Michaux Maximus 20 Miler

Michaux Forest, PA
Sunday May 02, 2010
by: Joseph Castle

Yesterday, I learned why the Michaux Race Series consists of some of the toughest races on the East Coast.  There are more types of rocks on the race course than I ever thought existed including loose rocks, wet rocks, babyheads, boulders, pointies, derailleur biters, flat tire makes, etc.  The trail was lined with racers who were working on flats and other issues.  One person on the trail sat holding her derailleur hanger, derailleur, pulley, etc., as if the trail had just stripped her spirit.  Her race was over.

For me, the race was moderately fun.  I managed to finish the 20 miler in exactly 3hrs which was my goal.  This equated to 6+ mph and given the terrain, was no easy feat.  I managed to have my own equipment issues to the point where I would start to climb hills and have to get off my bike to make adjustments to my chain.  It was upsetting but my fitness managed to keep me in the race.  I was able to catch people when my gearing was good to only see them pass me when the trail started to point upwards.  I finished somewhere mid-pack and felt good physically as if I could have continued for another couple of hours. 

These races provide for hard East Coast riding and for good local camaraderie.  There are two more races in July and August, of which, I plan to do the July race.  The pros that were in the 40 mile race were finishing around the same time as the average guys, like me, were finishing the 20 mile race.  It is hard to believe that these guys were doing 12 mph on the same trails.