AN ORE 2 SHORE EPIC MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE SAGA

Ore 2 Shore 48 Mile Women's Overall Champions

Year One – 2013: My fist harrowing attempt at this arduous 48 mile Mountain Bike race in the Upper Peninsula.  As it was only my 3rd year Mountain Biking, I probably should have started with the shorter 28 miler.  Like my dad always says, “Go big or Sleep in the Streets.”  I was almost sleeping in the woods after this one.   

That year the group I was in got stuck at the railroad crossing because of a train.  Then I crashed and my handlebar nearly poked my eye out.  I was seeing stars and knew it would only be a matter of time until my eye would swell shut.  Do I go on or call it?  Figured it would be a game to see if I could make it to the finish before losing an eye.  I took a few minutes and shook it off as my legs felt good and got back on my way. 

Later in the race I got a flat tire, a trail angel helped me with a CO2 cartridge.  I was able to ride a bit further but the gash wasn't sealing.  I made it to the top of the Country Road 510 climb where a spectator had a pump.  I pumped it back up and continued on.  But another couple of miles and the tire was flat again.  (!*^%&!#)   I started my march to the next aid station, ready to pull myself from the race.  After hiking about a mile another guy tossed his hand pump at me.  I proceeded to pump the tire up and ride as far as I could, then pump it up again about every mile for the last 14 miles.   I crossed the line just shy of 4 hours with a flat tire, one eye open and a group of medics waiting for me at the finish.    

Photo Cred: Kari Lewis Scheppman

Year Two – 2014: I was out for the entire season with a shoulder injury. 

Year Three – 2015: As I didn’t have anyone to go with, I didn’t race that year. 

Year Four – 2016: I made my return attempt for redemption only to be thwarted by another early crash.  I was thrown into a fence, then run over by a few people.  I suffered a minor injury on my arm, nothing to stop me from pedaling, but my shifter had fallen off.  I slow rolled to the closest aid station and was able to get it fixed. 

Because of strong legs, I once again began to plow through the masses.  With about 16 miles left …….. another flat.  C’mon Man, Really, Aaaaaaahhhhhh!   I was so upset that I smashed my camelback on ground.  With furiously shaky hands I unzipped the pouch, grabbed the CO2 and shot it into the tire. Because the puncture sealed up this time around, I put my camelback on to start again…… only to have the water leak all over me.  The nozzel had busted off from the impact when I threw it.  I started to hyperventilate from the the rage I was feeling. 

2016 Heartbreaking for me, thankfully my honey was waiting at the finish

Twice now I had suffered a crash from which I’d managed to recover, only to be cursed by flats.  I slowed my breathing, dug down deep, and just focused on riding it out.  Still ended up finishing almost an hour faster than 2013, 13^th overall females and 1^st in my age category.   

 

Year Five – 2017:

The goal was to make it through the entire race without a crash or mechanical so I played it super safe the entire race and ended up 3rd overall.



Broken Spoke Racing Team

Year Six – 2018:   I was gunning for a first place finish as I felt I'd finally figured out how to race this one. 

As it turned out, I believe that was one of the most exciting races of my career!

Emma Swartz and I battled it out for the majority of the race.  She grabbed hold of me a few miles in and asked if we were in the lead.  I didn't think we were as I thought I had seen Lindsey Kriete up ahead.  So the entire time we were working together, pushing the pace, making moves, trying to get our group to catch the pack in front of us in effort to close the gap on Lindsey. 

With 15 or so miles to go we passed who we thought was Lindsey only to find that it was a man in the same kit.  We knew then that we were in a race for first!

I started to make attacks.  It was an epic battle for a few miles.  We were in a strong group of about 20 riders clipping at over 20mph when I rolled over a stone and my butt hit the back of my saddle causing it to jack knife up.  I tried to push the seat down while pedaling so I wouldn't lose the group but it wouldn’t go down.  I tried to just ride standing but it was too much.  I stopped to try and get it to go down but couldn't.  I had lost the group.   Another equipment snafu.  (*^#%)

I did what I could and came across a couple of volunteer firefighters. I pulled over and asked one to punch the seat as hard as he could.  One hit and the seat was back in line, my hero…….. I was on my way! 

