Fort Custer Stampede Preview

 

Race #2 for me is this coming Sunday. I was only able to get 1 ride in this week, and I plan to do a trainer ride tonight, but that isn't super great heading into a race. It was a busy week with a concert and bringing Jayden home from MSU. That leaves tonight for a ride. I was going to ride Luton, but just wasn't feeling it this morning. Cooler temps and a chance of rain prompted me to leave the bike home. I might try to sneak out when I get home, or just do a spin on the trainer to clear my legs. 

The last time I did this race was again back in 2023. This time last year I was having surgery to repair my elbow tendon, so I missed it. This year, I am on a mission to put a stamp on this event.

I have always loved this event. its not as big as it used to be, with the gravel scene dramatically trying to kill the mountain bike scene. But that doesn't matter, its still a fun event. Being smaller, there are only 4 Sport clydes pre-registered. That means I have a 25% chance at a podium. So that is a good start. lol. 

This course starts at the upper lot of the Eagle Lake area in Fort Custer. Out of the chute we make a left down a narrow two track and cut across the side of the lower parking lot. After crossing the road you dive right into the Green loop. This is towards the end of the Green, so it has a chunk of tight and root filled trail along Dickman road. After that, its a long flat blast to get in to the trench section of Red.

This twisty trench section is always fun, but can be frustrating if you are not in rhythm. Its important to relax and stay focused in here to ride smooth lines. After that section is some good flow to a switchback descent followed by a switchback climb. Nothing tough, but this is the first climb on the course. After the climb is more fast and flat sections before landing in the Amusement park portion of the trail. 

Eventually you kick out to the two track that leads to the front end of the green trail and Erins Climb. Another switchback climb, you will see Erin's rock at the top. Job done, keep pressing on. There is a mix of flow with some climbs. The green trail then flattens out for the most part until a climb in the pines. One nasty climb filled with roots and then you are nearing the boat launch climb. Make it up that and you are flying towards the finish. 

At around 8 miles, the laps are fairly quick. With less than 500 feet of climbing per lap, it is not a tough course at all. One of my favorite places to ride, I have the course knowledge I need to gain a bit of an edge. I know where to push and what to expect. 

So what are my goals for this race? Well, first off I am shooting for a podium. Yes I know there are only 4 people (right now) signed up, but showing up is only half the battle. I need to have a clean race to get podium. That is the goal. My time goal is not as clear. In 2023 I had a finish time of 1:39:05, which was not great. My lap times were 49:00 and 49:45. Consistency I like to see. I know I can pull at least 5 minutes off of each lap time. This would put me sub 1:30 for the race.

 

Side note: When I compared my Yankee Springs TT times from 2023 and 2025 I noticed I shaved 15 minutes off of my time. 15 minutes over 11 miles. That is 1:21 faster per mile. Pretty solid improvement. If I use that same number at this race, figuring a 15 mile race, I could shave 20 minutes off of my time.....

If I take the above into consideration, I could see a finish time around 1:20. I am going to set my goal as such.. I want to take one of the top steps with a finishing time under 1:25. 

At the end of the day I just want to improve from 2023. If I finish in 1:30 I will take it. But I am feeling pretty good and I will be riding my home course. I am happy to be out here riding and seeing what I can achieve. Every ride I have done has PR's and top 3 results on the segments ridden. I am still getting lighter, but I know there is still room to drop more. I will be interested to see how my gains will show for this event.

Tune in next week to find out!