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\ Recent Posts
May 06, 2012
- Johnston Takes La Fleche
April 30, 2012
- La Fleche du Nord Preview
March 25, 2012
- La Fleche du Nord Coming Up!
March 15, 2012
- Brunet/Abbott Midwest Champs
Upcoming Events
May 5, 2012:
La Fleche du Nord
May 25-28, 2012:
Ride the Keweenaw
Friday, June 8, 2012:
Tour de L'Anse
June 16, 2012:
Chain Drive
June 17, 2012:
Yooper Sprint Tri
Johnston Claims La Flèche du Nord
May 6, 2012
road
Paul Johnston of the Marquette-based Chocolay-Ace squad claimed victory in this weekend's grueling La Fleche du Nord, a 100 km battle contested over the bone-jarring roads of gravel, sand and pavement chiseled into the rocky spine of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, the Ardennes of the Midwest. This year's highly tactical edition, was highlighted by Tom Carpenter's (29er Crew) 60k breakaway, a solo effort that was shut down just 20k from the finish.
Teams and independent riders from across the region were on hand for the second running of the event, one the Upper Peninsula's two spring cycling classics. Held in the tradition of the European classics, event organizers made no effort to hide that fact that the roads would be rough and unforgiving as the cobbled fieldpaths of Belgium. Punctures were highly likely, to say nothing of the dozens of other flavors of misfortune possible along the route. The winner would need to climb like a goat, descend like the wind, and have a bit of luck on his side.
How it happened
Though turnout was down slightly from last year, the caliber of racers was as high as ever. Members of Houghton's Red Jacket Cycling Team were eager to claim the title: designated team leader Justin Weber and his lieutenants Chris Schmidt and Dan Motowski were up for the task. The father-son duo of Tom and Bob Carpenter was also a force to be reckoned with. And, of course, so too was the dominant Chocloay-Ace squad – though the Marquette-based team saw its chances of victory nearly derailed even before the start: hoards of angry Yooper secessionists used La Fleche as their stage to bring attention to their demands for statehood for Michigan's Upper Peninsula, blocking highways and byways with SnowGos and plow trucks and bringing traffic into Houghton to a standstill in the process and nearly causing members of the Ace squad to miss the start. Only after declaring themselves ardent supporters of the cause were the cyclists granted passage. Leading the Ace squad was Ronde van Skandia winner Paul Johnston, though any of a half dozen of his teammates were capable of carrying the torch should Little Jens falter on his attempt for back-to-back wins: Dave Grant, Steve Kuhl, Andy Stevens, Mik Kilpela and D.S. Tom Maheney. Dark horses Tony Schwenn, Chris Marr and Bill Gale were unknowns and would remain under the watchful eye of the peloton.
Just after 10a.m., under cloudy skies and a strong east wind, the motley group of riders departed Houghton to the delight of at least one onlooker and suspicion of several others. The traditional 15k neutral rollout gave competitors ample opportunity to boast about how little they had been training. Others used the rollout as a chance for a leisurely prerace puncture, hoping to thereby appease the god flat tires.
With the sounding of the gun, the pace accelerated to over 80km/h on the Tamarack Waterworks descent towards the frigid shores of Lake Superior. The 200m of climbing that awaited sent a brief calm over the field as riders waited to see who would launch the first attack. Eagar and motivated following a frustrating Ronde van Skandia, Tom Carpenter moved to the front and drove the pace, quickly stringing out the field and unhinging the first few riders from the peloton. Sections of the steady, five-mile climb were lined with motorhomes and onlookers, some of whom had claimed their viewing point days – if not years – in advance. The relentless pitch combined with the recently graded gravel surface forced riders into contorted positions to retain traction over much of the climb.
As the cyclists crested the Bumbletown summit, word came over race radio that the ensuing descent was extremely dangerous and riders were advised to ride within their ability. For Tom "The Falcon" Carpenter – a mountain-bike specialist – the news was an invitation to ride without abandon. Sensing opportunity, Carpenter guided his two-wheeled steed over the loose gravel, floating gracefully around the corners as those behind him struggled to remain upright. By the time he reached the sandy and equally perilous valley floor, Carpenter had opened a sizable gap, with Mik Kilpela and Chris Schmidt hot on his trail. A quartet of Ace and Red Jacket riders followed a few seconds back. Paul Johnston suffered misfortune on the soft surface, crashing and filling his jersey and shorts with sand in a dramatic fall. By the time the riders exited the most challenging of the day's five dirt secteurs, a selection had been made: four Ace riders (Grant, Kuhl, Stevens, Kilpela), a pair of Red Jackets (Weber, Schmidt) and Tom Carpenter had ridden clear of the now-shattered field. As Paul Johnston worked to regain contact with the leaders and shed his shorts of excess ballast, Carpenter sensed opportunity and launched a courageous attack 70km from the finish. The pair of Red Jacket riders briefly debated launching a counterattack as the Ace riders waited for Johnston, but the window closed when the Ace rider rejoined the group.
