The 2024 USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships will be postponed due to damage to the host city and surrounding areas caused by Hurricane Helene.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (October 1, 2024) — On Tuesday, USA Cycling announced that the 2024 USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships, originally scheduled for October 24-27 at Ride Rock Creek in Zirconia, North Carolina, will be postponed indefinitely due to the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The storm significantly impacted the host city and surrounding areas, making it impossible to safely host the event as planned.
USA Cycling is actively working to reschedule the event and will provide updates as soon as they become available. The safety of participants, staff, volunteers, and the local community was the top priority driving this decision.
“We understand how disappointing this news is for the collegiate cycling community, and everyone involved,” said Kyle Knott, Director of National Events. “However, considering the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, postponing is the right decision to ensure everyone’s safety and allow the local community time to recover. Our thoughts are with all those who have been personally affected by this storm.”
Athletes and teams that have already registered for the event will be refunded. Further updates will be shared on usacycling.org and USA Cycling’s social media channels as they become available.
For more information, contact the USA Cycling National Events team at [email protected]
DOUGLAS, Arizona (October 2, 2024) – The Apacheria Gravel will held for the first time on Saturday, November 16, 2024. The inaugural Apacheria Gravel will start and finish in Douglas, AZ located in South East Arizona on the International Border, sharing a port of entry with Agua Prieta, Sonora, MX.
Cycling in the Apacheria region of Douglas, AZ, home of the Apacheria Gravel Ride. Photo by Dave Nevins, Tourism Coordinator for the City of Douglas, AZ.
The official Start – Finish line will be in front of the Border Air Museum, which in fact, is the first international airport in the USA.
The Apacheria Gravel will consist of three course routes – respective distances of, 38, 69 and 89 miles. All three distances will be contested on the Geronimo Trail, located in Cochise County and the ‘Border-Lands’ area of SE Arizona The Geronimo Trail traverses the foothills of the Perilla Mountains, San Bernardino Valley and the western edge of the Peloncillo Mountins.
Douglas, AZ is a vibrant and proud community that was incorporated in 1905. Douglas was founded as an American Smelter town – to treat the copper ores of near by Bisbee, AZ. Douglas sits at an elevation of 4032 feet.
In 1916 the Mexcian Revolutionary Leader, Pancho Villa was active in the Douglas, AZ and Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mx area – stories are told that Pancho Villa rode his horse into the lobby of The Gadsden Hotel ( www.thegadesdenhotel.com) and chipped the marble grand staircase. The Gadsden Hotel will serve as the event’s host hotel along with the awards ceremony venue.
The genesis of the Apacheria Gravel is the robust growth of the gravel event platform nationally and internationally.
The date of the Apacheria Gravel was decided after a lengthy process in critical and strategic thought. The Apacheria Gravel is the final Gravel event, west of the Mississippi for the 2024 event calendar. The event’s date – November 16, 2024 – is two weeks after the Spirit World 100 (11/2/24 – www.thespiritworld100.com ) and one week in advance of the El Tour de Tucson (11/23/24 – www.eltourdetucson.org ) as well as the premier Gravel Cycling Event in Mexico – Belgian Waffle Ride ‘Mexico,’
Please visit the event’s official website for all of the details and answers to numerous FAQ’s: www.ApacheriaGravel.com.
Cycling in the Apacheria region of Douglas, AZ, home of the Apacheria Gravel Ride. Photo by Dave Nevins, Tourism Coordinator for the City of Douglas, AZ.Cycling in the Apacheria region of Douglas, AZ, home of the Apacheria Gravel Ride. Photo by Dave Nevins, Tourism Coordinator for the City of Douglas, AZ.Cycling in the Apacheria region of Douglas, AZ, home of the Apacheria Gravel Ride. Photo by Dave Nevins, Tourism Coordinator for the City of Douglas, AZ.Cycling in the Apacheria region of Douglas, AZ, home of the Apacheria Gravel Ride. Photo by Dave Nevins, Tourism Coordinator for the City of Douglas, AZ.Cycling in the Apacheria region of Douglas, AZ, home of the Apacheria Gravel Ride. Photo by Dave Nevins, Tourism Coordinator for the City of Douglas, AZ.Cycling in the Apacheria region of Douglas, AZ, home of the Apacheria Gravel Ride. Photo by Dave Nevins, Tourism Coordinator for the City of Douglas, AZ.Cycling in the Apacheria region of Douglas, AZ, home of the Apacheria Gravel Ride. Photo by Dave Nevins, Tourism Coordinator for the City of Douglas, AZ.
By John Roberson — In early October of 2023 my sweetheart and I left our Utah home to spend nine delightful days riding the C & O Canal Towpath, a 184-mile, National Park Service historical trail that follows the Potomac River between Washington, D.C. and Cumberland, Maryland. Along the way we experienced fine autumn weather, quiet paths and beautiful riverside scenery. We saw deer and turtles, herons and big black snakes, foggy mornings and lovely sunsets. We shared stories with other bicycle tourists and spent our nights camping in lovely hiker-biker sites along the river. And throughout the tour we were taken both by the ease of the route and by how “wild” the surrounding countryside seemed to us, despite the fact that the towpath passes through one of the more densely-populated parts of our nation.
For roughly 100 years the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, originally the brainchild of George Washington, provided for the transport by canal boats of goods and commodities between the two cities. Beginning in the 1820s, and continuing for 20-plus years, more than 70 stone locks and aqueducts were constructed, along with lock-houses for the families that operated the locks. Although the canal builders fell short of their original goal to connect Chesapeake Bay to the Ohio River at Pittsburgh, the portions that remain clearly reflect what was an impressive feat of labor and engineering. Canal traffic on the C & O declined with the steady rise of more efficient railroads and stopped completely in 1924 after a series of disastrous floods on the Potomac irreparably damaged the system. The canal and its infrastructure were left to deteriorate until visionaries in the 1950s recognized the potential of the canal as a national pathway worthy of preservation. In 1971 it became a national historical park under the auspices of the National Park Service, and in the years since has served millions of hikers, bikers, runners and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Roz and John’s campsite on the C & O Canal Towpath. Photo by John Roberson
We began our ride in Cumberland and spent the next four days leisurely riding the towpath to Washington, D.C., camping each night along the trail. The weather was perfect and the famous fall foliage of the East had begun to color-up the countryside. We spent two relaxing nights in a Georgetown hotel near the end of the towpath and a day riding around D.C., seeing the sights, doing chores, and marveling at the city’s bicycle-friendly infrastructure. We then spent another four days retracing our route back to Cumberland. The weather was cooler on the ride back, and we had one rainy morning and a couple of misty nights to remind us of the unpredictability of the season. We easily managed about 50 miles each day, which allowed us to stop whenever we felt the urge to check out a nice view, have a snack, take a picture or two, investigate a nearby community, or chat with other towpath users.
A lockhouse on the C & O Canal Towpath. Photo by Roz Newmark
The towpath itself was a pleasure to ride. It is essentially level, as one would expect with a path that follows a canal and that was originally established by the horses and mules that pulled the canal boats from lock to lock. The overall elevation change between D.C. and Cumberland is about 700 feet, with all of that change occurring in a series of gentle, 10-foot “bumps” at each of the locks. The towpath varies in width from a few narrow, single-track sections near the Cumberland-end of the pathway to well-maintained, 6-to-8 foot wide, crushed stone surfaces for the bulk of the route. For what it’s worth, my old Rockhopper and Roz’s ancient Trek 520 easily handled all portions of the path.
River lock on the C & O Canal Towpath. Photo by Roz Newmark
The structural remains of the original canal and its infrastructure are a constant presence as one rides along. In some places the canal is quite dry and in the process of being reclaimed by the surrounding forest. In many other places the canal has turned into a series of long ponds, filled with lily pads, turtles and water birds. In a few other stretches, where the Potomac had been dammed, the river itself was calm enough to be used as a portion of the canal route. There, the towpath literally hugs the edge of the river. Along the way we passed the remains of locks and aqueducts, and the simple stone houses that were built to house the lock-keepers who were on-call day and night to work the locks. Some of these features were no more than graceful stone ruins, and others looked as though they could be put back into service tomorrow. In fact, several of the lock houses have been refurbished and can be reserved for overnight stays. One highlight of the ride is the infamous Pawpaw Tunnel, a 3,000-foot-long hole that carries the canal through a stony ridge. It cost a great deal of time and money at the time, but it saved the canal-builders from having to build along several miles of especially twisty bends in the river.
