Spring Epic 8 Hour MTB Race

Mansfield ON

Solo veteran Robyn Duke takes 3rd in the Women's Solo and the Old Man takes 1st in the 50+ Solo. 

The Spring Epic 8 is one of those unique mountain bike events that brings together riders of all levels of ability and fitness. From Elite Experts to Weekend Warriors, this event provides challenges for all. Attendance was high this year with well over 700 racers participating. 

Taking place at the Mansfield Outdoor Centre, not far from Collingwood, this venue features a 10 km course built onto the side of the Niagara Escarpment. Loaded with fast singletrack, well spaced doubletrack for passing and several gruelling climbs to separate the pack, this year’s course truly tested all who raced.

The day was extremely hot and humid with temperatures hitting upwards of 35 C during the height of the race. This was certainly the hottest day of the year so far and rather extreme for early May. Add to this, a punchy and extremely dusty race course and many of our racers claimed that this was very likely the toughest 8 Hour they had ever participated in. Hydration (by Skratch Labs) was certainly an important factor in the success of our Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs Racers.

Our Relay Teams

Nucking Futs, 1st Place, 4 Person Open
Oggie Sokolovic, James Irwin, with special guests, Guy Leclair*, Linnley Clarke*

LapDogs: Steppin’ to the A.M, 4th Place, 2 Person Open
Larry Woo & Mark Brusso

Our Soloists

Miro Zgavc, 27th Place, Solo Male, 39 & Under
Richard Bowers, 15th Place, Solo Male, 40-49
Robyn Duke, 3rd Place, Solo Female
Michael Cranwell, 1st Place, Solo Male 50+

* Guy & Linnley are on loan from other Teams

MTB O'Cup #1, Woodnewton

Woodnewton ON

The Big Man, Mark Brusso throws down the hammer and picks up where he left off last season... top step of the podium.

(photos by Peter Kraiker)

The Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs MTB Squad has officially kicked off the cross-country racing season with participation at the first race of the Provincial Series. We had a solid presence at this race with a strong field of racers participating across several categories. 

Normally a cold and wet race, racers were very pleased to be able to ride in full summer gear as the sun was out and the temperatures where above normal for early May. With these warm conditions, the course was very fast and furious. Several of our racers described it as pretty much a solid drag-race from start to finish. 

The course at Woodnewton is on private property and is custom-built by the folks at SuperFly Racing exclusively for cross-country racing. 

Our MTB Squad put in a fantastic collection of results with 3 podiums and strong finishes by all with many of our racers finishing in the top 10 of their respective categories. This bodes well for he coming season.

Our Team's Results:

• Bevin Reith, 10th, Master Sport Men 40-44
• Richard Lee, 28th, Master Sport Men 40-44
• Ian Ptolemy, 3rd, Master Sport Men, 50-54
• Mike Chalovich, 16th, Master Sport Men, 50-54
• Derrick Cho, 18th, Master Sport Men, 50-54
• James Irwin, 5th,  Master Sport Men, 55-59
• Bill Packham, 5th, Master Male, 60-64
• Melanie Chambers, 2nd, Master Sport Women, 40-49
• Steven Martin, 4th, SingleSpeed Men
• Larry Woo, 9th, SingleSpeed Men
• John Roy, 11th, SingleSpeed Men
• Mark Brusso, 1st, Master Expert Men, 30-39
• Dan Bandurka, 17th, Master Expert Men, 30-39
• Oggie, Sokolivic, 5th, Master Expert Men, 50+

New weekend, we'll see many from the MTB Squad back in action with the Spring Epic 8 Hour Relay Race. 

Lone LapDog @ Frog 65 (100k) MTB Marathon

Southeastern Tennessee

Robin Kay looking relaxed and ready at the start of the Frog 65. Bruno gives her a big well deserved hug after 100k on the bike. 

The Big Frog 65 makes its home in the Appalachian foothills of Southeastern Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest. Staging for the race takes place along the banks of the beautiful Ocoee River -- site for the 1996 Olympic White Water Events.  The 65 miles (100k) of race course traverses the mountain terrain with world class single track and fire roads. The single track is fast and flowing, but can get tight and technical in spots. The fire roads are demanding but rewarding with long ascents, fast descents, and spectacular mountain views. 

With the start of the race taking place in the rain, the day was going to be challenging at best. These were obviously perfect conditions for our veteran racer, Robin Key, as she rose to the challenge and finished on the podium. So far this season Robin has already podium at two races and seems to be well on her way to another very strong season. 

• Robin Kay, 3rd Place, Women

MTB Uxbridge Icebreaker

Uxbridge Ontario

The Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs Race Team had a small but strong showing at The Uxbridge Icebreaker on April 19th. Its great to see this race back on the calendar for 2015 after several years laying dormant. Thanks to SuperFly Racing (Sean Ruppel) and Bikenxs Productions (Eric Orcshel) for reviving this Spring MTB Classic. 

• Mark Brusso, 1st, 30k Enduro category
• Bill Packham, 6th 15k Sprint category.

Well done both!

XCM #1 - Homage to Ice

Dufferin County Forest, Mansfield, Ontario

Larry Woo, on the top step of the podium at the first MTB Race of the 2015 Season. 

The first race of Substance Project's Cross-Country Marathon Race Series was blessed with sunshine and rising temperatures. While a fair amount of mud is typical of early season races, the real treat of Homage to Ice was the 5km of pristine single track. A special thanks to our sponsor Mill Street Brewery for their very generous donation of podium prizes - there were a lot of happy people.

Also, a special mention to Andrea Bowker who personally knit scarves for all the winners. Bravo!
 

30km Half-Marathon Results:

• Larry Woo, 1st, Single Speed
• Kate Morgan, 7th, Women Open

60km Full Marathon Results:

• Robin Kay, 1st, Women Open
• Steve Hart, 5th, Men 40+ (2nd Clydesdale)
• Barry Cox, 11th, Men 40+
• Dan Bandurka, 10th, Men Open
• Miro Zgavc, 14th, Men Open (2nd Fatbike)
• Andrew Ryan, 18th Men Open

Rasputitsa, East Burke, VT

This early season, 45 mile gravel race came with spring snowfall and a long, 3 mile, unrideable, snow-covered climb. Our Andrea Bowker persevered and finished the race in 13th place in Women 40+. Congratulations!