riders on the first lap and not knowing the course, felt very tentative. I had a strong start, but towards the end of the first lap, found myself passed by a local woman. I watched her lines and quickly realized that she knew this course well. I pushed myself to work back up to her and through the start/finish area (which held the only extended climb), continued to push hard. I would start to open up a small gap. On the second and third laps, I continued to learn the course and enjoy flowing singletrack since I was not being pushed by the sport riders. I would go on to take the win by 3 minutes, but that is not to say that my race was without hardship. As many of your know, I've been working through low back pain for the past 18 months and have been helped tremendously by a new chiropractor and Brent Moorehouse. Both have helped to restore my full range of motion and increase strength. On my 2nd of 3 laps, I slid out on a root, which is not a big deal since I pulled out a foot to catch myself, but when I did, my hip hit a tree -- it stopped me cold. I went on to finish the race, but immediately got ice on the area. It is now Monday morning and my low back is severe enough to keep me off the bike for a few more days. Luckily, I am well-versed in low back pain and know what to do: give the body time to heal. I am hoping to be back on the bike in a few days and ready to race on Sunday in the NYS series.
After the race, the Ellicotville Brewing Company provided racers with free beer (mountain bikers love beer!) and pizza, pasta, and salad was available. I took down a few ibuprofen (no beer for me) and enjoyed the rest of the day.
Team Crankskins had a fine showing. Jason B. won the overall; his brother, Ben, took the singlespeed division win; Jeff won the 40-49 category; and, I won the expert women's race. Equal pay out was given to the men's and women's racers. Equality is good!
Awards Ceremony
We traveled home Saturday evening back to EJ's house, and found his wife and kiddos swimming in the pool. I was treated to a garden walk and learned from EJ's daughter about how to care for snails.
Jeff packed up the car and I gingerly got into the passenger's seat to head home. We would stop and get BIG burritos.
To view more images from the STS, click on the Flickr link at the top of the page.
Next up for us is the Bellearye, stop #4 in the NYS Mountain Bike Series.
Together, we are Jeffina. Crankin' out the love, crankin' out the miles for Crankskins.com
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
US Cup Race Report: The Many Challenges of the Bear Creek Challenge
The Bear Creek Challenge is a US National Cup race, held at the Bear Creek Resort in Macungie, PA. This race has been on our radar since the early part of the summer. As a 2012 national qualifier, this race holds a high level of importance for us. While it is difficult to start planning so early for 2012, we like to have a couple of opportunities to qualify for nationals in case there are circumstances out of our control later in the year. Last year, we attended this race and I entitled our race report, "The Rockiest Race We've ever done," and true to these words, I am still in agreement with this title. As much as we love attending this event and enjoy the Pennsylvania country side, while at the same time participating in a race with a different set of competitors, this is the most challenging course on our calendar. There is nothing in our local area that compares to the terrain at Bear Creek; the rocks are never-ending. Last year, I went into this race feeling like I was on my game and left there feeling demoralized. This year was no different. Between the 2" of rain drenching the area and the rocks that scoured the course, this was a challenge of physical and emotional strength. Similar to last year, the cross-country course was about 7 miles in length and the climbing was minimal (that is, compared to Windham or Mt. Snow).
Photo of Resort
Different from last year was the triple crown format. Racers could compete in one, two, or three races: short track, super-D, and cross-country. For those completing all three, they earned special recognition at the end of the weekend. I chose to compete in the short track and cross-country races. Jeff decided to compete only in the cross-country race. Ever since we came home from our Wisconsin trip, I've had the desire to compete in another short track race. I like the high intensity of the event that's mixed with the ruggedness of the trails and am also thinking ahead to our cyclocross season.
Having a bit more experience, I knew what to expect at the start. I lined up with 5 other gals. There was one pro rider and the rest of us were either cat. 1 or 2 riders. At the start, I got mixed up with some slower riders and as the course opened up, I too opened up. I was unable to stay with the pro rider, but I did go on to lap every one else in the field. I really enjoyed this race and it was a beautiful morning for the event. The course was less than a mile in length and incorporated a little bit of single track, double-track, uphills, and downhills. Jeff rode around the course cheering for me and captured some photos and video. I would go on to win the short track race and it was a great way to start the weekend.
Short video clip
Towards the end of this 30 minute race, I was able to back it off a bit with hopes of reserving something for Sunday.
