Summer has passed and fall is here in full force. Certainly feels like it this week with temps not much above or below the mid 40's. Might even see some frost the next few mornings which always is a good reminder winter will soon be here. A few maple trees already hitting their peak and leaves falling to the ground....
Before school started for all the boys, Jake was back for a few days before the bike race. Hasn't been many family gatherings of just us six since Easter. Always plenty of laughs and good times. Once camp closed it was busy getting the resort ready for the fall including the big Laddies Loppet bike race and the wedding season.
Snuck away for the day, finally getting to a race this year, first one of the season, hitting up the new trail at Mission Creek just south of Duluth. (Todd Bauer photo) The course for a race was a bit disappointing personally, other than the last twisty sandy downhill segment which I hear is now laced with pavers. Don't get me wrong, it is a super fun trail to ride and a total work of art, built ultra professionally. Having raced in Duluth at Mon Du Lac and Spirit Mountain, I always looked forward to racing on those trails with the rocks, roots and terrain that challenged not only the skill set but the fitness as well. But mountain bike racing is changing. The XC courses are softer and if you want to race on the tech stuff, it has to be either in an enduro or downhill, at least in the Midwest. I know the Duluth courses weren't rider friendly for all and it makes sense to make this transition to appeal to more riders. Talking to many folks who felt the same way as I do, there seemed to be a consensus that a mix of trail would be good, especially for the expert race. I know some area riders did try to suggest this but were "tongue lashed" which is sad to hear.
I hate to be negative and critical of any trail as there is a ton of work that goes into building but people are getting paid to do it as well. Of course there are many volunteers that put in some hard sweat hours but having built and maintain trail myself, I do it because I love to and most people that volunteer are in the same boat. It's isn't a personal statement against any group or individual, just an opinion and observation. There is a lot of tax money used to build trails which is generally a good thing unless you own a business that has seen taxes go through the roof the past 6 years......
The final weekend of summer, Jens and I snuck over for a race at MB Johnson Park in Moorhead. The weather had things right on the edge but it turned out to be a super fun ride and race. Jens and I rode as much as we could before the skies opened up and made it a total greaser. I love the effort the FM guys have put in to having something local for the FM area.
Labor day weekend marked the 24th running of Laddies Loppet at Maplelag. We really look forward to this weekend as it is the only time of the year we do a big mountain bike event and so many people coming back year after year, like a big family reunion. Everyone is so friendly, positive and we are really fortunate to have such a great group of folks come play in the back yard. Mountain biking has been such a big part of my life and thankful to have the opportunity to try and give something back to a sport that has helped me keep the wheels moving!
With the longest loop ever, it took a bit more trail maintenance but with nice weather, it was great being in the woods tuning the trail. The short track races are always the most exciting and this year was no exception. Big thanks to Denny Barry helping with trail blowing the two days before and to Matt Johnson with his help in sponsorship and the leader jerseys from Podiumwear. And a huge thanks to everyone who came up and raced, watched and helped out! All four boys participated in some shape or form which was awesome. Hard to believe next year will be the 25th! Some new changes on tap to mix things up and try something different. Stay tuned!
Jens in the short track.
Jack, err Horse biker leading out the kids race.
Jake railing on twin lakes loop in the singletrack.
Jon didn't officially race but rode the citizen race with Jakes's ski mate Calvin and playing to the camera guy on Suicide hill. Bruce came up a day early, getting a bunch of tech stuff fixed and adjusted and once again did a great job covering a lot of the course on race weekend.
Jonell does a ton of work for the bike race getting a lot of the logistic stuff dialed in and right after bike race weekend, it was getting ready for wedding which was a short two days later.
School in full swing and Jack's cross country meets. Running in the heat at the home course as family cheers and Cooper wheels.
Jon has started fall league, playing with the Great Plains team in the HS Elite league. The first weekend started out well with a win, loss and tie. The team has many kids he has played with over the summers and the chemistry seems to be better than the metro teams. The GP team might not be as skilled as the city teams that are stacked with this years powerhouse hs teams Edina and Lakeville North but the GP team will hold their own. There is some incredible talent among all 8 teams that play each weekend and really good hockey. (sport nGin photo)
Fall is one of the best seasons with great sunsets, still hints of summer now and than and the excitement for the soon approaching winter.
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