We like to camp out when we tour, and there were plenty of options for us as we rode the towpath. We used six of the 30 or so official hiker-biker sites that are maintained by the National Park Service. The campsites were free to use, and to our western, desert-oriented eyes seemed especially lush and luxurious. In general, each site consisted of a large patch of grass carved out of the surrounding forests. Each one was located between the towpath and the river, and contained one or more picnic tables, fire rings, a porta-potty, a hand-powered water pump, and a convenient trash-bag dispenser. The campsites (and the towpath itself) were remarkably free of trash and thoughtfully sited to take advantage of views of the river. The porta-potties were clearly maintained, but the water pumps were all labeled with signs saying that the water should be filtered or boiled before drinking (and me without a water filter!). Fortunately, drinkable water was easily found in the towns we passed along the way. Because we were traveling during a sort of off-season, we had several campsites all to ourselves, but we spent several lively nights at sites we shared with two to five other groups of travelers. We imagined that most of the sites would have been filled to the brim each night during the busy summer season.
Roz Newmark riding on the C & O Canal Towpath. Photo by John Roberson
The C & O Towpath passes through a number of small communities as it winds its way along the edge of the river. Some were founded to serve the needs of the canal, but most were much older farming or trading towns, with long histories and buildings that predated the American Revolution. We visited Harper’s Ferry, which was the site of John Brown’s final stand against the evils of slavery, and Shepherdstown, a tiny college town that claimed to be the oldest in West Virginia. Whatever a community’s origins, most seem to have recognized the benefits of being close to a well-used recreational pathway and have developed services designed to meet the needs of folks traveling the towpath. Despite the lateness of the season, we were always able to find supplies when we needed them, and every merchant we met was helpful and eager to please.
Roz Newmark on the the C & O Canal Towpath. Photo by John Roberson
Like many of the trails that have been developed from disused railroad corridors, the C & O Towpath does suffer somewhat from the “tunnel effect” that results when the greenery alongside the trail is allowed to grow out and up over the pathway. The towpath was curvier than a typical rail bed might be, and it wasn’t a problem for us as there seemed to be so many interesting things to see. There are lots of breaks in the scenery where the towpath opens up onto the river or onto fields and pastures or rocky bluffs on the inland side of the canal, and when the pathway passes through towns. What was very appealing to us was the fact that there are only a handful of spots where the towpath interacts with motorized traffic. Though we passed under the occasional highway or railroad bridge, we found it easy to feel we were miles away from the hubbub of the modern world. We were especially impressed by how gently the towpath brought us into Washington. As we were pedaling the path in the late afternoon of the fourth day, we noticed that we were sharing it with an increasing number of pedestrians, runners and bike commuters. We were just a mile or so from the canal’s starting point when we suddenly found ourselves smack in the middle of Georgetown and a few short blocks from our hotel. The towpath allowed us to bypass altogether the suburban sprawl that surrounds the city.
John Roberson riding along the C & O Canal Towpath. Photo by Roz Newmark
Many of the riders we met were riding the C & O Canal Towpath as one leg of a longer tour that included a trail called the Greater Allegheny Passage (GAP). The GAP is a well-established rail-trail that links Cumberland and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and adds another 150 miles to the tour. The GAP connects directly, and conveniently, to the C & O Towpath in downtown Cumberland. Bicyclists ride the combined routes in both directions. Many riders said they had initially arrived in either D.C. or Pittsburgh with their gear and plans to shuttle back to where they started via Amtrak, which provides regular, bike-friendly service between the three cities. Others said they had rented their bikes and bags from one of the many outfits that cater to riders (and that provide shuttle service between cities). The bike tourists we encountered ranged from fast-moving bike-packers, traveling light and determined to put on the miles, to easy-going novices who preferred to end their daily rides in the comfort of one of the many B & B’s located in the communities along the route. We saw lots of riders who were out for a day ride or a single overnight, and a few long-distance tourists for whom the C & O Towpath and GAP were merely sections of much longer trips. We met a well-organized family of six riding the towpath from Pittsburgh to D.C. as a fun-filled learning experience for their home-schooled kids, and an older couple working their way down from New England and aiming for South America. Regardless of the level of experience of each rider we met, and despite the occasional trials and tribulations that are part of any truly memorable bicycle tour, everyone seemed to be having a really good time!
Trip Notes:
There’s a 26-mile rail-trail that parallels the canal path on either end of the town of Hancock. It’s called the Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT). It is paved and would be a less-messy alternative to the towpath on a rainy day, but a section of it puts the rider in close proximity to a noisy section of interstate.
We use a traditional front-and-rear pannier set-up to carry all our gear. We each carried two frame-mounted water bottles, plus two additional liter bottles in our bags for evening and morning use. In addition to all our camping supplies we each had good rain gear with us, and fenders were very handy when the trail got sloppy coming out of D.C.
To get to our starting point, Roz and I chose to drive across the country carrying all our gear. It added another ten days of travel to our adventure, but we had the time and were able to visit friends and see new sights along the way. We live in Salt Lake City and are dedicated, life-long bike commuters, and together we have over a hundred bike tours under our belts.
Three titles for Pannecoucke; Van Wagoner avenges 2023 loss
By David Bern — The top pro victors in the 42nd annual LoToJa Classic on Sept. 7 showed that being fit and fast aren’t always enough to triumph at one of America’s coveted cycling road titles.
Sometimes, you have to risk losing — or try to break the course record — to win.
Cat. 2 Danny Van Wagoner, 32, (Team CycleSport.com) of Fruit Heights, Utah, won the Men Pro 123’s after attacking from an eight-man breakaway with less than three miles to go.
His winning time in the 203-mile (327 km) race from Logan, Utah, to Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, was 8:50:24.22. His average speed was nearly 23 mph.
“I played all of my chips on that move,” Van Wagoner said of his attack. “If it [the break] had come back, I wouldn’t have had the kick for the sprint.”
Cat. 1 Aileen Pannecoucke, 27, (Team LA Sweat) of Pocatello, Idaho, won her third LoToJa Women Pro 123 title after beating five breakaway companions to the line. Her finish time was 9:43:26.37 at an average speed of 20.8 mph.
“I was relieved and happy to win!” she said. “It was an exciting way to end the season, although I was a bit disappointed not to break the record.”
Van Wagoner knew at the start line that he’d gamble to win after losing the Men Pro 123’s last year in a close sprint against Cat. 1 Adrian Rips, 30, (Team Next Level Racing) of Kaltenkirchen, Germany.
“I lost by half a wheel last year,” Van Wagoner said, who also holds a UCI Elite license and races in Europe on USA Cycling’s marathon mountain bike team. “I’ve thought a lot about that and wanted to correct it this year.”
Last year’s race wasn’t the only time he’s come close to winning. He took fourth in 2022 and sixth in 2021.
The day began for Van Wagoner and nearly 30 Men Pro 123’s and Men Master 35+ racers when their peloton left Sunrise Cyclery in the dark at 5:30 a.m. under clear skies and 52 degrees.
Due to lower field numbers and similar experience and ability, the two categories are allowed to start and race together. The same applies to Master Men 60+, 65+ and 70+ categories.
Van Wagoner said he was in a “good head space” at the start and confident in his form. He also suspected the day would be interesting without any teammates.
But with more road racing experience and a focus on patience, he would “preserve my matches for my kick when it mattered.”
He also had a game plan to make sure he’d have a chance to light those matches: He would create the break, or be in it, when the race likely erupted on LoToJa’s steep, four-mile-long 7,630-foot-high Salt River Pass (106 mi/171 km).