Agreeing to cooperate, the Ace and Red Jacket riders worked together, aiming to keep a determined Tom Carpenter within sight and let him wear himself down in advance of the coming climbs. The experienced Carpenter used the curves and hills of Five Mile Point Road to his full advantage, however, accelerating once out of sight and opening a dangerous gap.
The seven riders who trailed the break continued to take turns at the front over the hilly Garden City secteur. Descending into Eagle Harbor, they learned that Carpenter had extended his lead to over 90 seconds. Time was quickly running out for the poursuivants. Suspicion arose in the group: had the Red Jackets conspired with Tom Carpenter to ensure that victory went to anyone but an Ace rider?
With just 30k remaining and only one long climb to be ridden before the devastating Brockway Mountain finish, a trio of Ace riders upped the pace (Kuhl, Grant, Johnston). Behind, the Red Jacket duo of Schmidt and Weber were gapped, as were Kilpela and Stevens of the Ace squad. Near the base of the climb, Andy Stevens suffered a flat, destroying his chance of victory. Ahead, Schmidt – with Kilpela not far behind – dug deep and worked to bring the trio back into range. Taking no prisoners, the leading trio accelerated as he approached, leaving Schmidt an even deeper hole to dig himself out of. Slowly but surely, he again narrowed the gap, coming to within mere feet of the leaders. Then, as is so often the case in cycling – the cruelest of sports – the Red Jacket rider saw his dreams of La Fleche glory come to an end as misfortune struck him as well in the form of a puncture. Towards the front, as the race neared its exciting denouement, Tom Carpenter's lead melted away and a quartet formed from which the winner would emerge.
The leaders, three Ace riders and Tom Carpenter, worked together and maintained a solid gap over Kilpela and Weber, each of whom now cycled towards the finish in Copper Harbor on their own. At the base of the hors category Brockway Mountain climb, which would see riders climbing 200m over 2k, the quartet knew that it was now every man for himself. With gradients of nearly 20% on two separate sections of the climb, there was little a rider could do for his teammates. On the first of the steep pitches, Steve Kuhl and Dave Grant were both forced from their bikes by debilitating cramps. Screams of agony followed the two leaders, Johnston and Carpenter, up the mountain as the pair fought their way to the finish. In the end, Johnston was able to separate himself from Carpenter to take the win in one of the toughest days of cycling anywhere. With his victory, Johnston's secures his place in U.P. Cycling lore as the first rider to claim both of the U.P. Spring Classics.
Thank you to race photographer Adam Griffis for capturing the day, the Red Jacket Cycling Team, The Bike Shop of Houghton for the use of the shop for registration, Cross Country Sports and Downwind Sports and the Mariner North in Copper Harbor for accomodating our group. Thank you as well to everyone who took part and to Jan Haase and crew on the Bumbletown hill for supplying water to the racers.
Race photos:
http://www.adampgriffis.com/Events/2012-Fleche-du-Nord/
Preview: 2012 La Flèche du Nord
April 30, 2012
road
Following the conclusion of the European classics season with Liège–Bastogne–Liège, time is running out for the one-day specialists in what has been one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory. Attention on both sides of the Atlantic will be focused this coming weekend on the second edition of La Flèche du Nord, a much shorter, though equally demanding test of stamina, skill and luck to be contested on the desolate back roads of one of the most rural counties in the Midwest.
The leisurely départ from the bustling town square of the northern Michigan hamlet of Houghton foretells nothing of the suffering that awaits riders over the next sixty five miles in a ride that ends with a devastating mountain top finish on Brockway Mountain Drive in Copper Harbor with pavement as cracked as the riders who will attempt to ascend its arduous slopes.
Contenders
With Tyler Gauthier (Culver's) and Ryan Tervo (Flyer Cycles) – the first two to reach the finish of last year's event – scheduled compete elsewhere this coming weekend, there is no one clear favorite for La Flèche. But if the results of the recent Ronde van Skandia are any indicator, a good place to start would be the pool of talent found on the roster of the Chocolay Ace squad: top contender is Paul Johnston (aka Little Jens) who led a breakaway from the start of the Ronde together with teammate Colby Lash and a lone Red Jacket rider and held on for the win. Other Ace riders of note include Derek Anderson (2011 winner of the Ronde and third place finisher in this year's event), David Grant, Steve Kuhl, Andy Stevens and D.S. Tom Mahaney, each of whom represents a threat to the title.
For the Red Jackets, Chris Schmidt showed strong form with a second place finish in the Ronde and has pledged his support to the team effort this weekend. Justin Weber is in top shape and may be team's best shot at putting the title in Red Jacket hands. New Red Jacket signee Dan Motowski is also showing good form, and RJ CX specialist Kit Cischke is poised to leave his mark on the classics scene as well.