But the damage had already been done.  I was on my own for the last 10 miles, still giving it everything I had because there was a slim hope that Emma would get dropped and maybe I'd be able to catch her.  She is such a strong rider that she never got dropped and won the race.  I was able to hold a respectable 2nd place overall. 

Few of My Besties - Kristina Navarro, Katie Kimberling, Me, Mary Penta



Year Seven – 2019:  This year was the year to crack the curse.  This is the race I have been training for all year. 

I normally mark riders at the start but it's really hard when there are 800 people lined up.  It’s tough to keep an eye out for your mark after the gun goes off, as you need to watch out for the mayhem that is going on around you.  Early crashes are very common in the mass-start races.  Adrenaline is running high, people are energized and challenging for good positions. 

I've learned to ride aggressively and defensively at the beginning.  You need to burn a big match at the beginning in effort to link with the fastest group of guys you can, while also giving a wheel in case there is a crash in front of you. 

Consequently, I do not hug wheels early in the race, I try to keep enough of a gap that I can respond when things go wrong.  We hadn't even gotten off the wide open road section when a multi person crash happened right in front of me.  I quickly yelled out, "riders down," and "Slowing" as I tapped the brakes and maneuvered around the pileup. The thing is, when you've got to slow or stop for a crash, a major threat is from the masses at full speed behind you.  You've got to be paying close attention, quick to respond….. and loudly. 

Once we turned into the first section of jeep trail we were in 2 single file lines.  It’s still very early in the race, people are jacked up and make stupid moves in efforts to overtake riders.   Sure enough there was another multi guy crash right in front of me.  Yet again, I was able to carefully make my way past them a second time.

Once the race spreads out a bit is when I start to hold tight to wheels.  Drafting is key when going for a podium finish.  I latched onto a group that was much stronger than me but was able to hold on thanks to the draft until we hit the deep sand.  The draft advantage is gone when in the sand and the stronger, heavier men are able to grip and plow forward.  They dropped me as if I'd stopped for a snack break. 

Out of the sand and I was alone.

Rather than attempting to catch them, I sat up and waited for the next group to pick me up.  It's important to save your energy so that you can grab hold of the next train that rolls through.  I jumped on the passing train and was pushing hard. 

Before Misery Hill a few spectators said I was first lady and I felt that I didn't need to make any crazy moves to hold the lead. I played it cool for the entire sketchy section which is full of off camber descents, pot holes hidden by grass, sharp rock features and a few hike a bike climbs.  There was a group of 4 of us working together once we hit the road section and were able to bridge the gap to a group in front of us.  There was also a few behind us that caught on so there was a solid party of about 20 of us heading up the County 510 Bridge. 

At about Mile 32 we take a right hand turn back into the jeep trails, it’s sweeping downhills, fast flats, single track, a couple of sand pits …….and all sorts of fun from there. 

The weather was a perfect 75 and sunny, couldn't have been better.  Conditions were as usual, a few big water holes in the beginning followed by dust and sand so that you always look like burnt toast at the finish. 

I’d turned the final corner on the road section and was greeted by cheering spectators.  I slowed down to bask in it, slapping hands and smiling as I rolled past the finish line FIRST!  7 Years in the making for this win, for THAT MOMENT.   

When a Dream is Finally Realized

Training:

I've been training for the XC Marathon style races specifically this year so I do a lot of long days on the Mountain Bike during the weekends and interval sessions during the week.  New this year: I hired a strength coach named Ethan Urban from the Princeton Club in Madison.  We do a day of heavy lifting and a day of balance each week.  This has been a game changer for me.  I'm climbing faster and with less fatigue than ever before. 

Nutrition:

I use Hammer Nutrition products for fuel in every training session, ride or race.  For this race I had two big bottles full of water and Heed to keep my hydrated, full of electrolytes and calories.  I also took a Vanilla Hammer Gel every 35 minutes.  They are quick and you don't have to waste energy on chewing.  I also took to cups of water at every aid station.  After the race I had a scoop of Hammer Whey Protein and a scoop of Recoverite in a shaker bottle in my drop bag so that I could fill it up with water and take it down immediately after the race.   I Never Ever Ever skip a recovery shake. 

Equipment:

I go with my Specialized S Works Hardtail for smoother races like this one.  It's light, nimble, responsive, pretty and FAST.  Fastest bike I've ever ridden.  Weighs only 19.6 lbs.  I race for Broken Spoke Bikes in Green Bay Wisconsin.  They became a Specialized dealer last fall so I've also got an S Works Epic full suspension as well and I'll be getting the Fat Boy Fat bike.  I am swimming in the Specialized kool aid. 

