The 2012 UPCROSS season drew to a frosty and exciting close this weekend with the U.P. State Cyclocross Championships. With standings extremely tight in several classes, turnout was strong as racers hoped to move up or hold on to their hard-earned placings by cashing in on the double points that were on the line for the championship event.

Having been extended from seven to nine races this year, the UPCROSS season ran from mid-September until December 1. Series organizers knew from the onset that such a late end to the season was playing with fire, at least as far as the weather was concerned. While a raging blizzard is in the cards from October onward in the U.P., snow is a near certainty by the time December rolls around. Thus, it came as no surprise when a late-November snowfall dropped 10 inches of powder on the Tourist Park venue in Marquette. UPCROSS organizers and KMK volunteers worked non-stop in advance of the race to bring the course into UCI specifications. Their work, combined with unseasonably warm temperatures on race day, made for a course free of unrideable snow, but laced with ice patches and pockets of unpredictable slush. Pavement, slick grass, technical downhills, sand traps and tight turns made for both a technical and fast-pace course.

Women's A race
From the gun it was clear that the women's race would be a two-person battle. Teammates and long-time rivals Christina Bennett and Nicole Alexander (both Ace) went head-to-head for the duration of the contest. With only one point separating the pair in the overall standings, the series title would be determined by the outcome of the day's race. Alexander set a high pace but was unable to decouple a determined Bennett from her rear wheel. Knowing what needed to be done, Bennett turned up the heat in the final turns of the race and claimed the win. For Bennett, the victory marked both her first U.P. State CX Championship title as well as her first UPCROSS overall title after several years on the podium. Taking third behind Nicole Alexander was Lianna Miller of Houghton.

In the overall series standings, Amy Michaels, Amanda Perry and Lindsay Bean rounded out the top five behind Bennett and Alexander.

Women's B race
The two-woman battle between Marie Peasely and Lisa Labar went in the favor of Ms. Labar. Marie Peasely, however, with her solid results all season long, was able to lock her hold on the series title. Taking second in the series standings was Jen Kilpela.

Men's A race
After dominating the season, Brian Geshel (Blackrocks) had a firm grip on the overall standings and was the clear favorite going into the championship race. Colby Lash (Ace) had other plans, however. Despite battling a cold, the Ace rider grabbed the reins of the race at the gun and never looked back. Taking the hole shot, Lash worked hard to separate himself from the field. Only Tyler Jenema (Kühl) was able to keep pace, and the pair quickly established a solid lead over poursuivants Evan Simula (Blackrocks), Joey Graci (Farmer Q), Brian Geshel (Blackrocks) and Mik Kilpela (Ace). The leading duo fought every inch of the race and constantly battled for position with each taking numerous turns at the front. In the end, however, Lash was able to capitalize on a mistake made by Jenema and open a small gap, which he was able to maintain to the finish. For Lash, the win marked his first victory in the A class. Evan Simula crossed the line third ahead of Joey Graci. Brian Geshel, with nothing left in the tank after an amazing season, took fifth.

In the final standings, the top five in the men's A division were: Brian Geshel, Colby Lash, Mik Kilpela, Evan Simula and Topher Chase.

Men's B race
Jason Luther of Sault Ste Marie, Canada, pushed the pace early on in the race, opening a gap his competitors would never close. Behind him, Tim Shandonay, Andrew Rickauer and James Bialas battled for the remaining podium spots. Shandonay, on a singlespeed mountain bike, took second. In the season-long battle between Rickauer and Bialas, it was Rickauer who came out on top.

Taking top honors in the series standings in the men's B class was Andrew Rickauer. Second went to Alex Rejc, third to James Bialas, fourth to Jason Jilbert and fifth to Andy Perry, last year's winner of the C division.

Men's C race:
After a pair of second place finishes, Kent Jenema broke the curse and took his first UPCROSS win. Terri Lahti, who had a very succesful first UPCROSS season, took second ahead of another first year rider, Doug Campbell.

Top five in the men's C UPCROSS division were: Terri Lahti, Doug Campbell, Steve Hackney, Jakob Kuhlman and Nate McFarren.

A huge thank you to all of the series sponsors, to the volunteers to helped set up, tear down, and run the races, UPCROSS organizers and all of the racers who helped make for another fun and successful UPCROSS season!

Results
U.P State CX results
Final standings as of 12/02/12

Photos:
Chris Schmidt

With his fourth straight win in the A race, Brian Geshel (Blackrocks) came one step closer to claiming his first UPCROSS title. In a close battle, Geshel was able to outpace Tyler Jemana for the win. Colby Lash took third. Although Geshel may have the title as good as locked up, just four points separate second and third places, with Colby Lash maintaining a slender lead over Mik Kilpela.

On the women's side, Nicole Alexander notched another win, which was enough to put her into the lead for the series title - if only by a single point. Christina Bennett held on for second and Amy Michaels third.

Heading into the U.P. State Cyclocross Championships, scheduled for December 1, podium places are tight in each of the five classes. With double points awarded in the championship race, a single place may mean the difference between eternal glory in the annals of UPCROSS history and just another day of mud and agony.

Reminder: Male/female singlespeed titles to be awarded at the U.P. State Cyclcross Championships.