We rarely have the opportunity to compete in short track races, but I hope to compete in this event next year at Nationals.
After the short track race, we went out and pre-rode the cross-country course. The course was in good shape and we did our best to go over places in the course that were problematic. Jeff's technical skills are far better than mine and he was able to navigate through most of the terrain with little difficulty. I struggled in quite a few areas, but Jeff told me to approach the race with the mindset that "It is a challenge...use it for your technical skills....do your best."
We went back to the hotel Saturday afternoon and it was then that the rain set in for the remainder of the weekend. Anyone living in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states know how much rain we received over the weekend. Parts of Long Island received over 5", the Philadelphia area got about the same, and Macungine received between 1-3". Even as I write this blog post, it is Tuesday morning and the rain has only begun to lift from the weekend.
As the rain continued to come down Sunday morning, we received a call from our friend, Paul. He wanted a weather report and would use this information to decide whether he should make the drive down to Macungie. I told him, "If we weren't already here, we wouldn't do the race..." Yes, folks, that's how bad it was.
We drove over to the race venue and just sat in the car looking at the rain. We could see the cat. 2 and 3 riders out on course passing through the start/finish area.
We questioned our decision to race. Truthfully, Jeff and I are not foul-weather riders. During the cyclocross season, we don't mind a little mud and rain because the races are short. For a cross-country race that demands riders to be out on course for 2-3 hours, it's a different story. The conditions tear up equipment and are hard on our bodies. I'm not trying to come across as whining, but just stating that we have a preference to race in drier conditions. Here's how it looked about an hour before the race.
With about 30 minutes before the race, the rain let up some and we were able to set up Jeff's new portable, foldable, mobile feed station (photos to come!!). We did a short warm up. Jeff lined up with about 8 other guys in the 45-49 age group. He knew a few of the guys, such as Estaban, from the H2H series. I was the only woman in my 40+ age group (which was a relief in and of itself) and would start with the other younger cat. 1 female age groups. The race director cut the laps in all the races from 3 to 2 and also indicated that the race would end on the current lap if there was thunder and lightening.
Jeff had a superb race. He would end up 2nd on the day to Estaban, but noted that as the race progressed, he was making time on Estaban. He had a slow start, but was making up ground as the race progressed. Afterwards, I heard Estaban tell Jeff that he could see him coming and was just trying to keep the power on. Listening to the two guys talk, they each had minor bobbles and spills, and just tried to make forward progress.
As for me, it was a tough day at the office, but I did the job and finished the race. That's all I had to do. I was careful through the rocks and rode my own race -- it was me against the course.
Both of us met our goal and will qualify for the 2012 nationals.
Podium Photos
I'd like to also recognize the rest of Team Crankskins for their efforts at the Suicide 6 race held at the Harriet Hollister Park, south of Rochester. Ben and Jason went on to take the overall win from Tommy and Casey. EJ and Jimmy got 3rd in their age group. They, too, survived the same rainy conditions as we did, but did it over a 6-hour period.
Next up for the Jeffina (and most of Team Crankskins) is the Singletrack Stampede. This is a new race for us and we look forward to spending time with our teammates.
Together, we are Jeffina. Crankin' out the love, crankin' out the miles for Crankskins.com.
Photo of Resort
Different from last year was the triple crown format. Racers could compete in one, two, or three races: short track, super-D, and cross-country. For those completing all three, they earned special recognition at the end of the weekend. I chose to compete in the short track and cross-country races. Jeff decided to compete only in the cross-country race. Ever since we came home from our Wisconsin trip, I've had the desire to compete in another short track race. I like the high intensity of the event that's mixed with the ruggedness of the trails and am also thinking ahead to our cyclocross season.
Having a bit more experience, I knew what to expect at the start. I lined up with 5 other gals. There was one pro rider and the rest of us were either cat. 1 or 2 riders. At the start, I got mixed up with some slower riders and as the course opened up, I too opened up. I was unable to stay with the pro rider, but I did go on to lap every one else in the field. I really enjoyed this race and it was a beautiful morning for the event. The course was less than a mile in length and incorporated a little bit of single track, double-track, uphills, and downhills. Jeff rode around the course cheering for me and captured some photos and video. I would go on to win the short track race and it was a great way to start the weekend.