Specialized is Especially Fast!

Team:

Want to Thank my sponsors, teammates and everyone that has been supporting me in this intense journey over the years.  www.brokenspokebikes.com  www.hammernutrition.com www.princetonclub.com

Fall Racing Action:

I was very pleased to start my fall season off at the Ore 2 Shore with a win.  I am planning to race at the Dakota 50, Chequamegon 40, Oz Trails Off-Road 50, Margi Gesick 50, Founders Peak2Peak and the Iceman Cometh. 

I'd like to continue advocating for separate starts for the females.  Mass starts are fun but the races would be much closer and more tactical if we had our own start.  We wouldn't be able to pin it like we do and rely on men for help.  After the start this year I didn't even see another woman. It felt more like a super-fast group ride.  If we were able to start on our own there wouldn't have a woman or two just disappearing off the front. We'd need to work more among ourselves.  This is why I am excited about the Chequamegon 40, Oz Trails Off-Road and The Iceman Cometh.  Nothing will make you push as hard as you can then seeing a group of pony tails driving the pace. 

I was even able to get the Fat Bike Birkie to commit to a separate start for the females in 2020.  Hoping one day the Ore 2 Shore will consider this style as well. 

www.dakotafiveo.com         www.cheqmtb.com             www.epicrides.com

www.marjigesick.com          www.crystalmountain.com/even/peak2peak/     www.iceman.com   

www.birkie.com/bike/events/fat-bike-birkie/

Photo Cred: Jack Kunnen

Photo Cred: Steve Lindburg

Photo Cred: Shawn Tyrrell

2019 Polar Roll Adventure Race Report

The Polar Roll has been the race I’ve been training for since the beginning of the year.  The competition is stiff, there is always plenty of snow and single track is my passion.  The course was 30 miles of hills and single track which started and ended in Ishpeming, MI.  The Range Area Mountain Bike Association is the group of volunteers that cares for the precious trails. 

In the weeks leading up to the race I had attempted to make a trip up to Ishpeming to train on the course and those plans were thwarted three times.  The first try the temperatures dropped below zero and I decided against it as I didn’t want to risk getting sick.  Then the ice storms came and covered the area with a sheet of glass.  The weekend before the race I tried one last time and turned home once more as the ice was so heavy on the trees that the branches dropped onto the trails.  It was disheartening as my training strategy for these types of races is to train in the snow on the race terrain. 

The race organizers and volunteers had to work around the clock for 2 weeks leading up to the race because they had gotten over 5 feet of snow that needed to be dealt with in addition to all of the tree cutting.  They had dozens of people up there trudging through snow with chainsaws trying to get the branches cleared away.  Their groomers and snowmobiles were getting stuck and breaking down.  It was SO MUCH SNOW!  As everything went wrong they kept pressing on.  There was going to be a race NO MATTER WHAT.  Finally the Wednesday before the race there was a glimpse of great conditions.  And then the snow came. Again. 

 

I consulted with George Kapitz, Owner of Broken Spoke Bikes and teammate on what I should do for tires.  George is the King of all things fat bikes so when he told me to run the 45 North Flowbeist 4.6” tire in the front and the 45 North Vanhelga 4” tire in the rear, I didn’t question it.  But I was nervous as I’m a fan of the 45 North Dillinger 4” with studs so this would be my first time on a different set up in the 4 seasons I’ve been racing fat bikes.  The tire choice was a game changer.  I believe having the slightly wider tire in the front widened the rut ever so slightly and gave my smaller tire just a tad bit more room for error, allowing me to stay on my bike longer then most.  I’m still on my 2015 Carbon Salsa Beargrease with 26" HED Wheels and Sram Eagle XX1 drivetrain and 30 tooth chain ring. 

Ryan and I drove up early on Friday so that we could pre ride a couple miles of the course and come to find that yet again it wouldn’t be possible.  It snowed another 5 inches that day and 35 mile an hour wind gusts were blowing even more snow into the trail.  By the time we arrived to a trail head, even with round the clock grooming efforts, you couldn’t even see the trail.  Another pass on the groomer was made that night after the snow let up but the air was to cold and dry for the snow to “set up” meaning get hard enough to support cyclists.  I was devastated.  This was my race, I wanted so badly to defend the title and who knew what could happen now.  I threw myself a 10 minute pity party and then got to plotting a new strategy. 

