Addison Oaks Summer Classic RECAP

 Here we go with another recap. 

Addison Oaks was my 4th race, but it was the 6th race in the Michigan Off Road Series. I missed Island lake and Maybury, so this was my only trip across the Mitten. I was up too early. I didn't get a restless sleep. For some reason I was nervous about this race. Maybe it was the drive. Maybe it was that I haven't ridden at Addison in 10 years. Maybe it was pile of Sport Clydes that were pre-registered. Who knows. At any rate, here we go.

I left the house around 7am. This event is close to 3 hours away from me. I had zero issues in my morning travels. I got to Addison around 10am. I threw on my shoes and headed to registration. I was there just in time to see the Experts start. I will tell you this, they are fast. lol. I picked up my number plate and watched the rest of the starts and headed back to the car. 

When I got back and put my plate on I found this number two randomly laying on the ground. I was hoping it was a premonition as to how I would finish. (it wasn't). 

Since I had plenty of time I found some shade and just tried to relax. I could feel that my blood pressure was up. I just slowed my breathing and did my best to chill out for about 45 minutes. 

I geared up around 11 and headed out to roll a bit. I didn't do anything special. I just rolled and looked around. It was pushing 90 at the start, so I didn't want to over do it. Eventually I rolled up to the start area and waited to line up. This is truly where I believe part of my issues started. I got to the pavilion around 11:50. They started waves every minute, and clydes were the last of the men. So I was close to 20 minutes between my warm up and my start. Historically I don't do well when I am warm....stop...and try to ride hard again. Legs don't cooperate. So that was not great. Anyway....

3, 2, 1....GO

The start was pretty good. It is a grassy section that gives way to a short pavement trail before turning into gravel. Oh, and its uphill all the way to the singletrack. I was doing ok, I hit the trail in 5th place. That was my first goal. So the start was good. 

I held on for a bit, but then we had a little pile up and I got separated. A few guys snuck by before I could get by and I had to chase. I was pushing super hard. So hard that my heart rate was the highest I have ever recorded. With the heat, I had to back off. 

The trail is a lot of fun. But I just didn't have the gumption today to crush it. Riding a trail blind can be hard. A video can show you what it looks like, but its a whole different animal when you come hot into a corner that you don't know. I have ridden here, but like I said before it was 9 years ago. My memory wasn't working at all. lol. I was just riding as hard as I could. I was in my rhythm, but not full tilt race effort because I didn't want to die.

The climbing mainly comes in the second half of the lap. There is a nice blacktop section where you can fly for a bit, and then dive back into the trails. The closer you get to the end, the more climbing you find. You are met with The Wall that is just a nasty punch in the face when you are already maxed out. You get rewarded with a super fast section before the finish. 

I bombed that section and the trail opened up to blacktop. After a short stint I was back in the grass and trying to ride hard. My first lap was 34:22. My goal was sub 35 minute laps, so I made it for the first one. 

I was wanting to drink more, but I was feeling full. Things were just not adding up for a good day for me. But, I pressed on. The first climb was rough. When I finally got to the top I just settled back in and pressed onward. Before I knew it I was back at the black top section. I am sure a lot happened. 

I do know with about a mile to go I got caught by another clyde. Ugh.....I tried to hold on....but he had caught me and recovered for a bit before passing. So I was dragging him along while he recovered so he could leave me behind. lol. Dammit! 

The  woods finally gave way and I could see the finish line. I crossed with a time of 1:12:15. Not terrible, but not great. My lap times were 34 followed up by a 37. Had I been able to drop a 35 I would have landed in 7th place. Instead, I had to settle for 9th. Not the worst, but I was hoping for better. All I can do is use this to get better. 

Overall it was still a fun day. The drive home was less impressive. More cars and a lot more impatient drivers. I made it safely home. The drive was the worst part. 6 hours in the car for just over an hour of riding. lol. It is part of of this whole thing.

