Logsplitter Challenge MTB race

in Grayling right now getting ready for the race. Won't be on the SS this weekend. A lot of rain so far here at Jellystone Park. Forecast is cold and rainy till Sunday.

at 7:30am. Been raining all night. It is 46 degrees. Checked the radar and rain should be done by start of race and then clear skies. Stepson is doing the junior race and his cousin came up yesterday with grandparents, he will also do the junior race (his first). Grandparents bought comfort bikes a couple of weeks ago. Looks like a got the whole family into this riding thing.

Well, what a day. On the way to the start at Hartwick Pines the sun came out and the rain stopped (first time since Thursday). Family issues left us with two additional children and scrambling to get to the start line. I got a good three minute warm up and got to the start. Hartwick Pines is all two track with a lot of grass and a long stretch of sand two track. There was a lot of water on this section and the sand was the leg draining kind because of all the rain. I hit the rail trail and was drained. One guy caught me at I-75 and he almost went down the exit ramp until I yelled at him. As we approached Grayling the rain started again. We then got on more sand two track and then more pavement. Entered Hanson Hills at an hour and five minutes. Then we started the outer loop of the trail. This was tough as it has only been cut in for a year or so and somewhat overgrown in places. One of the hardest parts of this section was not knowing where I was and the climbing. Still it is some sweet single track. I finally got to the top of the mountain again and seen part of the ski lift and the disc golf course. I figured I was almost home! This section was fast and flowing and the final downhill is a gas. I finished sixth in beginner men. Could not imagine doing this on a single speed without a lot more riding under my belt. I was very chilled at this point and hit the lodge to warm up and have something to eat that my wonderful wife brought out.

After lunch we headed out for the junior race. The 10-14 year olds were scheduled to do a four mile race on an unknown course. I spoke with the race organizers and they were setting up the junior course as we spoke. I found out that my stepson (Jay Jay) and his cousin (Scott, very first race) were the only ones doing the race. I got the course changed so that they would not have to suffer to much in the conditions (read: STILL RAINING!) The boys were nervous, cold and wet. I told them what was going on and they were ready. With a definite podium for both the race organizers started them off. Jay Jay was the first to come into the open and I informed him that the race was cut to one more lap. Scott came through a few minutes later. Jay Jay cruised to his first MTB win with a big congratulations and hug from me. Scott came in shortly after and got the same. I can say that this was much more fun than my own race. It looks like Jay Jay may have the bug. Will see where it leads for Scott.

Well it is 7:00pm and still raining. Can't believe this weather. We were up here for Memorial Day weekend and it was 90 degrees. Hopefully will get some more training in and few more races on the SS before the end of the year. I know I was not on the SS today, however I wanted to share the adventure.

On a side note the Kids Race was cancelled and we had one unhappy 4 year old for a while. His cousin McKenzie was going to do her first race today and did not get the chance. There will be a next time I am sure!

Happy Trails!