Here is what I knew:

1 – The course was going to be mash potatoes, deep ruts, slick spots, steep climbs

2 – Hike a Bike was inevitable

3 – What should have taken me 3.5 hours to complete would now take me 6+

4 – 1 Mile road climb before the single track

Revised Race Plan:

1 – Come to terms that I will be out there for 6+ hours and prepare accordingly.  I set up 3 locations to reload my water and food.  I had Hammer Nutrition Heed in 3 of my bottles and Perpetuem in another.  I had a banana and 3 Hammer gels and a Hammer protein bar ready.  I had over 900 Calories ready to go, 150 per hour.  If I needed more, there were aid stations I could use as well.

2 – I wore the 45 North Wolvhammer Boots with a pair of Action Heat 5-Volt Battery heated socks and a pair of wool socks on top.  Cold toes can take you out of a race so they were necessary. 

3 – The farther back in line you are when entering the singletrack the harder it is to ride as the more bikes and hikers the more chewed up the course gets.  Even though it was going to be a 6 hour endurance day, I planned to make the biggest effort of the day up that hill to get the best position I could into the woods. 

4 – Had to get my mind right and wrapped around how slow I’d have to go.  I left my heart rate monitor on the counter as I didn’t want to get antsy at how low it would be, making me feel like I wasn’t racing. 

Morning of the race I was rearing and ready to throw down.  Race Day ignites a flight or fight response in me every time and I was ready for war.  I was mentally prepared to go to battle not with the other women but with the conditions and the circumstances.  There were a few Ultra Endurance racers in the field including All-Stars like Jill Martindale, Jenny Acker, Alexandra Houchin and Chelsea Strate.  These women were going to finish this race even if they had to carry their bikes on their backs the entire way.  My goal is to become an Ultra Endurance racer and today was the day to start acting like one.  My mind was set on “Focus and Finish.”  There were also a few familiar powerhouses I’ve gone head to head with like Megan Barr, Emily Nordahl, Heather Stelljes and my MOH Kristina Navarro. 

I started the race with 2.5 PSI, I’m always timid to go below that but as soon as I had some space a few miles into the thick of it, I took more air out, most likely running at 1.5 – 2 in the front and rear.  As planned it was an all-out sprint to the top of the start hill.  I almost lost my marbles on a sheet of ice but managed to hold it together and powered my way through dozens of men on a mission to get a good position.  Not even a minute into the singletrack there was already a line of people walking their bikes.  The course was already that bad and we were on a long gradual climb making it even harder.  I’m no runner but I sprinted past 14 guys to try and get ahead of the mayhem and was able to get on my bike and ride.  The entire race I hovered around 15^th – 20^th person back and even with so few in front of me, the course was demolished.  On the bike, off the bike, on the bike, off the bike, ALL DAY LONG. 



See the lady to the right, yeah. Photo Credit: Rob Meendering

Early on there was a really steep decent and I was sitting on my top tube putting as much pressure down on the front wheel, balancing on one leg while the other counter balanced and acted as a brake, dragging it through the snow.  My brakes had already seized up so I started picking up speed in a hurry.  Front tire slipped out and I was ejected superwoman style right into 5 ft of snow.  I wish someone had been behind me as all they’d have seen would be my boots sticking out of the snow.  I burrowed my way back to the trail, giggling uncontrollably, not even bothering to wipe the snow off and hopped back on the bike.  I was in good company most of the race as there were a few pretty chill guys on pace with me. 



Photo Credit: Ryan Stephens

The Carnage

It took me almost 3 hours to get to mile 12 and the first aid station.  Ryan Rollins and Tony Wagner were there waiting on schedule with food and drink in hand.  Ryan joined Tony for support crew duty due to waking up sick the day before the race.  He said I was the 20^th person to come through.  There was a couple hundred yards of road and decent trail just after the aid station, enough to get your hopes up.  It was a teaser for sure as the course never got any better.  There were deep stepping holes to the left and tire tracks to the right.  The tracks were a bit deceiving at times as they looked rideable but when people are walking lower than their bikes, the bike angles towards them, creating a soft and off camber tire track line.   I’d ride the line until my rear tire would slide into the walking tracks.  Other times I’d try to offset the lean to the left by leaning to my right but by doing that I risked needing to step off to the right.  Guess what, to the right was 5 ft of snow.  When you stepped down off the main trail, you sunk.  I was laser focused in on balancing and riding slow and steady.  