Culver Cycles is certain to play a key role in this weekend's event: Jason Jilbert joined the winning break of the Ronde but was called back to the peloton early on as team management saw little chance of the break succeeding. There is no telling how the Ronde may have ended had Jilbert been given the opportunity to unravel and defuse the Ace breakaway.
A number of riders will be riding without team support this weekend, most notably Tom "The Diesel" Carpenter (29er Crew).
A good turnout is anticipated in the women's edition of the event: Nicole Alexander (Chcoloay Ace and first across the line in the 2011 event) is the favorite going in. Red Jacket hopeful Melanie Watkins is an unknown factor on the road and may surprise.
The Course
Event officials surveyed the course last week and, following heated discussions with UCI officials, agreed to a number of changes to the parcours. Citing a high risk of puncture, the first and largely ceremonial secteur of dirt was eliminated from this year's ride. The Cedar Bay secteur, already the longest section of dirt, was extended further with a left-hand turn at the top of the Bumbletown climb which leads into a gravel descent towards Gratiot River Park Road. Fast, with loose gravel and sections of sand, riders are advised to exercise extreme caution here. Though not without perils of its own, this change eliminates two left-hand turns on US-41 and was added in the interest of rider safety. Instead of Cliff Drive, riders will this year be rolling along a scenic stretch of Lake Superior on 5 Mile Point Road, a road known for its ravaging crosswinds, ravenous wildlife and unpredictable tides. Course map
Reconnaissance found course conditions to be similar to those of last year's event, with the notable difference that riders will not be forced to contend with extended sections snow-covered dirt. Road graders were out last week, however, and there are areas of loose and sometimes sharp gravel. With the exception of the pavé climb to the summit of Brockway mountain, asphalt sections of the course are in very good condition.
Equipment recommendations
Given the recently graded dirt roads, riders are advised to leave their silk sew-ups at home and to instead opt for a more robust tire. Though the initial recommendation was for the puncture-proof tire developed by Michigan Tech start-up Baisikeli Ugunduzi, officials have since learned that the entire inventory, along with Red Jacket contender John Gershenson, is headed to Africa this week. Another good choice would be a wider tire with increased protection, such as the Continental Gatorskin, which is more likely than a light-weight tire with race pedigree to survive the gravel unscathed. Regardless of tire, riders are urged to pack at least two tubes, a pump and a multi-tool to ensure that they can complete the ride in the event of a flat or mechanical.
Support
There is no support! La Flèche du Nord is self-supported: everyone is on their own in terms of hydration, nutrition and mechanical needs. And everything else. Cross Country Sports in Calumet, though not directly on the course, can easily be reached should bicycle-related problems be encountered in the first 20 miles of the event. With regard to gearing: the steeper sections of the course will dictate the choice of equipment: a compact or triple crank is highly recommended. Traditionalists running standard 53x39 cranks should consider a minimum of 25 teeth in the rear.
This is an informal, non-competitive event. There are no entry fees, awards, support, food or water. Riders are expected to adhere to Michigan traffic laws at all times. Riders are responsible for return travel to Houghton. If in need of a ride back to Houghton or if you are interested in leaving a car in Copper Harbor Friday evening, please send a note to: cts@bikethekeweenaw.com
Post-ride festivities
Due to another event scheduled in Copper Harbor this Saturday (congratulations Amanda and Aaron!), the post-ride celebration has been moved this year to the Mariner North in Copper Harbor – a strong supporter of road, 'cross and mountain biking in the Keweenaw. Everyone is on their own for lunch and beverages, but event organizers hope that participants, families, and friends will join us to exchange war stories and show battle scars from the day's ride over beer and burgers.
Schedule
May 5, 2012
9:00a.m.: Rider sign-in at The Bike Shop of Houghton
10:00a.m.: Unofficial start (rollout through Houghton and Hancock)
10:15a.m.: Regroup at Hancock Beach
1:30p.m.: First riders expected on Brockway Mountain
After 2:00p.m.: Post-ride fest at the Mariner North in Copper Harbor
New Road Race: Tour de L'Anse, Friday, June 8
April 9, 2012
road | race
There's a new event on the Keweenaw race calender this year: a 22-mile road race to be held as part of the Baraga County Lake Trout Festival. The mostly flat course will take racers out towards Pequaming on the low-traffic roads northeast of L'Anse. The race is being organzied and presented by Baraga Rehab and Fitness Center.
Registration is open at active.com. Early registration through May 23rd. Late registration May 24th through June 7th. No race day registration.
Chain Drive Registration
Register early and save a few bucks: registration is now open for the Keweenaw Chain Drive Festival. Get your registration in by May 31 for a free event t-shirt! Keweenaw Chain Drive Festival website.
The Keweenaw?
A lonely peninsula jutting into Lake Superior at the northern tip of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the Keweenaw isn't a place one passes through by accident. You need to want to come here. And if you ride a bike – road or mountain – this is a place worth wanting to get to. Hundreds of miles of low-traffic roads, six top-notch mtb trail systems, endless water and temperate climes, it's worth discovering if you haven't already checked it out.