Short video clip
Towards the end of this 30 minute race, I was able to back it off a bit with hopes of reserving something for Sunday.
We rarely have the opportunity to compete in short track races, but I hope to compete in this event next year at Nationals.
After the short track race, we went out and pre-rode the cross-country course. The course was in good shape and we did our best to go over places in the course that were problematic. Jeff's technical skills are far better than mine and he was able to navigate through most of the terrain with little difficulty. I struggled in quite a few areas, but Jeff told me to approach the race with the mindset that "It is a challenge...use it for your technical skills....do your best."
We went back to the hotel Saturday afternoon and it was then that the rain set in for the remainder of the weekend. Anyone living in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states know how much rain we received over the weekend. Parts of Long Island received over 5", the Philadelphia area got about the same, and Macungine received between 1-3". Even as I write this blog post, it is Tuesday morning and the rain has only begun to lift from the weekend.
As the rain continued to come down Sunday morning, we received a call from our friend, Paul. He wanted a weather report and would use this information to decide whether he should make the drive down to Macungie. I told him, "If we weren't already here, we wouldn't do the race..." Yes, folks, that's how bad it was.
We drove over to the race venue and just sat in the car looking at the rain. We could see the cat. 2 and 3 riders out on course passing through the start/finish area.
We questioned our decision to race. Truthfully, Jeff and I are not foul-weather riders. During the cyclocross season, we don't mind a little mud and rain because the races are short. For a cross-country race that demands riders to be out on course for 2-3 hours, it's a different story. The conditions tear up equipment and are hard on our bodies. I'm not trying to come across as whining, but just stating that we have a preference to race in drier conditions. Here's how it looked about an hour before the race.
With about 30 minutes before the race, the rain let up some and we were able to set up Jeff's new portable, foldable, mobile feed station (photos to come!!). We did a short warm up. Jeff lined up with about 8 other guys in the 45-49 age group. He knew a few of the guys, such as Estaban, from the H2H series. I was the only woman in my 40+ age group (which was a relief in and of itself) and would start with the other younger cat. 1 female age groups. The race director cut the laps in all the races from 3 to 2 and also indicated that the race would end on the current lap if there was thunder and lightening.
Jeff had a superb race. He would end up 2nd on the day to Estaban, but noted that as the race progressed, he was making time on Estaban. He had a slow start, but was making up ground as the race progressed. Afterwards, I heard Estaban tell Jeff that he could see him coming and was just trying to keep the power on. Listening to the two guys talk, they each had minor bobbles and spills, and just tried to make forward progress.
As for me, it was a tough day at the office, but I did the job and finished the race. That's all I had to do. I was careful through the rocks and rode my own race -- it was me against the course.
Both of us met our goal and will qualify for the 2012 nationals.
Podium Photos
I'd like to also recognize the rest of Team Crankskins for their efforts at the Suicide 6 race held at the Harriet Hollister Park, south of Rochester. Ben and Jason went on to take the overall win from Tommy and Casey. EJ and Jimmy got 3rd in their age group. They, too, survived the same rainy conditions as we did, but did it over a 6-hour period.
Next up for the Jeffina (and most of Team Crankskins) is the Singletrack Stampede. This is a new race for us and we look forward to spending time with our teammates.
Together, we are Jeffina. Crankin' out the love, crankin' out the miles for Crankskins.com.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Not sure what to do with all that zucchini from your garden?
Here's a great recipe for zucchini muffins:
Preheat oven to 350
Grease muffin tins (makes 16-18 muffins)
Ingredients:
3C freshly grated zucchini
1C canola oil
1C sugar (I use slightly less)
2tsp vanilla
2 beaten eggs
2tsp baking powder
3C flour (I use mainly whole wheat)
2tsp cinnamon
1/2tsp nutmeg
1C craisins
** Optional: add a scoop of protein powder
Directions:
In large bowl, mix sugar, eggs, vanilla. Mix in grated zucchini and then oil.
In smaller bowl, combine baking powder, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg. Fold into zucchini mixture.
Add in craisins at end.
Spoon into tins.
Bake for 20-25 min.
Enjoy!
A Mountain Bike Race on Our Home Course: The Highland Forest Classic
As amateur racers, our cycling only enhances our lives. We have vowed not to let it stress us out since we have full-time jobs that cause us enough stress the rest of the year. For us, our riding improves our quality of life (in terms of mental, physical, and emotional health), supplies us with great friends who are practically like family, but at the same time, it is also a great avenue to be competitive in a friendly atmosphere.
