Powder Monkey Memories

[grizzly adam]

Thank you to everyone involved with getting the Powder Monkey up and running!
It's always one of my favorite races and the course is fantastic - I'd say one of the most challenging of the series. There's almost always new trail each season and the weather keeps us guessing.
Also, thanks for having food available!! Your prices are always awesome.

My race wasn't exactly anything to write about, but I was feeling pretty good in the singeltrack. I managed to clear the steep section with the rocks at the bottom this year (last year I ended upside down in the ravine). I did however, notice some Penn Cycle guys looking like they were hurt - anyone know how they fared afterwards?

How did people like the new climb?! If it wasn't for my flat about 2/3 of the way up I would have liked it better...

Any stories you have to share?

[GearDaddy]

My memory is that of falling down lots of times! I can only think of 1 or 2 places that I had to get off the bike in any of the other MNSCS races. But for Powder Monkey it was more like 10+. That final climb was epic - especially when you try to do the thing in the middle ring!

Oh, check out Charlie Farrow's Blog (http://cpfarrow.blogspot.com/) for some good writeups.

[motomofo]

The best course on the circut. The new single track was epic, The new climb was much better than the old one. I give it a ten. I would race this course every weekend.:D

[RichZilla]

I agree with Jeff. That course is what mountain biking is all about, if you ask me. Finally a chance for skilled riders to use their abilities to have a shot at the roadies out there every weekend. Not saying roadies shouldn't be there, just glad for the change of course difficulty. I wish every course was like the Spirit Mtn course we rode in the Comp/Expert race. Epic. Perfect. Super-sweet. By far the best race course I've ever ridden... ever.
:banana::):banana::):banana::):banana::):banana::) :banana:

[RedSquirrel]

Too bad I missed Spirit this year. It was too close to another race and last year it just hurt too much! Sounds like improvements we're made to a already great course.

Although Maplelag isn't the ski area with all that vert, I've always found it tough enough too. I hear there's less double track so it should be improved this tear as well.

[grizzly adam]

Here are some short video clips I took with my camera:

This is the short single-track section just off the chalet. Racers have just completed a short, windy climb, crossed a ski run and hit this short little hill.

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[grizzly adam]

This is a really cool part on the course. It's after the racers have been in the woods for a bit and they take a turn towards the lake. It's pretty rocky and can be tough if you miss your line. It's a great spot to take in the view if you're not racing.
<embed style="width: 400px; height: 326px;" id="VideoPlayback" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-2973538792982890070&hl=en" flashvars="">

This is the same spot, just a different angle. Sorry for the wind noise...
<embed style="width: 400px; height: 326px;" id="VideoPlayback" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=4261362067935668134&hl=en" flashvars="">

[JasonDoubleU]

This was my first race of the year, I went up with a buddy who is totally stoked about the series this year. I thought the course was really fun, especially running 3x3 on my Monocog (Tri-cog?). This seemed like a course where I'm glad I had gears, but could have done it without since it turned out that I couldn't get into my granny ring. I ended up keeping it in the middle ring and rode it 32 x 15,17, 19. I find being limited somewhat fun.

I guess that goes to show that you can ride anything in MN single speed. Now I just need to man up and take off the gears!! However, I think I'll wait until AFTER the Chequamegon 40 ;)

Also, thanks for the clips, it's fun to see myself even if it is just for a second!!!

Jason
The last guy in the 3rd vid

[grizzly adam]

I do have photos I have to post as well - maybe by this weekend..

[b_rogo]

...Also, thanks for the clips, it's fun to see myself even if it is just for a second!!!

Jason
The last guy in the 3rd vid

So now the next question is: Will we see you in St Cloud?

Ben
the 2nd to last guy in the 3rd vid