Big Thank you to Fun Promotions and Clint River Area Mountain biking for a fun event! 

I input the results into my calculator to see where I stand in the series. If I look at only qualified riders, I am sitting firmly in 2nd place. Just looking at overalls, I do get bumped to 3rd. I would like a podium spot in the series....that would make this suffering worth it. lol. 

Next series race will be Traverse City Trails Festival in September. I do have at least 1 gravel race before then. I might try to sneak in another. We shall see what happens.

All we can do is keep moving forward! 

Hanson Hills 50 Preview.

 

I will be making the trek to Grayling Friday night to camp at Hanson Hills. Staying at the recreation area so I don't have to make that 3 hour drive in the morning. This way I can wake up, get some food, and relax before the fun begins.

All good things come to an end, and that includes this event. This will be the last Hanson Hills 50 and the last event for promoter Fun Promotions. I will be glad to take part in this final episode. 

I attempted this race one time before back in 2021. I struggled and missed the cutoff time so I didn't get the full experience. In 2021 I was at 3:30 on my first lap. I went back and read the recap (click here) and started to remember how I struggled. Didn't sleep because of noisy neighbors at the campground. Mentally was in a different place that year as well. 

So why this race?

Training and testing.

Honestly, I always like the events that Fun Promotions does...er...did. This will be their last event as I stated before. When I saw it was happening again I wanted to sign up so I could be there to finish this story. But I am also wanting to have some redemption. Having been unsuccessful on my last attempt, I want to get to the finish line this time. 

Recently the surge of gravel races has seen the mountain bike races drift to the background. Most of them are under 20 miles (for Sport) and don't lend the type of training that this race will give me. Sure gravel is great, but its different than mountain biking. Knowing this terrain is similar to what I will see in a few weeks will help me get an idea of how things are going.

Lets dig in....

Mass

I am currently about 20 pounds lighter than I was when I last did HH50 in 2021. That is a win as we know that carrying 4 of the 5 lb bags of flower isn't something that helps you climb faster.

Sorry no free advertising ;)

Speed

The image below is my times at Yankee Springs. Throw in the race time around 1:16 and my times from this year are falling inline with the times from 2015. 2015 is the last year I did the LJ100 and I used Yankee as training. So things are moving in the right direction here!

Climbing

I wanted to break down the feet of climbing per mile at each of the trails below. Yankee versus Hanson versus Lumberjack. I went and pulled the feet per mile off Strava to get an idea of the intensity of the climbing. These numbers are what my bike computer gives me so they are close but not 100% accurate. Will still give you an idea of the elevation that I am against coming up.

Yankee Springs:.....100.1   

Hanson Hill 50:.....68.2

Lumberjack 100:.....73.1

Yankee not only offers more climbing per mile but the trail is also sandy, rocky, rooty, and much more technical than either Hanson or Big M. Each trail has its moments, but I definitely consider Yankee a harder trail than the others. Doesn't mean the other events are easier...because with the added distance those climbs wear out the legs. Hanson and LJ courses are fairly close as far as climbing per mile. 

This means that this will be a half test of LJ100. It will be a good indicator of where I am...not only physically but mentally. I feel pretty good overall and I am ready for this challenge. Not going to be an easy day on the bike...but with the right plan I will be successful. Nutrition testing will be happening. I will be doing everything in my power to make the cutoff time and get a finish here. 

Full race video from MI-XC (from 2021)

So lets talk goals. Even though I don't see a cutoff time, I am sure Brent will mention it like he did in 2021. Basically....3 hour cutoff time. This might not seem like a big deal for 25ish miles. That is only 8.3 mph right? This should be doable in my eyes. I am looking at a goal finish of sub 5:52 for this event. That is 8.5mph as an average. I know, not fast...but that isn't the point. If I can average that speed at this event, it means I am in a good position for LJ100. 

