WORS #3 Big Ring Classic

Wausau, WI

by: Aaron Sturgis

Big Ring Classic = fast trails, fast riders, and a great racing venue.  Sunday did not disappoint.  We rolled into Nine Mile with temps hovering around 70°, sunny skies, and light winds.  The sport racers were just finishing up and were talking about how dry and blazing fast the trails and single track were.  I was stoked to get out there and push the limit on a course that sets-up well for the 29ers.

I threw on the number plate and got a descent warm-up in and rolled up to the start that touted a pretty strong field.  Not long after the elites took off we where off and redlining it through the woods on some sweet double track.  What makes the Big Ring a classic is how open and fast the course is.  The roll out is brutally fast and long.  It felt like we rode a good three miles before we hit the first single track.  By the time we shot out of the first rocky single track I had lost the wheels of the lead group and began the fight to catch back on. 

By the second lap a group of five formed that included Rhinelander native, Chris Cook.  Each one of us took a pull here and there and before we knew it we began to reel in riders and drop others off the back.  By the last lap our group was down to just me and one other rider.  We took it easy through the single track and then would let loose on the ski trails.  Half way through the third lap we started to hit traffic from the elite riders and eventually caught two more comp riders.  The last ski trail section I decided to put in a hard effort to see what everyone had left in the tank.  No one was able to jump on my wheel and I was able to solo in at 16th.✱  I’m still looking for that race where I put together the perfect start, the perfect laps, and the perfect finish.  Either way, Sunday’s Big Ring race lived up to its name…Classic.

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✱ Had to sport the T//6 Speedy Jesus t on the podium.  That’s how we roll, right?