Chasing: The Men Pro 123 peloton rides in solidarity alongside the Bear River north of Preston, Idaho, in the 42nd annual LoToJa Classic on Sept. 7 while chasing a lone rider, Jess Hogin (Unattached), who had previously attacked and amassed a four-minute lead. Photo courtesy of Snake River Photo
According to Van Wagoner, the peloton stayed together as it rode north to Preston, Idaho, (29 mi/47 km). But on the rollers a few miles after Preston, Cat. 2 Jesse Hogin, 35, (Unattached) of Henderson, Nevada, went off the front.
Hogin soon had a four-minute gap going up LoToJa’s first major climb, 22-mile-long Strawberry/Emigration Canyon and its 7,424-foot-high summit (57mi/92km). Van Wagoner said the peloton whittled down the gap to 90 seconds a few times, but then backed off. No one was fully committed to catch Hogin until later.
As the peloton climbed to the canyon’s summit, attrition began to mount. About 15 racers descended into Bear Lake Valley and to the first feed-zone at Montpelier (76 mi/122 km).
Even more got dropped over 6,923-foot-high Geneva Summit (84 mi/135 km). Twenty miles later on the ramps of Salt River Pass, the final break was established.
Hard climb: Matthew Lefthand (Team Brainstoke) leads Jess Clapier (Team Mi Duole) up Salt River Pass in the 42nd annual LoToJa Classic on Sept. 7. The two were part of an eight-man break on the climb and finished eighth and fifth, respectively, in the Men Pro 123’s. Photo courtesy of Snake River Photo
It consisted of Van Wagoner; last year’s Men Pro 123 winner Adrian Rips; Cat. 2 Eric Ellis, 41, (Team Formula 369.com) of Springville, Utah; Cat. 2 Gilberto Melendez, 36, (Team Fount Cycling) of Eloy, Arizona; Cat. 3 Jess Clapier, 31, (Team Mi Duole) of Salt Lake City, Utah; Cat. 2 Matthew Clark, 39, (Team Ascent Cycling) of North Salt Lake, Utah; and Cat. 3 Matthew Lefthand, 32, (Team Brainstoke) of Marriot-Slaterville, Utah.
Of those seven, it was Lefthand who reached the summit first with a time of 14:14 and average speed of 14.8 mph. But of the Men Pro 123’s, he wasn’t the fastest.
It was Hogin on his solo breakaway, who did the climb one second faster than Lefthand. And with Hogin still up the road and the break solidified, the seven men gave chase.
“We were flying through Star Valley, averaging 28 to 29 miles per hour,” Van Wagoner said. “It was a quick rotation. Everyone worked.”
Around 20 miles later, they finally caught Hogin after the Afton feed-zone (122mi/196km). Although he had been off the front for more than 90 miles, Hogin didn’t drift to the back and ride wheels. He worked the rotation like everyone else.
“I have massive respect for Jesse. Kudos to him,” Van Wagoner said. “He is a brave and strong rider.”
To stay clear of chasers, the now eight-man break sped through the rest of Star Valley to Alpine (156 mi/251 km). But once inside Snake River Canyon with 47 miles to go, some members of the break stopped pulling, Van Wagoner said.
At the same time, others took the opportunity to attack. Van Wagoner said Ellis and Hogin tried to get away but were reeled back. After Hoback Junction (178 mi/286 km), a strong headwind discouraged further attacks.
“At one point, Adrian [Rips] said aloud, ‘I guess everyone is just waiting for the sprint,’” Van Wagoner said.
Rips was right. The break stayed together on South Loop Road and over the Snake River Bike Path Bridge at Wilson. The stalemate continued on Moose-Wilson Road with the finish seven miles ahead.
It was wait and see. And for Van Wagoner, time to assess his options. He knew that he had to risk everything to beat Rips to the line.
“Adrian is a good sprinter,” Van Wagoner said. “My skills are 10-minute efforts. My coach told me to play to my strengths, that was in my mind.
“I had hoped there would have been an attack so I could have attacked after everyone regrouped, but that didn’t happen,” he added. “I told myself if no one attacks at 5K to go, I’ll attack at 4K.”
Which he did. For a full 30 seconds, Van Wagoner gambled on his strength and attacked with everything he had. He then looked back and saw that he had a gap. With each rider behind without teammates, for one of them to counterattack and chase Van Wagoner could mean losing second place.
Winner: Danny Van Wagoner (Team CycleSport.com) is jubilant after crossing the finish line alone and winning the Men Pro 123’s in the 42nd annual LoToJa Classic on Sept. 7. He set a time of 8:50:24 in the 203-mile road race from Sunrise Cyclery in Logan, Utah, to Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Photo courtesy of Snake River Photo
He flew across the finish line alone, followed six seconds later by Rips at 8:50:30.65; Ellis in third place at 8:50:31.09; Melendez in fourth at 8:50:31.41; Clapier in fifth at 8:50:31.58; Hogin in sixth at 8:50:31.76; Clark in seventh at 8:50:32.52; and Lefthand in eighth at 8:50:32.66.
Van Wagoner was thrilled about how his gamble had paid off, to cross the finish alone and avenge last year’s near-miss against Rips.
“It felt so damn sweet!” he said. “I was a little in disbelief. That finish from last year haunted me, so it was really gratifying to win.”
Van Wagoner said LoToJa is “the bicycle race to win in Utah.” The outreach he has experienced afterward has been “amazing.” He attributed that to LoToJa’s 43 years of existence and the general public’s — not just the cycling community’s — awareness of the race.
Van Wagoner, who comes from a cycling family and started mountain bike racing when he was 14 years old, is also a husband, father, and private banker. He said if all goes well and schedules align, he’ll be at LoToJa’s start line in 2025.
After taking 2023 off from LoToJa because of fatigue and starting a career, Aileen Pannecoucke returned this year with a single purpose: to break the women’s record of 9:35:00 that was set by Melinda Macfarlane 11 years ago.
“The goal I had made this year with my coach was to break the record,” Pannecoucke said. “That’s what I wanted to do at LoToJa — more than to win it. And if I was unable to break the record, I would figure out how to win.”
Which is why she immediately attacked the peloton of about 50 USA Cycling licensed women after it passed through the neutral rollout in Logan. The women’s peloton departed from Sunrise Cyclery at 6:42 am.
Hard race: In early morning light, the USAC licensed women peloton pushes the tempo alongside the Bear River north of Preston, Idaho, in the 42nd annual LoToJa Classic on Sept. 7. Photo courtesy of Snake River Photo
“To break the record, I knew we had to race immediately,” Pannecoucke said. “That’s why I attacked right after the neutral. I think I pissed them off.”
But that wasn’t her only attack. After the peloton bridged up to her, she jumped again. Pannecoucke did this up to four times before the Strawberry/Emigration Canyon climb.
“I wanted to make the race hard,” she said. “They probably thought I was crazy with all the attacking I did.”
Pannecoucke said she was in a break of about 10 riders at Strawberry/Emigration summit. She said the break didn’t work cooperatively on the descent to Bear Lake Valley and Montpelier, which ended her record attempt.
Fast descent: Jennifer Halladay (Team Hammer) leads the descent from Strawberry/Emigration Canyon summit in the 42nd annual LoToJa Classic on Sept. 7. Halladay went on to win the Woman Master 45+ division and take home her seventh LoToJa title. Photo courtesy of Snake River Photo
“Montpelier was only a 30-second stop for me. I went fast,” Pannecoucke said. The break resumed for the climb up Geneva, and by the summit, about eight riders remained.
On the descent from Geneva the break started to cooperate, with everyone taking solid, one-minute pulls, Pannecoucke said. This lasted for 14 miles to the base of Salt River Pass and on its initial ramps.
But the break started to lose cohesion about halfway up when Cat. 5 Hallie French, 39, (Team M&H) of Salt Lake City, Utah, went to the front and pushed the pace. Cat. 3 Katie Bonebrake, 33, (Team Zone 5) of Salt Lake City, Utah, followed.
Pannecoucke initially got dropped, but didn’t panic. She had worked hard on her climbing over the summer. Feeling confident, she bridged up to French and Bonebrake and was joined in the effort by Cat. 4/5 Sarah Esmeier, 27, (Team Pay N Take) of Flagstaff, Arizona.