Photo Credit: Ryan Stephens

Then there were times I had it and was moving good only to be derailed by Icy fingers grabbing me from the branches above.  I’d walk around most, ducked a few, and one took my goggles right off my helmet.  The ice storm was 2 weeks past and was still too much weight for the trees to bear.  As the volunteers hacked most away, more would come down.  Adventure race of the century.  I came to a road crossing 16 miles in and the guys let me know that they had hung around the first aid station until the next woman came through and she was 45 minutes back and a few had dropped out of the race.  I just needed to finish.  Enjoy the day, it was sunny and beautiful, just a hike with my bike in this wonderland. 

Photo Cred: Ryan Stephens

4 hours and only 20 miles into the race I came upon an open field.  I looked around, nobody in sight.  I allowed myself to scream 2 F Bombs as loud as I could and that was it.  It was mission to finish time.  I reached the Hugs and Bacon station at mile 23 to find Ryan and Tony were nowhere to be found.  I couldn’t be concerned as to why there weren’t there, I needed food.  The volunteers at the station loaded me up with a Bacon Smore, AMAZEBALLS!  Got a hug or two and back at it.  This is where I share some of my thoughts that helped get me through the last 2 hours of this race:

• 
  

  

  Photo Credit: Jeff Wolf

  Focus and Finish
• Slow down, Ride smooth
• How many seconds can I stay on my bike game
• I’m a warrior
• Marji Gesick 100 Training has commenced
• You will not break me, You will not break me, You will not break me
• Everything that could go wrong did and they kept pushing on to make it happen, so will I, keep on pushing on
• Oh look at that gorgeous….. and down I go for 189^th time
• Endurance Day
• Rocky, he is not human, he is made of iron 
• Weeeeee
• Must Finish, NO MATTER WHAT
• 
  

  
  

  

  Photo Credit: Rob Meendering

  
  

Photo Cred: Ryan Stephens

I crossed the line 1^st in the women’s division and 18^th overall.  Felt really good to get the back 2 back win but even more so to know what I’m capable of enduring.  The DNF rate for the “Polar Stroll” was 70%!  I’m guessing I hiked/ran about 8 miles of the 30 miles.  When I asked my friend Mary Penta why she adds a few insanely difficult races to her schedule each year she said, “I always have to throw in something I’m not sure I can finish.  Need to see if I can break myself!”   That stuck with me all day.  How will you ever know your breaking point if you never challenge yourself to get there? 

Photo Cred: Ryan Stephens

Post race party at Marquette Mountain was a blast as it always is.  Everyone was boozing up and chowing on pizza.  So many hilarious stories of what went on out there.  I love being around so many who are crazy enough to do this stuff and can laugh about it all night long. 

Photo Cred: Ryan Stephens

Huge Thank You go out to:

 The Volunteers for their Herculean effort into making this event happen against all odds. 

Ryan and Tony for standing in the cold for 6 hours to support me

George and Sarah from Broken Spoke Bikes for keeping me set with all the right equipment

Broken Spoke Teammates who are ever reminding me that you are never alone out there


The photographers out there capturing all the emotions, find their Polar Roll Albums at: 
https://www.ryanstephensphoto.com/index 
www.robmeenderingphotography.com/ 
www.jeffwolfphoto.com/

Hammer Nutrition for keeping me fueled

Ethan Urban from The Princeton Club for all the fun balance days that helped me keep it upright

Amy Middleton from the Bike Jacket for keeping my bike from getting all grimy during road trips

Scott Robinson from Integration Bodyworks for ironing out all the kinks

Sram MTB for the Eagle drive train which gave me that extra gear to get me over the hills


https://brokenspokebikes.com/
https://www.hammernutrition.com/
https://www.princetonclub.net/
https://integrationbodywork.pike13.com/offerings
https://www.sram.com/sram/mountain

www.bikejacket.net 

Use my Referral Code: 291711 bmariposa10@yahoo.com for 15% off your www.hammernutrition.com order!