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.