Bonebrake won the Queen of the Mountain prize with a time of 17.42 and an average speed of 11.9 mph. She was followed by Pannecoucke; Esmeier; Cat. 1 Jennifer Halladay, 53, (Team Hammer) of Kuna, Idaho; French; Cat. 2 Marilyn Chychota, 47, (Team MCC) of Tucson, Arizona; and Cat. 5 Lori Castagnetto, 46, (Team Zone 5) of Provo, Utah.
The established break of seven women descended into Star Valley after a quick pee stop atop Salt River. Pannecoucke said everyone worked cooperatively to Alpine, up Snake River Canyon and past Hoback Junction. The break stayed intact with 2K to go on Moose-Wilson Road.
“I think Katie [Bonebrake] wanted to attack me,” Pannecoucke said. “I expected it to happen, but it didn’t.”
She said Castagnetto got stuck at the front and “I got second wheel with Jen [Halladay] next to me.” With 250 meters to go, Pannecoucke launched her sprint.
“It was a long way out, but sprinting is my strength, and I figured I was the only one who could do it for that far,” she said.
Winner: Aileen Pannecoucke (Team LA Sweat) celebrates after taking the sprint and winning the Women Pro 123’s in the 42nd annual LoToJa Classic on Sept. 7. She set a time of 9:43:26 in the 203-mile road race from Sunrise Cyclery in Logan, Utah, to Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. It was her third LoToJa victory. Visible and taking second place behind her is Katie Bonebrake (Team Zone 5). Photo courtesy of Snake River Photo
She sailed across the line with her arms outstretched, with Bonebrake second at 9:43:26.39, Esmeier third at 9:43:26.52, Halladay fourth at 9:43:26.55, Chychota fifth at 9:43:26.73 and Castagnetto sixth at 9:43:26.76. French came in just over three minutes later to take seventh at 9:47:09.
Although that’s how the break finished, it contained a mix of categories and ages, which affected final standings. Due to lower field numbers, all USA Cycling licensed women start and race together in LoToJa regardless of category and age. But respective category wins and placings are maintained despite mixed-category finishes.
Bonebrake is a Cat. 3, so her second-place finish behind Pannecoucke also gave her second place in the Women Pro 123’s. Esmeier finished third in the break but won the Women’s Cat. 4/5’s.
Fourth-place Halladay won the Women’s Master 45+ and her seventh LoToJa title, and fifth-place Chychota took third place in the Women Pro 123’s. Sixth-place Castagnetto took second place in the Women Master 45+, and seventh-place French won the Women Master 35+ and her fifth LoToJa title.
Pannecoucke, who comes from a cycling family and started racing at age 15 in her native Belgium, said that winning LoToJa is never easy and winning multiple times is even harder.
It’s an event that a lot of people follow. Expectations from family, friends — and oneself — to keep on winning, are high, she said.
“After all of the training and stress, it would have been hard to end the season with a second or third place,” Pannecoucke said. “… I was relieved to win and get it done.”
She said she’s not 100-percent certain that she’ll roll up to LoToJa’s start line next year. She plans to transition into triathlons in 2025. With that, and her career as a middle school science teacher and head coach for a high school co-ed swim team, may make it tough to be race-fit next year.
LoToJa features much more than pro categories for men and women. There were approximately 1,800 USAC licensed and non-licensed cyclists in the event. There were 28 separate start groups that included licensed race categories, plus non-licensed cyclosportive categories and relay teams.
2024 Lotoja riders just as they crossed the Utah-Idaho border going into Franklin. This was the last group to head out in the competitive ride. Some even still were smiling. Only 187 miles to go! Photo by Bart Anderson
The groups left Sunrise Cyclery Logan in four-minute intervals to separate race and ride categories on the road. Each group contained an average of 40-50 cyclists.
Although Hogin was the first and fastest Men Pro 123 who assailed Salt River Pass, he did not win the KOM prize. That went to Cat. 3 Korby Van Valkenburg, 41, (Team Mi Duole) of Mapleton, Utah.
He climbed Salt River in 13:28 at an average speed of 15.6 mph. He also took second place in the Men Cat. 3/4 division.
The oldest female cyclist to start and finish was Barbara Sullivan, 68, (Unattached), of Carlsbad, California,whose finish time was 11:01:22.
The oldest male cyclist to start and finish was Richard Linton, 74, (Unattached), of Draper, Utah. He took seventh place in the Men Master 70+ with a time of 12:01:06.14.
The youngest female to start and finish was Natalie Rehklau, 17, (Team Frontiers Racing) of Billings, Montana, who finished with a time of 12:22:58. The youngest male was Andrew Holmes, 15, (Team Holmes on the Range) of Spanish Fork, Utah, who finished with a time of 12:47:22.
Complete finish line results are available at lotoja.com. Click on the “Results/Records” tab in the navigation bar.
“After 42 years, LoToJa continues to be a road race of endurance that appeals to cyclists of all ages and abilities,” said race director Brent Chambers. “It’s always an honor and privilege for me to be part of it and to witness the good, life-changing influence LoToJa has on all of its participants.”
He thanked cyclists, event staff and volunteers, sponsors, and vendors for making LoToJa possible and a success year after year. He also thanked the communities along LoToJa’s parcours for their continued support.
LoToJa is the longest one-day USA Cycling-sanctioned bicycle road race in the U.S. Its 203-mile parcours passes through northern Utah, southeastern Idaho, and western Wyoming. It crosses flat, hilly, and mountainous terrain, and features nearly 10,000 feet of climbing.
The first edition was held in 1983 with seven riders who started at Sunrise Cyclery and finished in downtown Jackson. Today, up to 2,000 cyclists participate, either riding the entire parcours or a portion in the relay.
The 43rd annual LoToJa will be held on Sept. 6. The race’s 2025 website will be launched next March with online registration beginning in mid-April.
Swenson all-but wraps the men’s series with his fourth victory of the season while De Crescenzo defends her Trinidad title in style
TRINIDAD, Colorado (September 28, 2024) — Keegan Swenson all-but wrapped up the 2024 men’s Life Time Grand Prix presented by Mazda by soloing to his fourth victory of the season at the Life Time Rad Dirt Fest, while Lauren De Crescenzo defended her women’s title in Trinidad after an incredible long-range attack.
Swenson – making his first appearance in the race – was a constant presence in the lead group as it gradually whittled down on the tough 110-mile gravel test, and after breaking clear with Peter Stetina and Griffin Easter in the final hour of action, the 30 year old left his rivals in the dust on the rolling section coming out of Trinidad Lake State Park before pressing home his advantage in typically devastating style, crossing the line with a one-minute-and-23-second winning margin.
Stetina also dug deep to drop Easter in the closing stages, taking second place, three minutes and 23 seconds ahead of the Californian.
In the women’s race, De Crescenzo once again proved in a class of her own, breaking away near the Spanish Peaks Aid Station and then continuing to build her lead alone over the 80+ miles that followed.
For the second season in a row, the 34 year old didn’t put a foot wrong, wrapping up her victory with a mammoth eight minutes and 10 seconds to spare. The triumph is her third success at this race in total, having also won the 165-mile contest here back in 2021.
Sofia Gomez Villafañe attacked on the final climb of the day to earn herself a hard-fought second place, with Cecily Decker securing her best result of the series so far in third, rolling home just 14 seconds behind Villafañe.
Those results mean Swenson has a perfect score of 105 in the overall standings, which has been calculated by taking into account the best three scores from the five races to date, although he also has 35 more points in the bank which he can cash in after the Life Time Big Sugar Gravel presented by Mazda concludes the series on Saturday, October 19. He only needs to start that race to be guaranteed his third successive Life Time Grand Prix presented by Mazda victory.
Payson McElveen now sits in second place, 14 points behind Swenson, despite not finishing today, as his third-best result at Chequamegon has come into effect, with Matthew Beers moving up two places to third, on 89 points, after becoming the third highest-ranked Life Time Grand Prix male rider in Trinidad.