Gang, I know I am not a fast cyclist. I am a big dude out here doing the best I can. I am doing shit on a bike at 250+ that people who weigh 180 pounds won't do. This isn't for anybody but me. I am seeing positive progress on the bike. Learning a ton on nutrition. Losing weight. Moving forward. Finding that confidence that I had back in 2015. Getting healthier and living a happy life. Sure I might take last place on Saturday.....but last place with a finish means more to me than sitting on the couch eating Twinkies all weekend. I just do the best I can. A lot of us do. It is a lot of fun to get out there and see what the world has to offer. My goals are my own. Everyone has them. While some have goals to be podium at these events....mine is simply to finish. That can be more of a win that you can even imagine.

Hanson Hills 50 Goals:

1. Make 3 hour cutoff

2. finish

3. Finish sub 6 hours

4. Finish sub 5:50

Check back to see which of these goals I accomplish on Saturday. 

Hanson Hills Challenge Recap

As I was awaking from my slumber I could hear the rain pouring on the roof. The sound was so intense that I could hear it over my window air conditioner. I thought right then....just stay in bed. Instead I got up and checked the weather while waiting to hear back from Nate and Matt. Knowing Matt was pre-registered I figured he would go regardless. The weather looked like it would clear, so I loaded up in the rain. I put The D.U.F.F. inside the suburban and started the journey north. 

It was raining the whole way to Grand Rapids. I pulled off the highway and we loaded 2 more bikes in the suburban before continuing the long jaunt to Grayling. The rain let up as we got north of Grand Rapids and we traveled along the edge of the dry line the whole way to Kalkaska. The trip up was uneventful, which is always good. We rolled into Hanson Hills just after 9am and started to get the lay of the land. 

First indicator, the area looked like Cannonsburg Ski area, just a bit longer and taller. The temps were in the mid 50's and the sky was super grey, but no rain was falling. Matt took off at 10, so Nate and I wandered around a bit while we waited for him to finish. 

Final descent to the finish area

Then it was our turn. I lined up with 6 other guys to start my 2 laps. I was feeling pretty relaxed and my plan was to jump on JC's wheel and see what happened. It was time to go and the group started toward the first climb. Pace was as expected, quick. I am not a fast starter so I just found my place toward the back and counted as we hit the single track. I was in 5th. So far so good....but a long way to go. 

The first climb is not as bad as I thought it would be...until it was. I stalled on the last steep section and had to walk the rest. JC rolled past putting me into 6th place. I jumped in behind him and figured I would hold on as long as I could. He was having a rough go today. Some adverse effects from some cold medicine. That helped me hold on! I rode on his wheel the whole first lap. I could feel that I was stronger on the climbs but I wanted to make sure I was actually feeling stronger, and not blow up only to get dumped on the second lap.

Photo by Jack Kunnen

JC and I passed the line together at the end of the first lap. He moved over and I took the lead. Once we hit the first climb I started to open a gap. I got to that same little kicker and had to get off. When I looked back I could see him coming, but I had no interest in waiting. I forged ahead with all I had. I kept looking over my shoulder, fully expecting to see JC coming, but nobody ever did. I rode alone for all but about a mile of that second lap. Climbing hills with what little power I had left. Then the wind started to pick up. I was trying to see the sky but it didn't look dark. The wind got gustier and then the rain started. A sprinkle at first. So I put down what power I had left to get to the finish. I saw the last climb and I was slowly making my way to the top when the skies opened. I bombed down a descent and then over the last rise before breaking out to the finish area. Head down, mashing the pedals and the rain just pouring. Not a warm rain, cold. I rounded the last corner and could hear the awesome troop of girl scouts cheering me on, so I stood and mashed to the finish line.

Not really caring where I finished at this point I rode right to the truck and we got the bikes inside. I changed and headed to check my finish. 5th place on a very tough course and a rival defeated (even if by medicine) made for a very good day on the bike for me. The ride home was long, but the day was well worth the trip. Nate finished 1st in his class, Matt took a solid 2nd in his class, and I cracked the top 5 for the first time in a long time. 

