Oakridge FAT55–On your mark, get set, RAD!

As seen on MTBRaceNews.com:

Wow, hard to believe another great year is almost in the rear view mirror! This time last year, I had just finished winning the Oakridge Fat 55 MTB Marathon on my single speed and was already looking forward to coming back. Without a doubt Oakridge, Oregon is one of best mountain biking locations–anywhere. With my all-time favorite trail just up the road and Waldo Lake, it isn’t a surprise to me that my “favorite” race is the Fat 55! Many of you may have heard of the Cascade Creampuff 100 or Mountain Bike Oregon, but I first experience Oakridge nearly 20 years ago at the Fat Tire Festival. In any case, most folks who love to ride have this place on their bucket lists and if they’ve been to Oakridge before, they plan to go back.

The Fat 55 is designed to package the essence of Oakridge MTB riding into a package that isn’t too big or too small, too hard or too easy, but as the saying goes, “is just right!”. Eugene Cathcart has hit the nail on the head and it just so happens I have had the privilege to be his hammer the last two years! This year the race was quite similar to last with the re-introduction of an all new Salmon Creek Trail. We used this trail for years in XC events but it was washed away during some heavy winter storms and the reroute was finally completed this year. In lieu of the added single track, the Fat 55 skipped the upper part of the first loop but was otherwise the same as last year. However, this was no problem since the course was totally awesome last year on my single speed hard tail, and I now had another chance to ride it again on my secret weapon!I took the initiative early with OBRA XC runner-up and my weekend travel companion Ross Brody riding shotgun. As we entered the rolling trail ascent, I did my best to prove that Interbike is bad for bike riding by putting my foot down whenever possible. After apologizing profusely to those stuck behind my paltry performance thus far, I twisted the gas (my new XO Gripshift) and opened a gap as we climbed the new, steep switchback section. After descending to cross the creek, we began the five mile climb to the top of Heckletooth into the mist where allegedly there was a monetary prime at the top. I had a small gap so I exercised my gams and opened the can a bit by the top. Unfortunately there was no CASH on hand so I had to settle for miles of AWESOME all the way back down into town!

After returning through the start/finish venue at Greenwaters Park, I set out on the Larison loops with a healthy advantage. By now the morning fog was gone and the sun shone through deep woods beauty as I proved that 29″ and 120mm of travel is indeed more fun on Larison Creek! With only the road climb to the top of Larison Rock to go I was already lamenting that the end of such a sweet ride was in sight. Of course there was no room for error on the hard dry trails baked by our NW summer sun so I had to keep my wits about me as I rode the ribbon of dirt all the back down to the Willamette River far below.

At the finish we were all treated to a Marti Gras party Oakridge style (September?!) complete with creole food, fiddle music, and ample Ninkasi. I was happy to return to the winners circle after four up/down weeks of travel and racing but sad to think that I have to wait another year to return to Fat 55. Until then, edit your lists (if you haven’t already) and pencil in “Oakridge” and the “Fat 55″–you won’t be sorry until you have to leave and head home!