Villafañe’s second place ensures she has also cemented her place at the top of the women’s leaderboard with a phenomenal haul of 103 points, 13 ahead of Paige Onweller (who finished this race in seventh). She is now just one point ahead of Alexis Skarda, who crossed the line in fourth position today.
Reaction from the Life Time Rad Dirt Fest:
Keegan Swenson wins the 2024 Rad Dirt Fest in Trinidad, Colorado. Photo courtesy of Life time.
Men’s winner Keegan Swenson said: “Today was my first time competing here and the course was rad. My goal was to have a nice, solid ride. I wanted to put the pressure on and make it hard, but at the same time try and be smart because I knew if I had a podium here, and depending on where other guys finished, I could lock up the overall.
“On that last big push back into town, Pete [Stetina] and I worked really well together. He then made two late attacks but I was able to counter them and gain a few seconds on him, and that allowed me to roll in solo to the finish. I had a good day out and a good time racing the guys out there.”
Lauren De Crescenzo wins the 2024 Rad Dirt Fest in Trinidad, Colorado. Photo courtesy of Life time.
Women’s winner Lauren De Crescenzo said: “I always put pressure on myself to repeat any win I’ve had, but I didn’t plan to make that early attack today, and I don’t know what my coach is going to say about it. It came on a steep, sandy section at around the 30-mile mark and it just felt right. I said to myself ‘this is the time’, although I did quickly start to doubt myself, once I’d made it, as I had so far to go.
“Looking ahead to Big Sugar, I just want to score as many points as I can now. Last season I took the maximum amount by finishing second to Kasia Niewiadoma [who wasn’t in the 2023 Life Time Grand Prix], and I’d love to do the same again as I’m not where I want to be in the standings [which is 11th overall].”
Click HERE (men) and HERE (women) for the full race results, HERE for the overall standings.
Extended highlights will be available in the next 48 hours on the official Life Time Grand Prix YouTube channel.
By Charles Pekow — The Safe Routes Partnership has released a guide on repealing local “harmful traffic laws” that discriminate against cyclists and pedestrians at state and local levels. While not very detailed, it recommends opposing ordinances that disproportionately affect minorities and advocating for bills that fund cycling infrastructure.
The guide suggests shifting traffic responsibilities from police to transportation departments. It also emphasizes the importance of forming partnerships, as those affected by discriminatory traffic laws often face additional challenges such as inadequate housing, food, and healthcare. Collect data, and if you need assistance, contact a local institute of higher education, which may have the data or know how to obtain it.
ANYWRE JPS
Presented at the 2024 ENVE Builder Round-up
The titanium ANYWRE is designed as an all-road quiver killer (not that we condone 1 bike, of course) with optimal clearance from 30-40mm it is designed to take you anywhere, all terrain, gravel trails to local group rides. With the growing interest in F1 and our long love of all motorsport, we are building 10 of these with your favorite car racing livery, this one on display being the Mario Andretti John Player Special black and gold. hollandcycles.com
By Heather Casey — As wildfires become more frequent and severe, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts often find themselves exposed to smoke and poor air quality. This exposure can lead to respiratory issues, decreased performance, and overall health concerns. Fortunately, certain foods can help our bodies filter and process the harmful particles found in wildfire smoke. Here’s how to optimize your diet to support your health during wildfire season.
The Science Behind Smoke Exposure
Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of harmful pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These substances can cause oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, particularly affecting the respiratory system.
Wildfire smoke haze seen from Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah – a popular cycling climb. Photo by Dave Iltis
Nutrients That Help Combat Smoke Exposure
One of the most effective ways to counteract the negative impacts of wildfire smoke is through a diet rich in specific nutrients known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidants are your first line of defense. Vitamin C, for example, is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals generated by smoke exposure. Citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, and broccoli are excellent sources of vitamin C. A morning smoothie packed with these ingredients can be a refreshing way to start your day with a health boost.
Vitamin E is another crucial antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage. This fat-soluble vitamin is abundant in nuts, seeds, spinach, and avocados. Imagine a vibrant spinach salad topped with avocado slices and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds – a simple yet powerful meal to support your body’s defenses.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids are renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties. These healthy fats, found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, as well as in flaxseeds and walnuts, can help reduce inflammation caused by smoke inhalation. Consider adding a serving of grilled salmon or a handful of walnuts to your daily diet to harness these benefits.
Flavonoids are compounds found in foods such as berries, apples, onions, and dark chocolate. They offer strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Incorporating a variety of these foods into your meals can provide a delightful way to boost your intake of these beneficial compounds. Think of a delicious berry parfait or a savory dish with caramelized onions – both tasty and healthful!
Cruciferous Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain compounds that help detoxify the body and reduce inflammation. These veggies can be easily integrated into your diet through stir-fries, roasted vegetable medleys, or even as a crunchy snack.
Practical Dietary Tips
To make the most of these powerful nutrients, aim for a diverse and colorful diet. Here are some practical tips to help you integrate these foods into your daily routine:
Increase Your Fruit and Vegetable Intake: Aim for a colorful plate filled with a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure a wide range of antioxidants and nutrients. Try to incorporate at least one serving of fruits or vegetables in every meal and snack.
Include Omega-3 Rich Foods: Incorporate fatty fish into your diet at least twice a week. For plant-based options, add flaxseeds or chia seeds to your smoothies or oatmeal. These tiny seeds pack a big nutritional punch and are easy to add to many dishes.
Snack on Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds are great snacks that provide vitamin E and healthy fats. Keep a small container of mixed nuts with you for a convenient, nutrient-dense snack.
Stay Hydrated: Water helps to flush out toxins from your body. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and consider herbal teas like green tea, which can provide additional antioxidants. Proper hydration is key to maintaining overall health, especially when dealing with smoke exposure.
Sample Day of Eating
To give you an idea of how to incorporate these foods into your daily diet, here’s a sample meal plan:
Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, berries, flaxseeds, and almond milk.
Lunch: Salad with mixed greens, bell peppers, broccoli, and a salmon filet.
Snack: An apple with a handful of walnuts.
Dinner: Stir-fry with tofu, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, served with brown rice.
Hydration: Throughout the day, drink plenty of water and green tea.
Conclusion
By incorporating these nutrient-dense foods into your diet, you can help your body better filter and process the harmful pollutants from wildfire smoke. As cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, maintaining our health and performance during wildfire season is crucial. Stay safe, eat well, and continue to enjoy the great outdoors!
References
Harvard Health Publishing on Omega-3s and Heart Health: Omega-3 fats and your heart
The Nutrition Source – Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Essential Contribution
Harvard Health Publishing on Omega-3 Rich Foods: Omega-3-rich foods: Good for your heart
The 68-mile Marathon MTB World Championships were held in the United States for the first time in Snowshoe, West Virginia
SNOWSHOE, West Virginia. (September 22, 2024) – The 2024 UCI Marathon Mountain Bike World Championships came to the United States for the first time this weekend, with the races held in West Virginia. Over 100 racers lined up at Snowshoe Mountain Resort to tackle 65 miles of dirt roads and technical singletrack, climbing more than 6,000 feet. Americans are familiar with the magic of Snowshoe, as several marquee events have been held at the mountain resort in West Virginia – including the U.S. MTB National Championships, Cross-Country Mountain Bike World Cups, and now the Marathon MTB World Championships.
Elite Men
Christopher Blevins (Durango, Colo.; Specialized Factory Racing) was one of the top names on the start list, joining several other XCO superstars from around the world. Since Blevins did not have Marathon Mountain Bike UCI points, he unfortunately had a poor call-up to the line. With 84 starters, Blevins and fellow XCO racer Simon Andreassen (DEN) began at the very back of the pack. However, with 68 miles of racing ahead, there was time for them to work their way to the front.
Christopher Blevins. Photo courtesy USA Cycling
By the first checkpoint at 32 miles, Blevins had moved up to a group of about 15 riders, two hours into the race. Victor Koretzky (FRA) was leading with a small gap ahead of the chase group. Two more hours into the race at the second checkpoint, 57 miles in, Blevins remained strong at the front alongside Andreassen, Koretzky, and a group of about seven other riders. After 4.5 hours of racing, Andreassen launched an attack, entering the village solo to claim the World Title. Blevins, just 10 seconds behind, battled with David Valero Serrano (ESP) and ultimately out-sprinted him to secure the silver medal with a time of 4:33.18.