The 20th annual Highland Forest Classic provided all of this and even more this year. As a side note, years ago when I first moved to central New York, this race was part of the NYS mountain bike series and I was impressed with quality of the event. I had not met Jeff yet and had just moved from my home state of West Virginia. Of course, I was partial to rugged WV courses and hard core mountain bikers. I 'grew up' in the cycling world with Gunnar Shrogren and Gerry Pflug, and anyone familiar with these mountain bikers know that Gunnar has been nominated for a spot in the US Mountain Biking Hall of Fame; Gunnar at 49 still whips up on the youngsters and then there is Gerry, who is currently leading the NUE series in the singlespeed division. Gunnar introduced me to Cadel Evans and Dave Wiens when they were riding for Diamond Back. So, for me, when I moved to NY, I had a high level of expectation for racing and like I said, this was one of the first races I did. Now, nine years later, this race still makes it on our racing calendar amidst a busy race schedule and it probably goes unsaid, this is a high quality event due to the efforts of CNY DIRT and the Bike Loft.
Race venue
Each year, Todd Enders, CNY DIRT course designer, slightly changes the course, but what stays the same, is Todd's effort to use a variety of trails which encompass both sides of the park. This year, the race course was about 8 miles in length that included about 900 feet of climbing per lap. Good friend, Fizz, marked the course about a week in advance which enabled most of us locals to preview the course. Jeff and I rode the course a few times together and he would go on to ride it more later in the week during the Sprocketkids group rides. Jeff knew the course well come race day. Experts were scheduled for 3 laps.
Prerace chat with friends
I will admit that my race was not exciting. I was the only female expert to show up which was disappointing in and of itself, so for me, my goal was to ride clean and continue to work on technical sections. Perhaps I would be able to ride with some of the expert men, but essentially, I just had to finish to win my category. I completed the race with a time of 2:51 and was satisfied. When I compared my time to some of the other guys around me, I was not the last expert and about 8 minutes back from the male winner of the 50+ category.
Jeff's race was much more exciting. He is starting to feel better after having a rough start earlier in the year. He has been seeing a doctor and training with much more regularity. Coming into this race, Jeff felt strong enough to register for the semi-pro category which would bump up his laps to 4 and more importantly, help to prepare him mentally and physically for a national qualifier race this coming weekend in PA. Jeff lined up with Ben S., Paul K., Tim O. and Wayne B. A small, but powerful group for anyone who knows them. As much as Jeff doesn't like me saying this, he was the oldest guy in the group by 9 years.
Jeff had a good start and led the group into the first section of singletrack. At one point, he had a solid lead. But, he admits that the 1-hour delayed start affected his prerace meal preparation and brought on earlier than expected hunger pains. He quickly started going through gel packs and water, and would need to wait to the start/finish area to refuel. At this point, Tim O. caught on to Jeff and they would essentially ride the last 1.5 laps together. Both of them were short on water and food. Towards the end of the race, Jeff's handlebar caught a tree which sent him careening into the air. He quickly regrouped and as expected Tim hit the last piece of double-track with Jeff chasing. Jeff made the catch right before the end and took the hole shot into the final piece of single track coming into the finish. It would be a sprint finish to the end after 32 miles. As they rounded the final turn, I saw them and started yelling for Jeff. It didn't matter that it was raining and I was soaked. Jeff was having the race of his life and fought back like I've never seen before. Both guys fought for the win and it was Jeff who would prevail. It was impressive and inspirational to say the least. Yes, it was on our home course and it was a hometown crowd, but we all know that small wins can help build confidence. I was very proud of him and of this moment.
Jeff with winnings
Afterwards, we cleaned up, ate watermelon, sandwiches, and headed to the awards ceremony held up the shelter. All told, the our Crankskins team won in three categories: semi-pro men, expert women, and expert men 30-39. Kudos go out to Ben and Jason Bixby, as well as to all our Ommegangster friends.
Cute doggie who got part of my sandwich based on his good looks and charm
Post race
Link to race results
Next up for the Jeffina is the Bear Creek Challenge in Macungie, PA. This is a national qualifier for next year. On Saturday, we will compete in a short track race and on Sunday, cross country.
