So? You know that the Great Lakes region states are mostly not made of lakes, they border them. But the name is still apt. (Yes I know this Great Lakes and Midwest aren’t the same thing).
The thread spends as much time discussing what is Midwest as it does what events are people attending. Which if you are from the Midwest (or THINK you are), you know this is completely appropriate…
In the meantime, I have fallen of the plan for my events…
Not discussing, but rather defending. Lots of flyover states trying to latch on to the Midwest aura.
I definitely hadn’t thought of it like this.
Defend
Lol back to regularly scheduled material:
Wanna get your teeth kicked in for 200k? Come to the middle of nowhere Ohio:
“Fun” crit down in Cincy:
Funk bottoms will blow out your bottom
It looks like there is actually less climbing this year so maybe less chance of blow out?
That 2nd lap after you drive by your car is hard
Next up for me is the Birkie/SRAM Epic on Saturday in Cable/Hayward, WI. I did the half last year, doing the full this year. My early season didn’t go the way I wanted (yay kid-sourced illnesses) so my main goal is just to finish strong, fuel right, and have fun. Knock on wood, the forecast looks pretty good right now!
I’ll be there, too!
I’m doing the full/full this year. I’ve never done the full MTB but I’ve done the half many times. I’m hoping to keep it comfortably under 3.5 hours, but my lower back often gets fairly sore during longer singletrack rides. The full gravel will be fast, I’m sure. There is a section in the middle that’s a rougher logging road so I’ll be curious to see how many people just run their MTBs both days. It’s a fairly rolling course, so a small chainring might not be that much of a disadvantage, certainly potentially offset by the bigger tires.
Conditions do look pretty good right now. The Twin Cities has seen a fair amount of rain recently, so Cable trails are probably in great shape. Temps are looking very comfortable, too, so it could be a great race weekend!
Lumberjack 100 just 11 days away! Fitness is better than ever and it’s my 5th attempt to finally go sub 8 hours. Goal is actually 7:30.
Anyone else doing this race?
I was thinking about that one for next year, but I would need an e-bike to get a sub 8. Good luck
The full gravel looks a lot less miserable than it was last year, and probably even more mountain bike like this year. Looking forward to riding down Camp 38 road at Cheq instead of up it like Epic. That road sucks.
With Cable area in mind, who has done the full Epic MTB and Cheq 40, what did your times look like between the two? Doing Cheq 40 on the SS this year.
I did the old full 70mi gravel in 2022 and this year’s 50mi course looks notably easier in comparison. With that said, miles 15-38 are going to be very interesting since it sure looks like there will be two-way traffic.
I’ve done the Cheq 40 numerous times. On the updated course last year, my time was 2:45, though that was geared and full sus. I’ve done the old course SS and rigid a few times and I think I cramped every single time. Standing to climb those short, punchy hills takes its toll after 40 miles.
Gunna be fun either way, glad to hear you cramped each time on the SS considering you show up as my top nemeses on cross results…
Going to Prairie Burn 100 this weekend.
might go to Waukon 100k next Saturday if the weather looks good.
Love the Lumberjack. Was registered, but had a family event pop up and had to let it go. This would have probably been my 6th or 7th time. Good luck, hope to be there next year.
Lumberjack first timer here. Hoping for sub 10 hrs and go from there. I’ve done a few gravel 100 milers but never anything this ambitious. Mostly looking to have fun and cross the finish line. I can’t fathom going sub 8 hrs and just blame my weight 
Fortunate enough to ride The Big M a fair amount so comfortable with the course. I’m holding you to those free watts for being a YouTube subscriber. Good luck!
lol, thanks! Good luck to you as well. My advice is pace the first lap conservatively and keep your aid stops quick. You don’t have to move fast, just keep moving.
Looks like you had some good results at Epic Bike Fest.