Round three of the U.S. National Ultra Endurance (NUE) series picked up in Michigan last weekend with the Lumberjack 100. The Lumberjack is one of the most unique races on the circuit because it is a three-lap course that consists of almost all single-track. All the climbs are short and punchy and the sandy trails flow nicely, continuously twisting and winding through a dense pine forest. The fast trails make for some really tight, interesting racing… and a lot of close calls with the thousands of tightly spaced trees.

 
Each of my Lumberjack wins in the last two years had been decided by a minute or less in the final miles. The course is far too fast to allow for an easy getaway, resulting in pack riding and road race tactics. And I expected nothing different this year.

However, a little bit of misfortune for the other top contenders allowed me to ride away cleanly without much trouble. Mike Simonson (29er Crew) and Derek Graham (Bissell Road Pro) both looked to be strong and motivated, providing many sharp accelerations in the opening lap, but each lost hold of the front group with punctures. I was eventually left all alone with Christian Tanguy (Team CF), and I was cautious for the majority of the 2nd lap, trading pulls in the lead, keeping the pace high. However, he began to show signs of fatigue shortly after the halfway mark, so I went on the attack. Having an uncharacteristic bad day, he backed down, and let me slip away. I was very motivated and in good form, so I tucked down and went to work to secure the win.

The trails were insanely fast and the weather was beautiful, a welcome change from the stormy nightmares that had occurred in the previous rounds at Tennessee and Ohio. I put down the fastest time in the race’s history with a 6:33. And I won the coveted axe trophy for the third straight year… I guess that means I now have a collection with which to begin a side hobby of dangerously sketchy juggling should I get bored one day. Maybe in the off season?

 
Thanks to Trek for producing the fastest 100-mile bike around, the Top Fuel 9.9.