Together, we are Jeffina. Crankin' out the miles, crankin' out the love for Crankskins.com
The 20th annual Highland Forest Classic provided all of this and even more this year. As a side note, years ago when I first moved to central New York, this race was part of the NYS mountain bike series and I was impressed with quality of the event. I had not met Jeff yet and had just moved from my home state of West Virginia. Of course, I was partial to rugged WV courses and hard core mountain bikers. I 'grew up' in the cycling world with Gunnar Shrogren and Gerry Pflug, and anyone familiar with these mountain bikers know that Gunnar has been nominated for a spot in the US Mountain Biking Hall of Fame; Gunnar at 49 still whips up on the youngsters and then there is Gerry, who is currently leading the NUE series in the singlespeed division. Gunnar introduced me to Cadel Evans and Dave Wiens when they were riding for Diamond Back. So, for me, when I moved to NY, I had a high level of expectation for racing and like I said, this was one of the first races I did. Now, nine years later, this race still makes it on our racing calendar amidst a busy race schedule and it probably goes unsaid, this is a high quality event due to the efforts of CNY DIRT and the Bike Loft.
Race venue
Each year, Todd Enders, CNY DIRT course designer, slightly changes the course, but what stays the same, is Todd's effort to use a variety of trails which encompass both sides of the park. This year, the race course was about 8 miles in length that included about 900 feet of climbing per lap. Good friend, Fizz, marked the course about a week in advance which enabled most of us locals to preview the course. Jeff and I rode the course a few times together and he would go on to ride it more later in the week during the Sprocketkids group rides. Jeff knew the course well come race day. Experts were scheduled for 3 laps.
Prerace chat with friends
I will admit that my race was not exciting. I was the only female expert to show up which was disappointing in and of itself, so for me, my goal was to ride clean and continue to work on technical sections. Perhaps I would be able to ride with some of the expert men, but essentially, I just had to finish to win my category. I completed the race with a time of 2:51 and was satisfied. When I compared my time to some of the other guys around me, I was not the last expert and about 8 minutes back from the male winner of the 50+ category.
Jeff's race was much more exciting. He is starting to feel better after having a rough start earlier in the year. He has been seeing a doctor and training with much more regularity. Coming into this race, Jeff felt strong enough to register for the semi-pro category which would bump up his laps to 4 and more importantly, help to prepare him mentally and physically for a national qualifier race this coming weekend in PA. Jeff lined up with Ben S., Paul K., Tim O. and Wayne B. A small, but powerful group for anyone who knows them. As much as Jeff doesn't like me saying this, he was the oldest guy in the group by 9 years.
Jeff had a good start and led the group into the first section of singletrack. At one point, he had a solid lead. But, he admits that the 1-hour delayed start affected his prerace meal preparation and brought on earlier than expected hunger pains. He quickly started going through gel packs and water, and would need to wait to the start/finish area to refuel. At this point, Tim O. caught on to Jeff and they would essentially ride the last 1.5 laps together. Both of them were short on water and food. Towards the end of the race, Jeff's handlebar caught a tree which sent him careening into the air. He quickly regrouped and as expected Tim hit the last piece of double-track with Jeff chasing. Jeff made the catch right before the end and took the hole shot into the final piece of single track coming into the finish. It would be a sprint finish to the end after 32 miles. As they rounded the final turn, I saw them and started yelling for Jeff. It didn't matter that it was raining and I was soaked. Jeff was having the race of his life and fought back like I've never seen before. Both guys fought for the win and it was Jeff who would prevail. It was impressive and inspirational to say the least. Yes, it was on our home course and it was a hometown crowd, but we all know that small wins can help build confidence. I was very proud of him and of this moment.
Jeff with winnings
Afterwards, we cleaned up, ate watermelon, sandwiches, and headed to the awards ceremony held up the shelter. All told, the our Crankskins team won in three categories: semi-pro men, expert women, and expert men 30-39. Kudos go out to Ben and Jason Bixby, as well as to all our Ommegangster friends.
Cute doggie who got part of my sandwich based on his good looks and charm
Post race
Link to race results
Next up for the Jeffina is the Bear Creek Challenge in Macungie, PA. This is a national qualifier for next year. On Saturday, we will compete in a short track race and on Sunday, cross country.
Together, we are Jeffina. Crankin' out the miles, crankin' out the love for Crankskins.com
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