Laddies Loppet 2018

Labor day weekend at Maplelag marks the annual mountain bike weekend, Laddies Loppet. It is a weekend we look forward to each year as we have established some great friendships from not only the race but the years of racing mountain bikes and the people we met over the years.  As has been the case in recent years, Laddies Loppet is the only weekend we get to see some of these folks.

The first race was in 1990. I started mountain biking that year and got hooked. On days off from working as a cook for the Concordia Language camps in Bemidji, I'd come home and build singletrack, mimicking the trail I was racing on. Figured it would be good for training and skill building. That fall decided to put on a race and there were 29 people. Flash forward to 2018, we are now part of the Minnesota Mountain Bike series and over 300 riders compete over the two days.  .

Thursday night gathering with friends and family. The Matt Johnson family has been coming a day early and always nice to catch up with them in person. Matt handles all the sponsorship and promo work for me after volunteering a few years back and I am extremely grateful for his efforts.  John Wessling flew in from California to join us for the Wednesday night TT we had to pre-ride/test the course and gap student Livia helping out this fall. 

I've put a lot of hours on the leaf blower over the years and it was time for a new one so last minute pick up by Jonell and Meredith which turned out to be a good move. The new one works like a charm. Starts quick, clears everything in its path (relatively speaking) and makes for a sweet riding surface. 

 Blowing out singletrack.

 Best part....testing it later!!

Takes a lot of work and help to pull off the race. Good friend Denny who I've posted before about helping out the final week, day before and than racing as well. 69 years young machine!! Thanks Denny for all your help.

Of course Jonell taking care of many behind the scenes tasks. 

Most of the Maplelag team. We were very close in taking the team title this year but came a few points short. All good, great group of people and very proud of each and every one.

Good friend Steve Wenzel racing every Laddies Loppet since 1990.

Scott Olson out for a visit with his shirt from 1990. Always good to see him. Scott still riding, hasn't been on mtb for a few years but keep trying to get him out. Pounding miles on the road. All good.

One of the highlights of the weekend is riding on the course with some of the riders after it's all buffed from racing and trail work. Sweet ride with Calvin Sandberg, Ben Olson, and Tucker Hibbert.

Thanks to everyone that came, helped out and the sponsors of course. Recap on Skinnyski.com Thanks to Bruce for the great photos and behind the scenes tech work.
Keep the wheels moving!