I wanted to try at least one enduro race this year. Whether it was local or not, it didn’t matter. So when I heard about a WEMS race in LaCrosse, on some new trail, I wanted to try it out. The race start was 1pm. This gave me ample time to drive down the morning of, and drive back after the awards at about 830 or so. The trails are less than a year old and many groups have done a terrific job in acquiring the land and forming these multi-use trails right on the bluffs.

The race was a LeMans start. So we all had to run about 500 meters first and then hop on the bike. Not a bad thing considering you hit singletrack right away, so its a good way to disperse the racers. Since I hadn’t ridden the trails before, the first lap was one to understand pace and terrain. The trail was a mixture of punchy climbs, some tricky and rutty singletrack, hardpack dirt and many log hopping maneuvers.

The first 3 laps were pretty smooth and error free. I felt good. It was the next two that were slower and I made more mistakes. I clipped out a few more times but never crashed. You can lose tons of time when you crash, but not when you clip out. So better to be safe than sorry. I was able to check my standing after lap 4 and knew I was in the lead and could kind of control my destiny somewhat.

I did 2 more laps for a final count of 7. One more than second place. Doug Larson of LCR was the second place guy.I highly recommend trying these trails at some point. They are acquiring more land and it will seem like a mecca of mtn biking when all said and done.

RACE NOTES: #259
 7 laps - 49.7 miles rode
 5 hrs. 50 minutes
 8.51 avg
 6314 feet elevation gain.
 Never used the small or big ring.
 Never locked out fork.
 Always stopped in between laps for water/eating/wiping face.
 Lap Times (7)
                              48 :14 
                              44 :40
                              47 :22 
                              49 :46 
                              54 :03 
                              55 :09 
                              51 :08

The 12 hour, 6 hour and 3 hour races were all going together at some point. Different starting and stopping times.

Thanks to Dan Luebke(race director) for a great event!!

The venue has great signage, parking and terrific views!

LeMans start.