I did move into top 5 in CPS points as well. I know that will change, but if I can keep up the top finishes I might just be ok!

Glacial Hills XC recap

Early Sunday morning I put the D.U.F.F. on the Suburban and headed towards Grand Rapids. I swung off the highway by Gun Lake Casino and picked up Mark and Jeff. Then we started the nearly 3 hour journey to Bellaire, MI. The further north we got the darker the clouds got. Checking the weather in the week leading up to this race I was curious how it would end. 60's and a 50% plus chance of rain....we took our chances. By Cadillac we were wondering if we made the right choice. As the skies opened for the first time I really started to question my decision to pre-register. Then the sun broke through the clouds. Then it rained again. Then...we arrived in Bellaire.

The sun broke through the clouds when we go to Bellaire.

When we got to the school for registration the skies were partly cloudy. It was actually kind of chilly. But perfect racing weather. From the reports we had about trail conditions we figured the trail would be solid and fast. After double checking tire pressures we headed up the first climb of the course to warm up. Knowing I had 2 laps I wanted to stash my second bottle. The first climb is about .8 miles long and not crazy steep. We just rode a casual pace up the hill and found the parking lot where the trail starts. I dropped my bottle and we watched a few Expert\Elite riders fly thru and then we headed back down to the start area.

I made my last minute preparations and headed to the start area. As we were lining up some people were bombing down the hill towards the finish. It looked fun and I was looking forward to that section. Then it was time to start. There was 9 Clydes galloping up the hill at the start. I jumped on a wheel and planned to hold on as long as I could. That worked out for a bit....as I kept the pack in sight for most of the climb....and then they disappeared into the woods. Once on the singletrack, I started to find out what the trail was going to be like. It seemed like the entire trail was bench cut out of the side of the hills. I was able to push myself harder than I have in recent rides. I was feeling pretty good, but wasn't going very fast. I kept catching glances of Ted up ahead of me, and then another guy in our class that was between us. I kept the pressure on my body and did my best to hold on....but eventually I had to ease up.

As I eased up I started to settle into my pace. I was realizing how awesome the terrain was that I was riding on. The hills were crazy steep but the trail wasn't. The trails cut across the hills so it wasn't bad riding. It was cool to be able to see people weaving up the hill and passing me going the opposite direction up above my head. The trail was awesome. I started getting a lot of traffic passing me but it wasn't a big deal. I was enjoying the ride.

I finally saw the parking lot and was happy to see the start of my second lap. I knew traffic would be gone and I could just ride my ride. I stopped and swapped bottles then headed back up the trail. I was really comfortable. Riding at what felt like a solid pace I kept spinning away. The miles ticked by and I was still enjoying the ride. Then I saw the parking lot again. After a short trip jaunt down the hill I made the right hander to head to the finish line. The last section was downhill for 1.5 miles....on pavement. I pushed as hard as I could and was absolutely trucking. I hit 37.4 mph on that descent. Brent was at the corner cheering me on as I flew past. GO GO GO. I quickly got to the last section of road and rolled thru the finish banner. I took 9th....but apparently a guy didn't do both laps....so he got a DNF and I moved up to 8th. I will take it....because it was just a fun ride overall.

Mark flatted but still finished with a 13th place. Jeff had a great ride and took 5th place in his class. The trip home was full of laughter. It was a great day with friends and teammates on a trail I had never ridden before. Next up is Maybury TT this coming Sunday. All I will do is ride and see what happens.....and gauge my ride on how I feel and not on where I finish. Should be interesting!

Treetops XC Recap

I was up and out of bed at 6:15 to head to Gaylord. Why so early? Well, it is a 3-1/2 drive from my town south of Grand Rapids all the way up to Gaylord. Why was I going? Well, as of Friday when registration closed...there were zero people signed up in my class. So why not? Originally a few teammates were planning on going but other responsibilities arose and I headed up solo.

