This year’s edition of this iconic cyclocross race did not disappoint! It was a wee bit chilly, but everyone had a great time, riding, jumping, pushing their bikes in the backyard of Big Sky Brewery. From tiny racers to seasoned veterans, they left it all on the fun, twisty, challenging course. First time USAC race director, Cory Kaufman, did an excellent job putting on the race. This year, Thunder was the host for the Montana State Cyclocross Championships as well! See our results page for all the deets!
Freya Radley looks for a little help from mom, as she lines up for her first cyclocross race. Photo Credit: Hazel CramerThere was some child carnage when the little ones hit the sand pit obstacle! Photo Credit: Hazel CramerJuniors negotiate the fly over. Photo Credit: Jeremy LurgioLong time Missoula racer, and winner of the Elite Women’s race, Ivy Audrain, puts on her race face at the start line. Photo Credit: Noelle AnnonenChelsee Plummel races on into the night, as all were treated to a majestic sunset! Photo Credit: Hunter WigginsNaomi Humenny pushes her bike up the run up. Photo Credit: Hunter Wiggins
This year, race director Cory Kaufman has added some fun new classes, including a “Baggy Pants” mountain bike only race, “Try Cyclocross” beginners race, and free kids’ races (starting at age 3 and including striders!) Sign up the whole family and have a blast!
Friends and family braved the cold temps to cheer on the Montana NICA teams, as they put this inaugural season to bed. What an amazing first season it’s been! Montana NICA earned the distinction for the fastest growing NICA league in the nation. Thank you Sam Schultz for leading the charge! We can’t wait to see these student athletes grow! Visit our results page for all the details!
The cheering crowds got bigger and louder every race! Fans bundle up to wait for the podiums!Puffy coats and leggings was the kit for the day!
The third race in the Montana NICA series was held in yet another beautiful setting. The Lolo Lift-Off was fortunate to have the use of a stunning ranch, generously offered for this race! See our results page for all the details!
Caden Means, from the Flathead Cutties Team, gets the hole shot!A Helena team member looks for the turn!
Herron Park was a beautiful setting for the Herron Hustle!
Herron Hustle, Kalispell Montana – The second race of the inaugural Montana NICA season was held on September 7 at the scenic Herron Park in Kalispell, MT with hints of Fall slipping into the last warm weather of summer. Among the picturesque stables of the equestrian center host site you’d find dozens of Montana riders, parents, campers, tents and even a few horses getting exercise among the NICA racers – MTB racing true Montana style!
The shorter race trail increased the laps and course length for the middle school and some high school categories with Rylie, 6th grade girl’s points-leader from Bozeman, describing the course as, “More ups and downs consistently and the longest course ride so far this season.” Megan, a JV rider from home team Kalispell noted, “With this course you need an extra kick to get you past that second lap and onto the third.” Bozeman middle school rider, Maggie, summed up the additional course length, “I thought the uphill was really tiring, especially for two laps, and it was a good time to use that motivation that everybody has taught us at NICA.”
As the MT NICA season progresses, confidence grew amongst riders and teams as they began to get the feel for the exciting fledgling program. Melinda, a 7th grade rider from Team Helena, attended the first race in Bozeman but chose not to compete. Melinda loves mountain biking but was unsure about the racing aspect. “As I cheered my teammates on during the first race, I saw everyone finish with smiles on their faces and high-fiving,” she said. “So, I decided I wanted to race in today’s race.”
As NICA riders got the feel of the program, so did NICA parents. Kara, parent of a Missoula middle school rider, explained, “When you think of mountain biking you often think of it as an individual sport.” She continues, “But the scene with NICA and what’s happening feels like you are getting that team spirit, sportsmanship and supporting each other feeling – way more team feel than I ever expected.” Another NICA parent remarked, “Today, cheering and cowbell ringing is just as loud for the riders at the back of the pack as it is for the riders at the front of the pack.”
As the MT NICA season progresses, NICA team coaches are also finding their stride. Angie, Helena coach and GRiT (Girls Riding Together) coordinator described the GRiT course pre-ride (event where all MT girl NICA racers are invited to pre-ride the course) as, “Awesome, the girls amaze me every time with those big smiles as the girls and female coaches get to know each other from other teams.” During one recent practice, Angie asked her team what they liked best about NICA and what would you say to a new girl that was interested in joining? Angie noted that her team senior rider, an avid all-around athlete, reported that everybody was cheering on everybody, not just your own team. This multi-team support meant a lot to Angie as it embodied her team philosophy. She concludes, “This is exactly the feeling we are trying to create.”
When asked about preparation for Saturday’s race, NICA riders noted a variety of practice regimens and areas. Racers described practices everywhere from 2-3 times per week on a variety of trails styles. Bode, a first time 6th grade racer from Fort Peck, described the Herron Hustle race course as what he was expecting, and that he and his brother prepared for today’s race by riding the miles and miles of cow-trails near his home-town.
Harry, an 8th grade rider from Missoula, summed up the second race of the MT NICA season, “All in all It was a wonderful course…you just had to get out there and race your own race.” Well said, Harry! Next up is the Lolo Liftoff nestled in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley, MT. Terry Miller MT NICA Race Day Reporter
For full race results, visit our results page. For more information on the Montana NICA League, go here: http://www.montanamtb.org/
Once again, the Big Sky Biggee race at Big Sky was a huge success! 224 racers lined up to race either the 30 mile or the 50 mile course! See our results page for the details!
Genevieve Thomas, from the Flathead Cycling Team, takes third in the women’s 30 mile race, in a field of 53 racers!
Big Sky Biggee kids’ race! More kids on bikes….we love it!
The inaugural race of the Montana NICA League was held in Bozeman on August 24. There was a large crowd of racers, family, friends, and support crews! What a great success Montana NICA has been already; we can’t wait to see it grow even more! See our results page for all the details! Next up for the league is the Herron Hustle, in Kalispell, on September 7!
The racers are off, racing around the clock for either 12 or 24 hours.Herron Park provided a stunning and challenging venue for the course!
This year, the skies were smoke-free, the temps were in the 60’s and 70’s, and the trails were dust-free. 104 racers took part in what has become a must-do event for endurance riders from all over the west as well as Canada. The race is a benefit for athletes with disabilities and generous grants are awarded to two athletes each year from the proceeds of the race. These grants enable the athletes to purchase adaptive equipment so that they can continue enjoying the sports we all love. See our results page for all the details!
A separate race was held for the adaptive athletes. Their course may have been shorter, but it was just as grueling, if not more, as the long course. These guys and gals are true heroes!First and Second place duos in the 12 hour race. These four have been battling it out for a couple years now. This time the tables turned and it was Genevieve Thomas and Rachel Desimone (post six weeks delivery of Juliette!) who took the win over Amber Steed and Jen Parsons. They’ll be back next year for battle #3!
The 3rd addition of the Joe Cosley Pancake Ride gravel grinder takes place on Saturday, August 3rd. This will be the longest ride in the series and will offer breathtaking views with lots of climbing and descending down some of the most remote and beautiful gravel roads in northwest Montana. See their Facebook Page for all the details! https://www.facebook.com/joe.cosley.9
