Saturday, February 28, 2009

2009 Results

A full recap will happen shortly but for those who couldn't join us this year, the riding conditions don't get much better than we had today and the 25-mile course record was shattered.

Race Results
Men's 25-Mile
1st - Mike Piker - 2:40:00
2nd - Jeff Ward - 2:51:00
T3rd - Dave Bergart - 2:57:00
T3rd - Eric Orton - 2:57:00
4th - Dave Byers - 3:04:00
5th - Chris Erickson - 3:33:00
6th - Keith Peters - 3:40:00

Women's 25-Mile
1st - Jill Damman - 3:04:00

Race Recap:
Thanks to everyone who shares my passion for snow biking and showed up to race on Saturday. In the four previous times I have ridden the 25-mile loop I have personally never completed it in less than 5 1/2 hours. I certainly never expected this year's TWC to resemble a NORBA Nationals XC race but holy cow that was fun.

On the drive up to Togwotee, the digital thermometer in my truck read -27F at 7:15 AM outside of Moran, WY. Let's just say there was a bit of nervous tension for a little while until the sun started to rise and the temps climbed to a sane -9F for the start. By noon the temps had warmed up to a balmy 15F and felt much warmer while working hard on the climbs.

It was great to see such a strong field "pin it" and take advantage of the firm conditions. Congratulations to Mike Piker for winning his first snow bike race and to Jill Damman for representing the snow biking women out there. As good as the race was, I enjoyed the post-race burgers and beers just as much and seeing the snow biking stoke makes all the organizational effort worthwhile.

Race photos are coming soon.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Latest News

2/23/09: Did I mention there will be prizes? The Togwotee Winter Classic, a race with no entry fee, will have prizes for at least the top three men and women. Be sure to scroll down through the site for maps of the course, map to the start line, and recommended gear.

2/9/09: IMPORTANT NOTE: This yea'rs 25-mile race will be self-supported. There will be no aid station on the course this year. Plan your calories and hydration accordingly.

2/4/09: I think there is some secret training going on for the Togwotee Winter Classic this year. Are you ready? If we continue to get high pressure, the 25-mile course record could fall for sure. I hope to see some new faces at the race this year...don't make me name names.