CHFT Festival

The 16th annual Copper Harbor Fat Tire Festival held its claim to being one of the epic events of the summer.

Click Here for Full Results

More pics and text to be added.

Ishpeming Wednesday Night Ride

I knew it was going to be a tough one when we left the parking lot of Jasper Ridge Brewery and there were several "Uh, ho's..." uttered. Riding north could only mean one thing. We were headed for Danny Hill Country and he wasn't even riding this one. There was talk of a new section of trial, but that has been happening for the past four weeks now.

We ascended an old stone stairway to a top of a ridge and rode a twisted single track to the backside of the Al Quaal trail sytem. It had a nice flow. Most of what we rode was the old Ride for Glory Course. The coolest visual was decending the switch-back section.

MGHS Ore to Shore MTB Epic #10

Full write-up to come.

Just picked up a newspaper tonight and will be making some e-mails tomorrow.

Click Here for Full Results

Good Luck to All Ore to Shore Racers!

Good luck and may the force be with you tomorrow morning as you start your decent from the high country of Marquette County to the shores of Gitchigumi. I wish I was able to experience this year's epic 10th running of the O2S. I'll be checking back tomorrow evening to see how you all did.

Miner's Revenge Mountain Bike Race Kicks @$$ (specifically mine)

The Miner's Revenge lived up to its name as around 100 racers converged at the Adventure Mining Company in Greenland, Ontonagon County. It was tough! Over a 1100' of climb per lap. Tight technical descents and lots of loose rock. But at the end everyone loved it. A few boys from Ishpeming said it was the way they liked it and reminded them of home.

The course was relatively short. Only a 5-mile lap. But what was packed in that five miles was a Copper Harbor Fat Tire course on steroids. The highlight of the race was the Adventure Mine section where racers were treated to a half-mile section of trail underground, lights were mandatory.

There were no winners just finishers. But for those who came in the top three of each race (men's and women's) here they are:
Men's Short Race

1. Matt Belic 0:56:46.5
2. Mark Nyholm 0:56:59.8
3. Patrick Szubielak 1:00:37.4

Women's Short Race

1. Kelly Johnson 1:19:44.0
2. Rachel Chard 1:29:02.4
3. Amy Amman 1:31:08.2

Men's Long Race

1. Tom Carpenter 1:44:12.0
2. Matthew Tingstad 1:50:22.0
3. Paul Belknap 1:51:24.3

Women's Long Race

1. Andrea Matter 1:41:46.3
2. Chelsey MacNeill 1:49:19.3
3. Sarah Lukas 1:54:57.3
   

Thanks Caleb for taking the pics and helping to put this race together. Good job to all involved!

Going Underground this Weekend

If you are looking for adventure head over to Greenland for the Miner's Revenge Mountain Bike Race to be held at the Adventure Mine. The race will be held on Sunday, July 12 starting at 11am EST.

For more info Click Here

SBF Classic, Mountain Chase is Back

The course layout of this year's XC race at the Superior Bike Fest linked up some classic MQT South Trails. It was like shaking hands with an old friend you haven't seen for a long time.

Keweenaw Chain Drive ROCKED!

KCD had a record turnout, awesome trails and some great stories.

You've got to love a mountain bike race that warns during the pre-race announcements to be aware of bear while on the course. With 362 racers completing the race, 114 32-milers, 200 16-milers and 48 junior course racers, conditions couldn't have be more ideal for the first race of the season.
For full results click here

Finally the Weather Breaks!!!

A steady week of temperatures in the 70s with low humidity. It has been an ideal warm-up leading to the first race of the season. The Keweenaw Chain Drive breaks the spring doldrums with temperatures forecasted to be in the mid-70s, with clouds. The next couple days look to be wet with scattered thunderstorms. The trails will probably be a little slick come Saturday morning. Riders might want to bring a little Deet in the repair kit for an unfortunate flat. THE BUGS ARE OUT IN FULL FORCE!

Eastward Ho!...

Dave Senske of Champion is hitting the road this weekend pedaling for a cause to New England, then to Florida by mid-summer. There he will evaluate his trip to determine his route.

The Smile Train
Dave chose The Smile Train for the cause of his ride. He obtained permission from the organization, decked out his handcrafted trailer with signage and sponsorship stickers and started his trek. He was expecting to make it to Trout Lake by tonight.

Going Green

The leaves are finally starting to pop. The woods are starting to green up and fill in. Trail conditions are excellent. Most of the trails were a little slick earlier in the week, but are starting to dry out. The next couple of days will be sweet with fast conditions on grippy trails.

Originally known as Lost World, the labyrinth of trails in Old Town Negaunee is impressive.

Word from the trail is that the Wednesday night rides in Ishpeming are rocking. Attendance exceeding 60, perhaps topping 70, and breaking down into 2 to 3 groups, with splinter groups spinning off as needed. Good mix with plenty of options. Rumor has it that a C group will be starting next week.

Bug Report:
Mosquitoes moderate, no Deet required
Blackflies absent, but they're out there
Tick count: 0

Is 2009 UPMTB Cover a Jinx?

I told Belic that I hoped the UPMTB cover wouldn't be a jinx on the weather this season. Now I'm starting to get a little worried:

National Weather Service
Watches, Warnings & Advisories

A FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM EDT /MIDNIGHT CDT/ TO 7 AM EDT /6 AM CDT/ SUNDAY.

EXPECT A WIDESPREAD FROST AND FREEZE AWAY FROM THE MODERATING INFLUENCE OF LAKE SUPERIOR OVERNIGHT AS TEMPERATURES FALL AS LOW AS THE MID TO UPPER 20S BY SUNRISE SUNDAY. CLOSER TO LAKE SUPERIOR...TEMPERATURES WILL LIKELY BOTTOM OUT FROM 31 TO 35 DEGREES...WITH FROST LIKELY EVEN NEAR THE SHORE. LOOK FOR TEMPERATURES RISING QUICKLY ABOVE FREEZING AFTER SUNRISE SUNDAY MORNING.

New XC Race Goes Underground, Literally

This missed the print edition of UPMTB:

Miner's Revenge Mountain Bike Race, Sunday, July 12:
"Steep climbs, rolling singletrack, fun descents, and riding with bats. The race takes place at the Adventure Mine in Greenland, MI. Part of the 5 mile lap is through the mine. Lights will be required. Because of the total darkness a GOOD headlamp will suffice. Free on-site camping Saturday night with campfires and fun. The mine is 48 degrees! Two race distances; approx 10 and 20 miles. E-mail caleb@goridebikes.com or call The Bike Shop in Houghton at 906-487-9500 with questions."

To register there is a link on the UPMTB Race page or click here.

Finally, Back in CyberSpace

After two months of getting UPMTB.com back on-line, I'm ready to start covering the 2009 cycling season.