Ore to Shore?

[suddha]

I have raced the Chequamegon Fat Tire 40 the past two years but this year I have a conflict on that date. in an effort to keep up my annual benchmark 40 miler I signed up for the Ore to Shore race in Marquette, MI. August 9th. It's a 40+ mile race.

Has anyone done this race? Any idea how it compares to the Cheq 40?

Thanks.

[UP_boy]

I've never done the Cheq. 40 before, but I've done the Ore 2 Shore 40. It's not very technical, but it has some pretty awesome scenery and hilly. The course is layed out very well lots of room to pass or in my case be passed. There are some sandy spots, it has a little bit of everything. I'm probably going to just do the 20 this year. I'm not much for long distances. I would recommend doing the Ore 2 Shore. Here is the web site for anyone who is interested. http://www.oretoshore.com/

[suddha]

Thanks for the feedback. The Cheq 40 is not technical either, but has a few sandy rocky descents and some climbs, but for the most part is dirt doubletrack, ski trails and fire roads. So maybe it is similar to the O2S.

I am excited to give it a try! UP_boy, are you from the UP (maybe a dumb question)? I have booked a room at the Tiroler Hof in Marquette. I was told by a bike shop guy there that it is a good base camp for the race. Any other logistical considerations you can share? How far is the starting area from Marquette? Does the mass start queue fill up early in the AM? Should I get up and place my bike to hold a spot?

Thanks again...

[UP_boy]

The race starts in Ishpeming which is about a 15-20 minute drive from the Tiroler Hof. It is an enormous mass start. I've never been one to worry about where I am in the starting order, but I did see people who had their bikes laying at the start line long before the race starts. The race finishes near Lake Superior in Marquette. The conditions you described sound like those of O2S.

They say its all down hill from Ishpeming to Marquette, you will find that this seems impossible. But they are just talking about elevation.

I am originally from the Marquette area, leave in the twin cities now. Marquette is home to some very good free ride trails, technical single track, and good road rides as well. Lakeshore bike is an awesome bike dealer. They deal with Specialized and Rocky Mountain.

Good luck and maybe I'll see you there.