2011 Triple Trail Challenge

The TTC is the ultimate ride of the year which is sponsored by Tree Fort Bikes and the MMBA. The ride itself is 46 miles which hits the Poto, Waterloo and Lakeland trails along with some dirt/paved roads. The best part, it benefits the local MMBA Poto chapter, is not a race and the comradery is awesome! This year we (approx. 280 Mtn bikers) raised some 5k for the chapter so that they can purchase tools, etc. to help maintain the trail. And I should note, the trail was in great shape this year!!! There is also free food and beer afterwards along with a free raffle…did I mention FREE! All courtesy of Tree Fort Bikes! 🙂

As for the ride itself, I left the Poto trail head around 7:50am shooting for a 12:30pm return as the festivities start around 12:30-1pm. It was a little chilly for myself, but after about 3 miles I warmed up and found a nice pace up until I noticed a hunter, sitting behind a tree…why I looked at him while going downhill I still can’t answer. Maybe it was his orange hat or the gun sticking in the air? Good thing I got my wits about me quick like and avoided a huge tree stump, which would have tossed me off my bike for sure.  With that quick move I had to take an alternate route and hit a good 4 foot drop! What a RUSH!

As I hit the Waterloo trail shortly thereafter, it always reminds me of ILRA (Island Lake) and it’s rolling hills. Albeit the grass can slow one down at times. This year for some reason I remembered the trail better than previous years, which helped me keep momentum. Understand that the Waterloo and Lakeland trails are shut down to bikes year round except this one day of the year. Making short work of the Waterloo trail, stopping once for some grub I moved onto the dirt and paved roads which shoots you into the Waterloo trail every now and then for a quick section of trail. Have I mentioned how much I enjoy this ride?! 😀

Around the 26 mile mark we invade into the small town Gregory. Really we just stop at the corner gas station to refuel, use the facilities, etc. Plus the Lakeland trail starts up right behind the store. After refueling and hopping on the Lakeland trail, which is by far the toughest (bumpiest) part,I begin to recall I don’t care much for this trail. The grade is like 2-3% uphill for 4-5 miles and is just the bumpiest damned trail you will ever ride…ohh yeah watch out for horse droppings!

After the dreaded Lakeland trail (it’s a love/hate relationship) we hop onto a few dirt roads that take us back to the Poto trail. This is where conditioning plays a big role, well that is my opinion but hey. Side Note: prior to today, I have only been out on the Mountain Bike four times which total 42 miles! Getting back to the Poto trail, there is one climb left…ok ok there are more but there is one EPIC climb which is referred to as “cardiac hill.” Each year this hill catches people off guard, or they cramp up and have to walk up it. Let’s not forget this hill has tree roots, railroad ties and elevation changes. I think the climb is about 1/2 mile…never really took the time to measure it. Anyways, the climb caught me off guard this time. Not that I didn’t know it was coming, but more so I forgot where it was since I had not ridden this trail since last years  TTC. I told myself I have to make this hill if nothing else the rest of the ride. So I hit the first part and tossed it into the granny gear and forged ahead. The railroad ties and roots are tough as you have to accelerate harder to get momentum so you can keep going, otherwise epic fail! With pain and suffering I somehow managed to make it up the hill while passing several folks who were walking up it. There was a guy riding behind me and we both gave each other a thumbs up and a hell yeah for making it! Making that hill, at that point in the day just maks the ride that more enjoyable. Finishing the climb also signifies that you are almost done. 😉

This year the Tree Fort crew was out on the final parts of the trail taking pictures, and I will be sure to toss mine in here once it is posted online. The guys at Tree Fort Bikes  do a great job putting on this event year in and year out. In fact they even make note of it in their catalog, it is just that big of an event. Can’t wait until next years ride! A full suspension bike would be nice!!! 🙂

Fun Facts

Distance Traveled: 46 miles of tough climbs and awesome descents

Top speed: 32 mph

Slow speed: 4 mph

Calories burned: Around 3800

Bananas eaten: 4

Flat Tires: 0

Bugs Eaten: 1