Cole Paton (Durango, Colo.; Giant Bicycles) was the next placing American finishing in a time of 4:37.42 to round out the top ten.
Results:
1. Simon Andreassen (DEN)
2. Christopher Blevins (Durango, Colo.; Specialized Factory Racing)
3. David Valero Serrano (ESP)
9. Cole Paton (Durango, Colo.; Giant Bicycles)
26. Bradyn Lange (Fairfax, Calif.; Scott Bicycles)
31. Zachary Calton (Ogden, Utah; Yeti/ Shimano)
35. Alex Wild (San Jose, Calif.; DNA Cycling)
48. Carson Beckett (Brevard, N.C.; Dirt Camp Racing)
50. Griffin Hoppin (Mill Valley, Calif.; Flow Formulas)
51. Danny Van Wagoner (Fruit Heights, Utah; DNA Cycling)
59. Christopher Mehlman (Manchester, Mass.; Pivot Cycles)
60. Noah Warren (Birmingham, Ala.)
61. Jerry Dufour (Birmingham, Ala.; Dirt Camp Racing)
64. Eli Kranefuss (Mill Valley, Calif.; Dirt Camp Devo)
65. Gordon Wadsworth (Shawsville, Va.; Revel Bikes)
66. Ryan Johnson (Brookville, Penn.; Dirt Camp Racing)
68. Cory Peterson (Annapolis, Md.)
74. Maxwell Abner (Greenville, S.C.)
75. Jonas Woodruff (Redlands, Calif.; Trek Race Shop)
76. Mark Kransz (Cave Springs, Va.; Broken Spoke Bike Studio)
77. Levi Cole (Auburn, Ala.)
Elite Women
Forty-five women lined up to battle the relentless roots, rocks, and punchy climbs of Snowshoe. Hannah Otto (Millcreek, Utah; Pivot Cycles/DT Swiss) had the best call-up among the Americans after securing a podium result in the Marathon Mountain Bike World Cup earlier this year. Her second-row start gave her an advantage heading into the woods, but with a long race ahead, it was still anyone’s game. Paris 2024 Olympian Haley Batten (Santa Cruz, Calif.; Specialized Factory Racing) started at the back of the pack, but like Blevins, had time to work her way up through the field.
By the first checkpoint at 31 miles, a lead group of about five riders had formed, with Batten not far behind. Marathon Mountain Bike National Champion Alexis Skarda (Grand Junction, Colo.; Santa Cruz Bicycles) was with a few riders in the next group back. Crystal Anthony (Bentonville, Ark.; Liv Racing Collective) and Otto were sitting comfortably in the top 20 at this point as well.
At 57 miles, the top three riders — Mona Mitterwallner (AUT), Sina Frei (SUI), and Candice Lill (RSA) — had a sizeable gap as they fought for the podium. By this time, Batten had crashed and decided not to finish the race. Skarda continued to battle within a group for a top-10 finish, ultimately placing ninth with a time of 5:36.07. Otto finished 16th, Anthony 17th, and the final American, Britt Mason (Ellicott City, Md.; Salsa Cycles), finished 29th.
Results:
1. Mona Mitterwallner (AUT)
2. Sina Frei (SUI)
3. Candice Lill (RSA)
9. Alexis Skarda (Grand Junction, Colo.; Santa Cruz Bicycles)
16. Hannah Otto (Millcreek, Utah; Pivot Cycles/DT Swiss)
17. Crystal Anthony (Bentonville, Ark.; Liv Racing Collective)
29. Britt Mason (Ellicott City, Md.; Salsa Cycles)
By Sarah Kaufmann — Group rides on the road are unique and special because the dynamics of drafting means riders of varied fitness can ride together and everyone gets what they need. There are inherent risks with this type of ride, but a few simple tricks keep everyone safe and happy.
Cyclists on a K Cycling Coaching group ride. Photo courtesy Caitlin Howell
Look up. Follow close behind the rider in front of you but look ahead, over their shoulders, through their arms, and toward the front of the group. This way you can anticipate changes in speed or direction as you see riders react.
No sudden movements. The accordion effect is pronounced in groups. When you are riding on the front, keep your pace steady to avoid rubber banding riders further back.
No brakes! Stay off your brakes except for an emergency. Control your speed by slipping out into the wind or lightly feathering your brakes. When other riders are inches behind you, sudden movements or changes in speed are exaggerated and risky. Use the wind to control your speed.
No hero pulls. When you pull through to the front of the group, avoid surging. If you are not sure how hard you should pull, try this: When you are in the draft, slide out into the wind and observe the wattage you do to be in the wind at that intensity. That way, you will know how hard to pull on the front. If you do not have a power meter, you can use the same strategy and make a note of your RPE (Rate of Perceived Effort) in the wind.
Be everyone’s eyes. Point out hazards in the road that may be difficult for riders further back to see. This can be rocks, cracks, or debris in the road. Vehicles or people in the shoulder or railroad tracks should also be pointed out. The standard gestures for vehicles or people to the right or left is to sweep your hand in that direction behind you. For railroad tracks, wave your hand across your back. Pay attention to the signals others use and continue to pass them back through the group.
Fall back. When you are ready to pull off the front, flick your elbow on the side you will pull off. Gently move over and maintain speed while safely drifting back. Anticipate the last rider and accelerate smoothly into the draft. Pull off before you are blown. Remember to budget some energy for the acceleration you will do to get onto the back of the group.
Standing. When you stand to pedal, your bike lurches slightly back, which is risky for riders following closely. Flick your elbows slightly to indicate that you are about to stand.
Find the protected pocket. The best spot might not be directly behind the wheel in front of you. Try just to the right or left to feel where the wind is blocked.
But avoid overlapping wheels. As you find the protected pocket from the wind. If you are slightly left or right of the rider ahead, be sure you don’t overlap wheels to avoid a crash if they move side to side.
Last couple bonus points, not universal but encouraged on the group rides hosted by my coaching business, K Cycling Coaching.
Pull only as you can or want. If you think taking a pull may limit your ability to hang with the group, there is no pressure to be on the front. Likewise, pull only as long as you like. Riders who want to pull ride in the front half of the group and rotate through from there. Riders who don’t, stay further back. The group stays together, and everyone gets what they need.
Don’t shatter the group. If you are lucky enough to be one of the stronger riders, spend more time on the front, watch for dropped riders and pull them back to the group. If you get to the tops of climbs first, descend and ride up with riders still coming. There are many ways to do more work without blowing up the group.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (September 2024) — Salt Lake City has been awarded an Accelerated Mobility Playbook (AMP) Technical Assistance Grant from City Thread, a national nonprofit organization that helps better connect communities through transportation.
The program aims to help Salt Lake City reach its broader transportation goals quicker through City Thread’s wide network of support, which includes convening elected and community leaders, funders, and engaged residents.
“We are excited to welcome Salt Lake City into our cohort of cities prioritizing mobility projects,” said Sara Studdard, City Thread partner. “We look forward to providing Salt Lake City with the guidance and strategies needed to achieve its transportation goals faster than thought possible.”
Accelerated Mobility Playbook (AMP) Technical Assistance Grant from City Thread intends to make the bicycle network in Salt Lake City more complete so that cyclists like these participants in Bike Prom will be able to ride more easily through the city. Photo by Dave Iltis
The City will use the AMP grant to help accelerate the development of safer roadways for all users, in accordance with its Vision Zero plans. This will be done by implementing an all-ages-and-abilities transportation network that reaches all neighborhoods and ensures travel times comparable to those of motor vehicles.
“As the urban center of Utah, we’re determined to achieve our ambitious mobility goals of safer streets for everyone,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “With the support of AMP, we’ll align City departments and external advocates in a more unified effort to accelerate implementing a comprehensive bike network into Salt Lake City’s increasingly transit-rich neighborhoods and business districts.”