That hill doesn't look "that bad"

The drive was fairly uneventful. The skies kept changing from a full blanket of clouds to a light blanket of clouds to some light rain. When I arrived the clouds opened and the temperature rose to the mid 70's. I waltzed to the registration table and signed up. At that time...I was the second person in my class. Off to a good start....all I have to do is finish for a 2nd place. Sweet. Worth the drive.

Watching the Experts and Elites I was starting to wonder what I had gotten myself into. When the fast guys are riding slower....that is never good for a rider like me. But....oh well....still have 2nd right?

Then it was time to line up. The Sport class was pretty thin. They were combining and riders were sliding by to the start line. When it was time to go there were three Sport Clydes on the line. Sweet. All I have to do is finish. 

Half way up the first climb

Ready. Set. GO!

Done. The first climb was awful. Best part....only 3 more times. I was around a small group of riders as I got to the top. I caught a guy from the class in front of me and never saw him again. The first climb just kept going and going. Then it kicked. I don't know if I could have ridden that hill last year when I was the strongest I have ever been. It was so steep. At the top you get a short bit of respite. A quick downhill to a small paved uphill. Then to the singletrack. The trail shoots off a cart path for the golf course and dives into the woods between the driving range and one of the tee boxes. The trail is rough. Barely ridden. Tight. Loose dirt. Tough.

I meander my way though the woods and shoot out onto the back side of the ski hill. Then the second nasty climb. It is short...but crazy steep. I have to walk. Doesn't matter. I push up the hill and cruise back down the front of the ski hill....actually crossing the uphill from the first climb. There are already people coming through on their second lap. I am crushed already. HA. I press on.

The next climb is ugly. Long. Steep. Never ending. Awful. I barely even put a dent into it before I have to walk again. Have I mentioned I am heavy...and a strict non-climber? Yeah...that is rearing it's ugly head at this point. After an eternity I reach the top. Grab a drink of water and dive into the next singletrack section. Decent little stretch then BOOM. Huge steep climb. Legs are already cooked. I walk. So what. I am here. Trying my best. Doing what I love. After some very dodgy and technical downhill switchbacks the trail gives way to the pavement and I bomb down to the start finish line. That was only 1 lap....ugh.

View back down the first climb

Second lap was worse. 8 minutes slower than the first. But I was in what little groove I had. This course is hard to find any rhythm on. Just when you do there is a nasty switchback or a kicker or just something else. Mentally I checked out on the first lap. I was just riding at this point....there was no "race" left in me. Just finish.

The trees finally give way again and I head down to the start finish area. Halfway done. Sweet. I swing to the right of the hill where I stashed my cooler and swapped bottles. Just as I get back on my bike I hear "keep pushing dude"....from the guy that is in 2nd place in my class. Lapped....half way through the race. But....I had 3rd locked up. So....again...whatever.

Another view from the top of the ski hill

Slowly I churned away. I was tired. I was still trying to ride what I could...which wasn't much. Still, the people I did see where offering encouragement. Keep going. Just keep those wheels rolling Sean. you got this.  Lap 3....finally finished. I crossed the line and I hear Ted R on the microphone. "Passing thru is Sean Evans! He is in 3rd place. Keep going buddy! Still a smile on his face". Yes, for some damn reason I was still smiling. Maybe I was still having fun as miserable as it was. No, I really was still having fun. Like it or not....I was in 3rd place rolling on the hardest course I have ever ridden. Ever. Worse than LJ100. Worse than Ore 2 Shore. Worse than anything. Brent said "this is the toughest course in Michigan".....I agree. 

