Last weekend saw the annual running of the X100 mile MTB marathon in Traverse City, Michigan. The race was planned to incorporate 100 miles of local trails, predominantly singletrack. The area is known for its mountain bike heritage partly thanks to the annual hosting of North America’s largest MTB event the Iceman Cometh.
The X100 never uses the same trail twice and winds its way through the myriad of local marked and unmarked mountain bike trails. Predominantly flat, fast and flowy trails, the race typically rewards those who have fine bike handling skills and also a big, powerful motor to push through the often sandy double track sections. Race Director John Kolarevic does a stellar job having most of the course entirely marked 1 week prior to the event and sending out gpx files to all pre-registered competitors with the course fully mapped out. A local for many years and a man with an intricate knowledge of the humungous local trail network John has a lot of respect for the way he puts this event together.
This year a few more challenges were thrown at the organising crew due to the inclement and unpredictable weather behaviour in Northern Michigan. The forecast on the evening prior to the race predicted damaging lightning storms for the afternoon of race day. With the dangerous weather predicted to roll in at 1pm on race day the race organisation made the last minute decision to shorten the event by approximately 20-30miles in order to assure all competitors were home safe prior to the predicted lightning strikes. Hence, the course had to be re marked in the few remaining hours of daylight on the race eve. A smart decision welcomed by all racers as this is a part of America where lightning is a very real threat to safety with at least 1 death recorded each year due to being struck by lightning.
The trails of Northern Michigan were perfect for the short travel duallie 29er set up!
Race day at the X100
Lining up on an already sodden start line on race day, strategies were redesigned by most racers due to the shortened distance. Some decided to take a very fast start to the race and gain time on the first 12 miles of singletrack. Scott Quiring, the first ever winner of the Iceman Cometh took off at lightning pace with those whom were competing in the team/relay event. Hoping to save some firepower for later in the race the other 100mile (now 70mile) racers, myself included, chose to chip away saving some power for the dirt road sections scheduled for later in the course. Defending champion Jorden Wakeley was a surprise last minute DNS opening the race up to some of the other local favourites.
Unfortunately the leading 6 were victim to some out of place trail markings directing them to the finish after only 41miles. Crossing the line confused the leaders were told a trail marker had been misplaced and it would be taken care of. Hence, a separate category was created for those leading 100mile riders who ended up only racing for 41miles. Of which myself was the 3rd place rider.
Reflecting on the X100
Starting to feel strong again after numerous broken bones this year I was happy with this result, albeit a little disappointed I did not get to shred more of the sweet trails that typify this race. The decision was however the best and fairest decision that could be made by the organisers given the situation. With such sudden and late changes to trail markings, some mistakes are understandable.
This left the 100mile open category race open to those who were well off the pace prior to the trail markers being adjusted. This handed the crown to local legend Jeff Doerr. After all in a ‘Steven Bradbury’ type situation, Jeff was a deserved winner. A Masters 50+ rider who has been in the sport since the very early days and a strong local personality and advocate for the sport of mountain biking. The female category was taken out by Grand Rapids, MI local Jill Martindale ahead of local rider and ambassador Elizabeth Collins of the Hagerty race team. The shorter 50 mile race option hosted a star studded field with road professionals Brad White and Carlos Alzate of UHC Pro Cycling taking 1st and 2nd in that event.
After sliding through the sand & mud for 40miles. I was still happy to be 3rd. The Norco Revolver FS never skipped a beat.
Given the challenges the 2016 X100 was an awesome day out. Even in torrential downpours the singletrack heaven of Traverse City, Michigan is still a blast!
Full results available here: