About 500 racers started the Hard Rock in Negaunee, MI last Saturday. The “Hard Rock” is the 48-mile course of the Ore to Shore bike fest. Combined with the “Junior Rock” and “Soft Rock” races about 1,500 crazy folks participate. I never realized the upper peninsula of Michigan could sustain such a thriving mountain bike scene. I think I wound up a little insulated from the ‘outside’ cycling scene growing up in Colorado. Maybe I read a little too much Bouldernews (aka – Velonews)…

On to the race. A mass start of 500 people, some on tandems, most vying for a spot up front as we cruised out of Negaunee and started the 48-mile race to Marquete, MI–1,500 feet lower. Jenna Z had a perfect race, winning by some ten minutes. Kyia Anderson finished second after we had a little battle with about 8 miles to go. I finished third and something like 76th overall. This was my first mass-start event, longest mountain bike race, and first course I’ve encountered that has waaaay more descending than climbing. I’m happy with the outcome. Next time I’ll have to start a little stronger, maybe I should try to glue myself to Jenna’s wheel. I might try that one at Chequamegon.

What an incredible event. For a little more perspective (and pics) on the race check out the Sarah Lukas blog, and B-Matter. Oh, the really great thing about Saturday is that TJ finished 2nd, just seconds off the leader. He’s got a good story to tell about it too.