The Accelerated Mobility Playbook (AMP) Technical Assistance Grant from City Thread will hopefully help close gaps in Salt Lake City’s bicycle network like this one on 3200 W and SR-201. Photo by Dave Iltis
In line with Salt Lake City’s Complete Streets ordinance, the grant will also speed up the implementation of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, which aims to establish over 50 miles of neighborhood byways by 2035.
Dave Iltis, editor and publisher of Cycling Utah and a prominent bicycle advocate in Salt Lake City, has been actively involved in efforts to improve cycling infrastructure and also participated in discussions, saying “Salt Lake City has made significant strides in developing its bicycle network, but there are still gaps that need to be addressed. The Accelerated Mobility Playbook grant should help the city prioritize closing those gaps and create a more connected, comprehensive system.”
“Salt Lake City is facing housing and sustainability challenges, both of which the ongoing efforts in multimodal infrastructure seek to mitigate,” said Jon Larsen, Salt Lake City Transportation Division Director. “This AMP grant will greatly enhance our efforts to accelerate the construction of an all-ages-and-abilities network.”
One of the cornerstones of City Thread’s expertise is bridging the gaps between government, residents, and industry advocates. The program works because of passionate advocates like Chris Wiltsie from Bike Utah.
“Bike Utah and Salt Lake City have worked closely throughout the years on projects including major tactical urbanism projects, 4th and 5th-grade bicycling education, bicycle maintenance for the unsheltered, and building up the capacity of community transportation advocates,” said Chris Wiltsie, Co-Executive of Bike Utah. “We look forward to partnering with the City and the Salt Lake community on this initiative.”
City Thread‘s AMP grant requires a local $15,000 match. This contribution offsets the total $50,000 value of the grant program and deliverables.
Along with Salt Lake City, the second cohort of AMP Technical Assistance Grant recipients includes Tampa, FL, Baltimore, MD, and Spokane, WA.
Villafañe was the first rider over the finish line in the women’s race after breaking away with Alexis Skarda and Savilia Blunk on the descent of the infamous Firetower climb. That trio continued to build their lead as they raced back into Cable, with Villafane proving the fastest finisher in a three-up sprint which saw Skarda take second and Blunk round out the podium.
Only minutes later, the men’s race reached an equally gripping conclusion. Swenson had been able to sit on the wheels of a five-man chase group for most of the 39.1-mile contest as his Santa Cruz team-mate Tobin Ortenblad launched an early solo attack, and even when Ortenblad was eventually brought back in the closing stages, the Californian had enough left in the tank to lead Swenson out in what proved to be another lightning-fast finale.
Swenson repaid that faith by powering to the line ahead of runner-up Alex Wild and the third-placed Sean Fincham.
With the Life Time Crusher in the Tushar cancelled due to wild fires, Chequamegon is the first event of the series where dropped results have been taken into account on the overall standings – i.e. each riders’s two lowest scores or missed races have been removed from their rankings, leaving only their top two results.
That means Villafañe now sits four points ahead of Paige Onweller (who was the third highest-ranked Life Time Grand Prix rider at Chequamegon, finishing the race in sixth place) on 70 points, and eight points ahead of the third-placed Haley Smith (who did not compete in this race).
Swenson meanwhile, is four points ahead of Lachlan Morton (who also didn’t compete at Chequamegon) on 70 points, with Cole Paton (who’s ninth-placed finish has been dropped) and Payson McElveen (who finished today in fourth) both tied in third, four points further adrift.
Reaction from the Life Time Chequamegon Mountain Bke Festival presented by Trek:
Women’s winner Sofia Gomez Villafañe said: “I’m stoked to finally pull this one off. On paper, I’ve always thought this is one of the races that suits me the most, but up until today I’ve never been able to get things together here. I always thought ‘I’ve won Sea Otter, Unbound, Leadville and Crusher, and not Chequamegon’, so I’m very excited to have ticked this one off the list.
“This summer I’ve kept things a little more chilled in order to have more freshness coming into the last third of 2024, and today was a really good sign that I’m fit and motivated. I’m really excited for the rest of the season.”
2024 Chequamegon MTB Festival winner Sofia Gomez Villafañe prior to the start. Photo courtesy Life Time
Men’s winner Keegan Swenson said: “This win feels good. I was fourth a couple of years ago after crashing right before the finish, and last year came second to Alexey [Vermuelen], so I had my sights on the win this time around. Tobin [Ortenblad] set me up with a nice lead-out and I was able to pull it together.
“It was one of our plans for him to slip away and the other guys hesitated a bit, allowing him to build up a lead of around two minutes at one point. That was a good place for me to be in as it meant I could sit in, and if the other guys wanted to chase, I’d let them chase, or if not, he’d win. That was a great situation for us to be in, and while it doesn’t always work out that way, if you keep trying, and keep pushing, eventually it works.
“I didn’t know I was going to win until I came off Tobin’s wheel. I knew, with the 38-10 gearing I had, it was going to be hard for anyone to come around me, but you never know, and I had to keep my foot on the gas. It’s a fast and tricky finish here with a downhill false flat on grass. The line comes up quick and it was great to get this result.”
Keegan Swenson on his way to winning the 2024 Chequamegon MTB Festival. Photo courtesy of Life Time
Click HERE (men) and HERE (women) for the full race results, HERE for the overall standings.
RTC’s Trail Grants have provided nearly $3.4 million over 15 years to organizations, municipalities and public agencies to build community participation and fill critical gaps in trail, walking and biking infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 19, 2024) — Rails to Trails Conservancy today announced it has awarded $421,500 in grants fueling programs working to develop and activate local and regional trail networks. According to RTC, these projects create meaningful quality-of-life opportunities and equitable access to safe spaces where people can walk, bike and be active outside in the communities where they live.
Looking south on Main Street in Water Valley, Mississippi. Water Valley’s grant will be used to conduct a feasibility study to map and plan the future Water Valley Rail-Trail. Photo by Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 4.0, ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 4.0 INTERNATIONAL
“By investing in innovative infrastructure development and programming that invites communities to come together on trails, RTC’s grant program is helping more communities bring this essential infrastructure to the people they serve,” said Liz Thorstensen, vice president of trail development at RTC. “These grants help organizations and public agencies move forward with their trail network plans, while supporting community-based organizations working to connect more people to these spaces in neighborhoods across the country.”
RTC’s 2024 grantees are leading the charge within their communities to provide opportunities for people to experience and engage with the outdoors, and for trails and trail networks to generate equitable access to transportation and recreation for millions nationwide.
“The work to build, connect and activate these trails is incredibly important—this infrastructure is essential to the well-being of people in every community in America,” said Thorstensen. “We’re thrilled to support 41 organizations this year, but we know we need significant public and private investment to meet the rising demand for safe outdoor spaces and realize the potential of trail networks. This year we received requests from more than 150 organizations totaling over $3.2 million. As a nonprofit, we can’t bridge this gap on our own, but our investment of $421,500 is being leveraged 35 times over, helping drive more than $14 million in projects. That’s significant impact.”
RTC’s Trail Grants program is making a nationwide impact by bringing more people closer to the economic, health and quality-of-life opportunities that trails and trail networks provide. Grant recipients include organizations and public agencies at the national, regional, state and local levels serving a range of rural, urban and suburban areas. Many of the grantees represent Justice40 Initiative communities, which are defined by the federal government as experiencing decades of underinvestment while also being most impacted by climate change, pollution and environmental hazards.
For example, Water Valley Main Street Association is establishing the Yalobusha Greenways Alliance to conduct a feasibility study to map and plan the future Water Valley Rail-Trail, which will serve as the 3.4-mile spine of the emerging trail network in rural Yalobusha County, Miss., where more than 27% of residents live below the poverty line.
The Arizona Trail Association’s Seeds of Stewardship program provides meaningful outdoor environmental education in Tucson using the Arizona Trail as an experiential learning classroom to foster a connection between youth and their surrounding public lands.
Clinton County Trails Coalitionis purchasing adaptive bikes to create an outdoor experience for people of all ages and abilities in their Ohio county.
