True Grit Epic was just that. Epic! This race was the first of the NUE-- National Ultra-Endurance -- Race Series and has a reputation for being the toughest and most technique of them all. Also, for myself, the Yin to the Yang of riding in Humboldt county.
It all started with the 14 hour drive from the wet and rainy Humboldt County to the dry and deserty open lands of St. George, Utah. I was totally aware this was going to be a Yin experience to all the mountain biking Yang I've come to know. No trees, open desert, no slippery root or mud rather, velcro rocks, not at sea level rather, starts at 2,700 feet, 100 miles in March, not August. Good times were about to be had. Upon arrival, a quick rip on Zen was a good calibration to rock riding and let me tell you, these rocks are everything muddy wet roots are not.
There were 75 of us at the early bird start line ready for this epic adventure. Ladies took off fast and furious while I basically enjoyed the experience of riding everything opposite of what I know. :D I was sticking to rocks like a lizard. Climbing and descending the Zen trail was a test to handling skills and trusting your tires. After a good beating on Zen we entered a good chunk of flowy jump line action. It was exceptionally easy to get lost in the flow of the various jump and pump line options in contrast to finding the fastest most energy efficient path. Before I knew it we were climbing back from the boondocks with nothing in sight but the amazing views of wide open desert and red rock mesas. A loop on Barrel was quite fun with more rocky climbing and descending nonsense. Again, totally opposite then the tall redwood forests of Humboldt County.
50 miles down and 50 more to go. The second lap is always better than the first. Climbing the Zen trail, man handling up the rocks the second and more experienced time was much better than the first. The descent was a dance down the trail like a musician hitting different notes in blissful mountain bike harmony. The open flow jump line section was a stellar good time once again and the wide open climb nearing the end was a test to your ability to stay focused.
Crossing the finish line with a salty face and satisfied soul I was in search of a beer but the grounds were free from such beverages. Luckily a couple friends had some to share and question why the 100 miles. I figured I drove all this way the ride the desert I have to get my money and experience's worth. Besides how epic would a 100 miles be on everything you rarely ride? I may not have been the fastest but I bet I had the most epic experience.
With nothing really hurting just pretty stinkin' tired, we rode with friends the next day and checked out some features and had some fun. The 14 hour drive back and work for the next five days was far harder and grueling than the race itself... the low to the high of the race... but totally worth every moment of riding rocks and getting lost in the flow of riding bikes.
If you're looking for a race that is tough, technical, long with 10,000+ feet elevation gain starting at 2,700 feet above sea level. True Grit Epic is calling your name.
Happy Shredding and thanks for reading!!
It all started with the 14 hour drive from the wet and rainy Humboldt County to the dry and deserty open lands of St. George, Utah. I was totally aware this was going to be a Yin experience to all the mountain biking Yang I've come to know. No trees, open desert, no slippery root or mud rather, velcro rocks, not at sea level rather, starts at 2,700 feet, 100 miles in March, not August. Good times were about to be had. Upon arrival, a quick rip on Zen was a good calibration to rock riding and let me tell you, these rocks are everything muddy wet roots are not.
There were 75 of us at the early bird start line ready for this epic adventure. Ladies took off fast and furious while I basically enjoyed the experience of riding everything opposite of what I know. :D I was sticking to rocks like a lizard. Climbing and descending the Zen trail was a test to handling skills and trusting your tires. After a good beating on Zen we entered a good chunk of flowy jump line action. It was exceptionally easy to get lost in the flow of the various jump and pump line options in contrast to finding the fastest most energy efficient path. Before I knew it we were climbing back from the boondocks with nothing in sight but the amazing views of wide open desert and red rock mesas. A loop on Barrel was quite fun with more rocky climbing and descending nonsense. Again, totally opposite then the tall redwood forests of Humboldt County.
50 miles down and 50 more to go. The second lap is always better than the first. Climbing the Zen trail, man handling up the rocks the second and more experienced time was much better than the first. The descent was a dance down the trail like a musician hitting different notes in blissful mountain bike harmony. The open flow jump line section was a stellar good time once again and the wide open climb nearing the end was a test to your ability to stay focused.
Crossing the finish line with a salty face and satisfied soul I was in search of a beer but the grounds were free from such beverages. Luckily a couple friends had some to share and question why the 100 miles. I figured I drove all this way the ride the desert I have to get my money and experience's worth. Besides how epic would a 100 miles be on everything you rarely ride? I may not have been the fastest but I bet I had the most epic experience.
With nothing really hurting just pretty stinkin' tired, we rode with friends the next day and checked out some features and had some fun. The 14 hour drive back and work for the next five days was far harder and grueling than the race itself... the low to the high of the race... but totally worth every moment of riding rocks and getting lost in the flow of riding bikes.
If you're looking for a race that is tough, technical, long with 10,000+ feet elevation gain starting at 2,700 feet above sea level. True Grit Epic is calling your name.
Happy Shredding and thanks for reading!!