Logsplitter XC Race

Grayling, MI
Saturday September 04, 2010
by: Jorden Wakeley

Another race in the books. Woke today to the sound of rain being pelted against my bedroom window. Great, another rainy race. Fueled up on coffie and oatmeal, and loaded the singlespeed into the truck and made the short 4 mile drive to the race start at Hartwick Pines State Park. Rolled around trying to stay warm in the gail force winds and mid 40 degree temps. Seen lots of friends I hadnt seen in a while. Time to line up.  Lined up in the front row of the Elite class, and planned on holding back and seeing who would take charge. The race consisted of about 8 miles of rolling 2 track with a few good mud holes, then hit a pancake flat paved bike path for a couple miles, then some more double track and more pavement before hitting Hanson Hills for 12 miles of awesome singletrack. I knew the geared guys would crush me on the bike path, so I re-thought my starting plan. As soon as we were let loose I took the holeshot straight into the ski trails. There were a few punchy climbs in the first 20 minutes, and my legs felt like lead. I maintained the lead over a group of 6, eventually dwindling it down to me and 2 other guys on geared bikes. Held the lead to the paved bike path, and about 2 miles into the path I got dropped like a rock. All alone with no one to work with in the wind on a singlespeed. I dug deep and kept the pace high. 15 miles in I was 45 sec. off the lead 2. As I hit the singletrack I turned the afterburners on and ripped. Caught 2nd place within 15 min. and chased hard to capture the first place rider. I kept catching glimpses of him weaving through the trees. I attacked hard on one of the steep climbs and latched onto his wheel. I sat there for a little while trying to recover. With about 5 miles to go I knew I needed to make my move. Went around him and hammered for a bit and to my suprise he didnt come with. I rode as fast, but as smart as I could knowing that a flat, crash, or broken chain would blow it for me. On the last long climb my legs started to cramp and was worried 2nd would catch me. I put my head down and hammered away. At the top of the final climb I looked down and didnt see anyone. Final fast descent into the finnish line. Finnished the 27 mile race in 1:38. 2nd place was about a minute back and 3rd was a good 3+ back. Super fun race, looking forward to doing battle again next year at the Logsplitter. 1st place overall in the Expert/Elite class on a singlespeed. I love beating up on the geared riders on the singlespeed! Next race is the Cry Baby Classic at Nubs Nob ski resort. Time to pack my climbing legs.

Stay METAL!