There is something about being considered a “founder.” Saturday’s Deer Fly Chase on the beautiful Hickory Ridge ski trails had over 50 “founders” toe the line for pavement, gravel, ski trial, single track, mud, and all around fun.
The start line greeted us with temps in the thirties and your classic atv roll-out. It was a controlled roll-out until we took a hard left onto a gravel road with a steep climb and that is when the racing started. Aaron Swanson and Mike Johnson took immediate charge of the race and set a blistering pace. After the first climb the lead group of about ten had formed, with hard pulls being had up front before we got into the single track.
By the time we hit the first single track Chad Sova had made his move and was gone in a flash. As Chad said, “from then on it was a TT race.” I found myself going through the flowing and gnarly single track in the first chase group. I was able to slowly put the hammer down and whittle the group down to Jake Begley and myself.
As I came out of the last single track section I realized I was alone and in utter bliss. I found myself enjoying the flowing single track and the rolling ski trails. After a couple more mud holes I crested the final hill to spectators and the finish line. This, by far, was one of the most fun races of the season. The atmosphere, the riders, the fall colors, and the all around feeling that another season is done made for a great venue.
Thanks to Noah Michaelsen, CORBA, and all the volunteers for a great race on some of the ‘best kept secret’ single track trails in the north woods. Of course…now they are not so much a secret any more…are they?
Single Swizzle
Sturgie
The sentimental value of this car far out weighs the practicality of a guy who knows nothing about cars owning a collectors car. But I do think it will be cool to drive it a couple of blocks down to the local Burger King for their Thursday night car show.
