Ore2Shore Epic

In da U.P. 'eh
Ore to Shore Saturday August 08, 2009
by: Jorden Wakeley

Kinda late on my Ore2Shore race report, but here it goes. Stop #1 of the “Midwest Triple Crown” This would be my first O2S. Left Grayling around noonish on Friday and headed 250 miles North to the Yoop. Arrived in Marquette and immediatly got excited seeing all the mountain bike racers EVERYWHERE! Didnt reserve a hotel before headin’ up, so we played Hell searching for one. Eventually found a place to stay on an old Air Force base about 25 miles away from the start. Never sleep very good on the eve of a race unless im in my own bed, and this was no exception.

Woke early on Sat. morning, loaded up on coffie and bagels and headed to the race start. Managed to get lined up in about the 3rd row behind the fast guys. Start was a crazy fast road roll out, my worst enemy on the singlespeed. Everytime I looked down at my computer I was in the 30 m.p.h. range. Spun like mad and drafted as best as I could. As soon as we hit the Luge Hill climb, I surged ahead and picked of 20+ positions. I was riding like a mad man, jumping from mini peleton to mini peloton. I was completly redlined 6 miles into the 48 mile race, and started gettin’ concerned.  I knew I would have to tune it down a notch or 3. As we passed through the town of Naugaunee, I looked back and realized I was pulling a train of 15 or so geared riders. I jumped to the side and let them pass and drafted til we hit the dirt again. As soon as we got to the rail road bed, I laid down another attack. I was sitting in 2nd in the SS class, and knew it would take all I had to bridge SS stud Ron Sanborn. I got in with a fast group of geared riders and let them pull me around. About 15 miles in, I felt my rear end get squishy, FLAT! Rode as long as I could before dimounting and swapping tubes. Got the tire of no problem, tube in and co2 exploded on me. Didnt bring a pump with me… Sat on the side of the trail as over 100 racers passed by, begging for a co2 or tire pump. Finally some rad dude threw me a pump. Got the flat fixed and forged forward. Definatley the slowest I have ever taken to change a flat. It was on, catch as many riders as I could in the next 30 miles. Hit Misery Hill, and knew it was time to put my high school xc running skills to the test. I flew around many people on the climb and kept the pace high, jumping from group to group making my way through the pack.

The miles flew by, I reached the long, grueling paved climb and put my singlespeed climbing skills to the test. This is where I caught the large amount of people that passed me while fixing the flat. After the paved climb, we hit some fun s-track, and lots of sand. Caught up to fellow T6 SSer Joel Coon and worked with him the last 10 miles or so to bring back as many riders as possible. We were absolutley hauling on the final 6 or so miles. Crossed under the line in just under 3 hours. Not what I was looking for, but there is always next year. Ended up 7th place in th SS division, was in 2nd with a good gap over 3rd and 4th when the flat tire attacked. Rode strong after the flat, so I cant complain. Seen lots of Twin 6 riders up there. Lots of cool people, new friends, and awesome racing. Already looking forward to redemption next year. Next up is the Log Splitter XC on my home course!

Stay METAL!