Race report and fundraising for Ore to Shore Moutain Bike Race: It was August 9th in Negaunee Michigan. The morning air was fresh and brisk. I had signed up for the 48 miles of hills and sand and I was questioning why did I do that??? I really would like to be hanging out at the camper now instead of riding this route. There were a lot of bikers that looked fast and mean and lean! oh well it was what it was!
The O2S (Ore To Shore) race is a point to point race that starts in Negaunee (Hard Rock 48 miles) and finishes in Marquette. The Soft Rock (26miles) starts in Ishpening and also finishes in Marquette. The course passes underground mining ores and runs along the Dead River and along Lake Superior shoreline. It is a beautiful wooded wilderness course and very much a great ride.
The gun went off and we started. The route was a two track for most of the way, but it was a very dusty, iron ore red dust. My lungs started to hurt within a mile. I knew this was going to be a long 48 miles. I followed RJ and DeAnn on the Tandem for a few miles til the left me behind a few slower riders that I could not get around. I needed to find someone to draft off of quickly. Then I felt someone drafting on me. I looked behind and it was two guys sucking my back tire. I told them fine but we would need to take turns. Well that didn’t last, when it was my turn to draft – then left me. Who said a race was fair. oh well.
About the first 26 miles of this race is tough, a lot of rocks hills, and sand pits not anything that is real technology but you need a lot of legs and lungs. The last 20 so seems to be easier (or maybe it was I thinking it was down hill). There was still a lot of sand, but didn’t seem to be hug hills or any single track.
Overall this is a great race. I am planning on doing this race again next year and spending the whole week after the race in Marquete and Cooper Harbor area Mtn biking.
I have raised $200.00 for Patti Pals Relay for Life in Richland Michigan. Patti lost her life to breast cancer serveral years ago. All of us know someone who has or who had cancer. Cancer is a scary disease and we need to find a cure for it.
time: 3:53:17 Pace 12.35 finished Overall 499th, of 680. 41st out of 70 women 3rd female 50-54 age group
Jana Turpin