END Tombed 2012

I had heard good things about the 12 hour MTB race called END Tombed from riders that have raced it in the past.  END is an acronym for Experience North Dakota.  Check out their web page HERE.
Matt Engen and I participated in the END-SPAR last spring and appreciated the well organized action packed event.  Andy Magness and his crew over see the whole ENDracing program and it is apparent that they are passionate about each race.  The best thing about it is the fact all of the races are in or around Grand Forks, a lot closer then the typical MN race.

I teamed up with 2 other guys - Matt Engen and John Struchynski.  I had signed up with a two man Maplelag team early enough to save a few bucks but not sure who my team mate would be as Matt was on the fence.  I mentioned it to Struchy a week before the race and he was all over it.  Matt finally committed and we were set.

In short, the course was in Turtle River State Park west of Grand Forks.  The loop was 10+ miles of ski trails, lots of off camber single track that flowed most excellent. A mile or so of paved road and gravel and a few other nice touches.  I loved the course!  Just enough punchy climbing and technical sections that complimented riding the course all day.

Matt Engen fellow team Maplelag racer riding strong.  At the start of the race, the temperature was below freezing which made the course firm but slick.

A temporary bridge went over the Turtle River.  Nice touch - the bridge was stable and had chicken wire on it to minimize slipping.

John Struchy is always fast and an asset to any team.

Sorry about the small photos.  We were told that we had the right to use any photo that was taken but unfortunately they want you to link to Flickr which doesn't work too well for a blog posting. Wes Peck of Grand Forks took all the photos and did a fine job.  Check all of the photos by clicking HERE

Our Maplelag team started strong and stayed that way throughout the day.  Each of us rode 5 laps that totaled over 50 miles each on the bike throughout the 12 hour day.
As mentioned, the first lap was frozen.  The second lap was greasy, but caution was minimal.  The third lap was down right slimy!  The warmer temps brought the frost out of the ground which turned to mud causing all of the riding skills to be used.  Luckily by the 4th and 5th lap things tacked up and you could go wide open.
All of the results are HERE
Team Maplelag had the most laps throughout the day overall.  None of us had even one loop over 50 minutes.  No mechanicals or crashes is always nice.

A great day on the bike hanging with like minded people goes into the books.  Cheers!