Dirt tan

Last lap....walking. More walking. Then as I pass across the course on the front of the ski hill I hear Ted calling the awards. Ugh. I didn't even make it back for awards. lol. Oh well. Top of the last steep climb I grab a banana and fuel up. Then I hit the last singletrack. I get that excitement that I am almost done...but it left as soon as I hit the nasty climb in that section. I just smile and say "what the hell am I doing out here".....to which I remember "taking 3rd". So I trek down the switchbacks and the woods open up one last time to the pavement. I get a spark and bomb down the hill and crush the finish. Surely this was the fastest I had ridden all day. Hey, people are watching after all. 

Earned.

I get cleaned up and catch the last part of Beginner awards. Ted calls me up and I collect my plaque. Earned. The single hardest race I have ever done. So yes.....I was slow. Doesn't matter. I showed up...and I raced to my current level. Crushed? Sure, but that doesn't matter either. I took a chance that I would land a podium and I was successful. My second sport podium. 

Will I ever do this race again? Well, depends on how many people sign up.....

Pando XC, Izzys career begins

I decided to try another race and this time I was bringing Izzy along with me. I talked with Fun Promotions and was given the go ahead to ride with her. We loaded up and met Jay, Mark, and Lisa on the way up to Pando Winter Sports Park.

Izzy trying to hide!

We got the numbers on and then it was time for me to go. I left my phone with Izzy, she took some good pics.

There she is!

I have never ridden here, but how bad could it be? The actual ski hill isn't that big....I mean Cannonsburg is bigger. I have ridden at Boyne Mountain. Pando is only 4 miles long....and UPHILL THE WHOLE FREAKING WAY. I am not a climber....not by any means.

Start: Up the face of the ski hill. No problem. I made it. The problem? well, I was gassed. ha. I wasn't the last one up the hill, but it wasn't long before I found myself in last place. I settled myself down and managed to reel one guy back in. At the end of my first lap I saw the next guy popping out of the woods just up the hill. I planned on reeling him in too....but I never saw him again.

Me on 1st lap

This was a cool section. A downhill across the deck and then a hard right before climbing the tubing hill. The hill doesn't look bad, but holy hell do I hate hills. I kept pressing on. At the end of the second lap I knew I was hosed. I got to the top of the hill and just bailed out. I would not have been able to ride 2 more laps and then follow Izzy. Hey, it was fun (not really) while it lasted. HA. I was right around an hour for my 2 laps. Not terrible, but way down the standing. 12 people in my class this year, which I think is a lot. Good to see the big guys coming out to race!

Izzy and I before the start

Next it was time for Izzy. We lined up and I was surprised by the 10 kids in her class. Beginner 10 and Under had TEN RIDERS!!! Brent yelled GO and off the kids went. There was about 5 dads following their kids around too. Izzy did awesome. She didn't make the first climb, but she sure did try.

Izzy on first lap (I got to follow)

Izzy making the turn after the deck. She said later that she would gladly ride the course to this point again so she could ride across it. She even took the little drop off. This kid is a trooper. She was frustrated as the other kids disappeared out of sight but she kept pushing onward. She caught one girl a few miles in, but they passed us shortly after. I was sure to offer only encouragement and it was just a lot of fun to watch her try her best.

 As we came past the start line for the last climb our teammates from Custer Cyclery were there cheering away for Izzy. She didn't want to ride the Ski hill again, but then she asked if she could "bomb down the hill" after the race was done. OF COURSE YOU CAN!  She had to push her bike more than she wanted....but she finished her first ever mountain bike race....of a brutal course.

Izzy after her race!

I want to give a huge shout to my team for cheering her on. You guys made the experience for her even more fun. We could hear you all the way to the top of the hill. I love my team and Izzy certainly loves you guys too!

Speaking of my team. Great job to Lisa P. for taking 1st place in her class. Also great job to Jeff R. and Mark K. on their first races. Good job to Jay and Bill for coming out and taking on this course!

The highlight had to be when we were watching the Beginner podiums. They called the Beginner Women 11-14 and I told Izzy that would be her in a few years. Her response "yep, but I will be wearing this jersey" as she flicked the shoulder on her Custer jersey. LOVIN IT!