The Keweenaw Chain Drive took a rather brutal turn, this year. There were some sections of trail that were excluded and replaced with brand new singletrack. The singletrack was masterfully built and offers some different views and some interesting riding opportunities.
My race started off well for the 16-mile competition. I began climbing, as is always the case, and kept climbing. There was an occasional downhill, but it was usually short and quick. The climbs, on the other hand, lasted forever. At one point, towards the end of the race, I thought to myself, “Okay, this isn’t fun, anymore.” The Keweenaw Chain Drive transformed from one of my favorite and most highly recommended races to a not-so-favorite personal hell. There was simply too much climbing, and I spoke with several riders of varying abilities who agreed.
To really understand my frustration, you must first understand what it is about mountain bike racing that I prefer. Unlike road racing, which is predominantly an aerobic competition where constant uphills make more sense, mountain bike racing encompasses so much more. Sure, you have your brutal climbs, and nothing less should be expected, but fast descents are equally as important in a race. Not everyone can descend well. In fact, many people can’t descend well.
The perfect mountain bike race has a pretty equal mix of smooth and technical, up and down. The Keweenaw Chain Drive was just about the perfect race. Now, while it still has a phenomenal mix of smooth and technical, it smote the downhill element and shifted favor towards those who aren’t necessarily well-rounded riders. In other words, I prefer a race that focuses more on varying skills rather than one ability, such as climbing.
To be fair, I will freely admit that I am not a strong climber. Even if I were a strong climber, I still wouldn’t enjoy it. What makes mountain biking fun for me is riding on the edge of control, something that is very rarely done by anyone riding uphill. I like the adrenaline rush I get from traveling at high speeds through the woods. THAT is fun. This year’s Chain Drive course took a lot of that fun away from me, this year.
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On the edge of out of control… love that too!
Hmm, what I can deduce from this article/posting is this:
“Because I did not prepare myself physically or mentally for a sport/race I will blame the race itself and the folks that put it on. Shame on you Chain Drive people……shame.”
And you wonder why group of folks that ride with you is becoming smaller each day.
I have raced this same race for a number of years. What I don’t understand from your tirade-type post is how you can say that there was “more grueling climbs” then ever before? You have previously ridden this course- you have claimed that it is one of your favorite races- in fact, you LIVE where the race takes place. So a) did you not pre-ride and understand the course prior to the race? and b) it starts and ends at the same elevation as in years past- therefore the elevation gain is the same as always- meaning that while it may have *seemed* that there were more climbs, then there were also more downhills in order to end up with the same elevation displacement. It seems to me that you just weren’t in shape and took the opportunity to complain about an amazing race that adds new trails every year to constantly provide a unique riding opportunity to those faithful racers who come back year after year because of how fabulous it is. Way to bag on your local community.
Ali – I knew you would understand.
“And you wonder why group of folks that ride with you is becoming smaller each day.”
This probably has more to do with the fact that I haven’t been showing up to group rides.
Your comment is unfounded and an emotional, personal attack. Completely unnecessary. I’m not blaming the race for my own inadequacies, but it has changed in the manner that I described, and I am not the only one who has stated that.
This post is my personal opinion. It is not complaining, but constructive criticism. I am entitled to that.
Have you looked into downhill racing? Sounds like you would be great at it.
This is my 4th year entering the ChainDrive and it always sucks, let me explain. The 1st 1/3 of the race is up up and up and by the time I hit the 1st rest station I’m pretty much tanked from all the uphills, then the 2nd 1/3rd is my time to play catch up, catch my wind get my legs back and make up some time this is by far my favorite section, then comes the dreaded last 3rd of the race, its always been uphill once you get behind the cemetery area and back to Portage Hospital, its grueling, slow and frustrating, has never been easy in the 4 years I’ve been at it, but, it is manageable. Its just a matter of accepting the course, dealing with it and trying to get ourselves in better shape each year. The only complaint I have is that there were too many bottlenecks at the cemetery and the new trail, but,, had I sped up sooner, I might have been able to avoid some of that. Great race, great course and God willing I’ll be there again next year.
Kevin, that last part of the Chain Drive, the road section to the hospital seems to be the worst part. You are in such an interesting mental state by that point. This year, I was desperate to get it over with, so I just stood and pedaled for dear life. That was probably my strongest finish for that race.
I see your stirring up a ruckus!
how are you?!?! I”m doing well. starting up a bit more on the road. I’m fearful of my mountain bike since my big crash last year. Road cycling just seems like a better fit for me so I don’t kill myself. 
I”m going to ride the gorge in Oregon and there’s an MS ride in Sept I think near Bellingham that I’d like to do. Hope you are doing well! Talk to you soon!
Erin, I’m still truckin’ along! I miss you sooo much. I really hope we can get together next time you come to Michigan.