National awardees include Latino Outdoors’ Vamos Outdoors program, which provides members of the Latinx and other underrepresented communities with transformative outdoor experiences; and HBCUs Outside, which is working with six Historically Black Colleges and Universities to develop outdoor experiences and engage with the outdoor industry.
The 2024 Trail Grants are part of RTC’s longstanding program, which has distributed nearly $3.4 million across more than 420 grants to 260+ organizations since 2008. Learn more about RTC’s Trail Grants program at railstotrails.org/grants.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado – Bowie State University in Maryland, Langston University in Oklahoma, and Clinton College in South Carolina have each been awarded grants to establish and support their collegiate cycling programs by USA Cycling supported by EF Pro Cycling and Cannondale. This initiative aims to foster growth within the sport of cycling within the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) communities.
“We are excited to support these universities in their efforts to promote cycling and provide opportunities for students. This grant program is a significant step towards inclusivity and expanding access to cycling at the collegiate level,” said Suzy Sanchez, Director of DEI and Membership Programs at USA Cycling.
“Everyone should have access to cycling. Our aim is to increase diversity and grow participation in the sport. The goal is to build long-lasting programs for the students at these HBCUs and TCUs to experience the benefits of cycling as well as foster inclusivity, community, and adventure,” said Jonathan Geran, Director of Sports Marketing at Cannondale.
Each institution will be supported over a period of three years with a total of $30,000 in grant support.
In addition to the grant support, schools will have the opportunity to participate in a virtual race series hosted by the Cyclone Racing League. This series is specifically designed to bring together HBCU students and alumni, fostering a sense of community and competition. The virtual format allows for broad participation, enabling racers to gain experience and improve fitness in an inclusive and accessible environment.
“We believe that indoor virtual cycling and the latest technology platforms offer a great way to bring new HBCU and TCU racers to the sport. Cycling experience and fitness can be gained without the inhibitions or anxiety associated with what can be often perceived as a very exclusive sport,” said Dr. Mark Janas, Chief Technology Officer at Cyclone Racing League.
“The creation of the CRL establishes a powerful engine of opportunity for greater HBCU involvement in the sport of cycling. In time, this will grow where we will be not only racing indoors but fielding teams across multiple HBCUs outdoors and across cycling disciplines. Our efforts will help to start to move the needle on diversity and inclusion in cycling,” added Milt Sharp, Race Director at Cyclone Racing League.
“We are excited about expanding our biking program and developing the Langston University Cycling Club. The support from USA Cycling, Cannondale, and EF Pro Cycling will position our team to not only compete but excel in races. Moreover, this provides another avenue for our students to maintain active lifestyles. We are grateful for this opportunity. See you at the finish line!” stated LUCC coach Desmond Delk.
“We are excited to bring this innovative program to Bowie State University and to join forces with Saint Augustine’s University to create lasting opportunities for our students. Our cycling team will serve as a model for other HBCUs looking to expand their athletic programs. The cycling team will also participate in local and national events, showcasing the talent and dedication of HBCU student athletes via Bowie State University,” said Finote Girmay Weldemariam, Bowie State University Cycling Team President.
“To be part of a program that gives students the opportunity to ride and race bikes is something we’re immensely proud of. Our hope is that riding will become part of their daily routines – not just while they’re in school but for the rest of their lives. These students are ambassadors for cycling. They are planting the seeds to promote growth of cycling for years to come,” said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of EF Pro Cycling.
For more information about the HBCU/TCU Grant Program, visit USA Cycling.
RUIDOSO, New Mexico — The inaugural XTERRA event in Lincoln National Forest, nestled in the Sierra Blanca mountain range, will take place from August 15-17, 2025, marking a significant addition to the XTERRA Americas Tour. Off-road triathletes, trail runners, and their families are invited to Grindstone Lake Park in Ruidoso, a village celebrated for its diverse outdoor recreation and welcoming community spirit.
Sierra Blanca. Photo courtesy XTERRA
The highlight of the weekend is the Full Distance Triathlon on August 16, offering 58 qualifying slots for the 2025 XTERRA World Championship in Trentino, Italy, and a $15,000 Elite Prize Purse. The event lineup also includes a 10K Trail Run, Kids Race, and Sprint Distance Triathlon, which serves as a key Youth Qualifier for the 2025 XTERRA Youth World Championship, giving young athletes a shot at competing on the world stage.
Lincoln National Forest. Photo courtesy XTERRA
With trails that wind through pine forests and the crystal-clear waters of Grindstone Lake, Ruidoso, often called “Living in Nature’s Playground,” is more than just a race destination. It’s a family-friendly hub where the XTERRA community comes together with the warm hospitality of Lincoln County for a weekend of adventure and fun.
Mountain Biking Ruidoso. Photo courtesy XTERRA
Event Highlights
Full Distance Triathlon (August 16, 2025): Athletes will face a 1.5K swim, 30K mountain bike ride, and 10K trail run. This classic XTERRA race offers age-group competitors the chance to qualify for the XTERRA World Championship, while elite athletes battle for a share of the prize purse. The course offers the challenge of rugged terrain combined with breathtaking vistas.
Sprint Distance Triathlon: Ideal for beginners or those seeking a less technical race, the Sprint Triathlon includes a 750-meter swim, 15K mountain bike ride, and 5K trail run. This event also serves as a qualifier for young athletes aiming to compete in the 2025 XTERRA Youth World Championship.
10K Trail Run (August 17, 2025): A perfect race for trail runners looking for a shorter distance, this race offers participants a chance to explore the scenic beauty of Ruidoso while sharing the experience with friends and family.
XTERRA Ruidoso Kids Sprint: Future XTERRA stars can get a taste of trail sports in this free 1K kids’ race, providing a fun and safe environment for young participants to enjoy the outdoors and get their first experience in off-road racing.
Grindstone Lake. Photo courtesy XTERRA.
Ruidoso Leaders Welcome XTERRA
Ruidoso’s leadership is enthusiastic about hosting XTERRA. Lynn Crawford, Mayor of the Village of Ruidoso, expressed how this event aligns with the town’s vision for growth as an outdoor destination:
“Bringing XTERRA to Ruidoso is a game-changer for our community. This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision to position Ruidoso as a premier destination for outdoor recreation and adventure sports. Lincoln National Forest and the stunning vistas of Sierra Blanca provide an ideal setting for XTERRA’s challenging off-road triathlon. We anticipate this event will not only attract elite athletes but will also showcase our town’s unique charm to a global audience. The economic impact will be substantial, benefiting our local businesses and potentially spurring further investment in our outdoor recreation infrastructure. We’re committed to making this a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship that will put Ruidoso on the map for extreme sports enthusiasts worldwide.”
Eddie Ryan, Manager of Events & Strategic Partnerships, shared his excitement about the event’s potential:
“We are thrilled to welcome XTERRA to Ruidoso. Our beautiful mountain trails and vibrant community make the perfect backdrop for this world-class event. We’re excited to showcase our natural beauty and hospitality to athletes and spectators from around the globe. We look forward to hosting an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”
Steve Andrus, XTERRA Americas Tour Manager, highlighted the community’s role in making this event happen:
“Ruidoso has shown remarkable support in making this event a reality. The combination of excellent trails, the unique experience of swimming in Grindstone Lake, and the welcoming energy from the local community will make this a memorable event for all participants. Athletes can expect to feel the enthusiasm of the region while racing through one of the most exciting XTERRA courses in the Americas.”
Grindstone Lake. Photo courtesy XTERRA
Experience and Explore
In addition to the races, visitors can explore the region’s rich cultural heritage, from the legendary stories of Billy the Kid to the ancient traditions of Native American tribes. Beyond the competition, there are plenty of activities for families and adventure-seekers, including hiking trails in Lincoln National Forest, visits to historic sites like Fort Stanton, and modern attractions like the Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake.
XTERRA Ruidoso promises not only a chance to compete for spots in the 2025 XTERRA World Championship but also an opportunity to explore one of New Mexico’s most scenic and inviting regions.
USA Cycling is actively working to reschedule the event and will provide updates as soon as they become available. The safety of participants, staff, volunteers, and the local community was the top priority driving this decision.