Fit Strip Results:
Race results
Overall standings as of 11/19/12
Overall standings / best 6 of 8 races as of 11/19/12

One of the highpoints of the UPCROSS season, cyclists from far and wide descended upon the Cycling Haus in Harvey for the annual running of Choco-X. Feared for its mud pit, loved for its convivial atmosphere, not even a dismal - and fortunately (mostly) wrong - weather forecast could keep racers away.

Women's A race:
Kim Chapman, riding for the Algoma Bicycle Club of Sault Ste. Marie, Canada, took her second UPCROSS A race of the season. Suffering a mechanical midway through the race which cost her several places, Chapman quickly recovered and regained the lead. Nicole Alexander (Ace) kept the pressure on, however, and finished second. Series leader Christina Bennett notched a third place finish.

Women's B race:
With her second win in her first season of 'cross racing, Marie Peasely has clealy found her groove on the cx bike. Janet Koistenen took second in her first cx race of the season and Jen Kilpela claimed third.

Men's A race:
As the field for the men's A race congregated at the start line, the skies darkened and the clouds released their aqueous payload on the racers, setting the stage for what would become a three-way battle for glory. Topher Chase (Octane) set a blistering pace on the first lap, though top contenders quickly worked their way through the field and dispatched Chase from his place at the front of the race. Joey Graci (Farmer Q's) put on the pressure, shredding the field, with only Brian Geshel (Blackrocks) and Colby Lash (Ace) able to follow. Towards the end of the race, Graci and Geshel were able to isolate Lash and contest the win between themselves. In a close finish, it was Brian Geshel at the line, further extending his already dominating lead in the UPCROSS standings.

Men's B race:
A fierce battle was also waged in the men's B race. James Bialas (Red Jackets) and Jason Luther (Algoma Bicycle Club) went back and forth for the duration of the 30 minute contest. In the end, Bialas prevailed with Luther taking second. Andrew Rickauer took third, buffering his lead in the overall standings.

Men's C race:
Although Terri Lahti has been near the front all season, his palmarès had yet to include a victory, That win finally came and catapulted him into the lead of the C standings. Bugs Jenema rode in for second and Doug Campbell third.

With two races still to go and double points on the line for the final race of the season, anything is still possible in nearly all of the categories. Seven of nine races count towards the overall standings this year. As a result, rankings are certain to see changes in the coming weeks.

A big thank you to Tom and Mary Mahaney and KMK for hosting the race!

Racing continues at Marquette's Fit Strip this weekend, Sunday November 18.

Results now posted

Photos:
Chris Schmidt

After much debate and discussion, the date of the Choco-X race has been moved to Sunday, November 11. We apologize for changing the date twice, but after learning that a considerable number of people would not be able to make the race if held on Saturday, we have adjusted the schedule to try and ensure that as many people as possible can attend.

Please spread the word: Choco-X: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Following a three week hiatus, cyclocross action resumes this Sunday with Choco-X. The venue, which borders on the lawless frontier of Skandia, knows no mercy. Sand traps, Velcro-like grass, an oozing mud pit and hecklers five people deep await those who rise to the challenge.

With only three races left in the season, series standings are likely to further solidify unless a dark horse can shake things up this weekend. Racing gets under way at 1pm this Sunday.

Directions to the Choco-X venue:
- Follow US-41 S / M28 E through Marquette into Harvey
- At the US-41 / M28 intersection (the turn-off to Munising, turn RIGHT onto County Road 551 / Cherry Creek Road
- After approx. 1/2, turn RIGHT onto ORTMAN Road
- Please park at Cherry Creek Elementary School (1111 Ortman Road). The race course generally runs through the parking lot and around the school. Race headquarters and doping controls are at the Tom and Mary Mahaney residence @ 1175 Ortman Rd.

After much debate and discussion, the date of the Choco-X race has been moved to Sunday, November 11. We apologize for changing the date twice, but after learning that a considerable number of people would not be able to make the race if held on Saturday, we have adjusted the schedule to try and ensure that as many people as possible can attend.

Please spread the word: Choco-X: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Nearly 70 racers from across the Midwest descended upon Michigan’s northern-most community this weekend for the fifth running of the Keweenaw Cup in Copper Harbor. Breaking with the traditional high winds and intermittent snow, Mother Nature pulled out all of the stops for this year’s race: two days of sunshine, warm temps and calm winds, making for both comfortable racing and animated spectators.

With none of last year’s winners on hand to defend their titles, all of the races were wide open, though not without favorites. In the men’s A division, Pete Karinen’s (Culver’s) string of victories and finely honed bike handling skills made him a clear favorite in the men’s A class. Brian Geshel (Black Rocks), who entered the weekend with a commanding lead in the UPCROSS points standings, could likewise not be discounted. And, of course, singlespeed master Evan Simula (Black Rocks) could be a factor given the right terrain. On the women’s side, Christina Bennett (Chocolay Ace), who lost last year’s cup in a tie breaker to teammate Nicole Alexander, was certain to be hungry for the win. Red Jacket rider Melanie Watkins has been dominating the Wednesday night cx series in Houghton and would be another one to watch. Lianna Miller, racing her first Keweenaw Cup, had a strong showing at Sherman CX earlier in the season and could also be a threat to the title.

Saturday: Downtown Hoedown
Although Copper Harbor is situated on some of the oldest rock on the planet, race organizers had no difficulty putting racers’ sand-handling skills to the test in Saturday’s opener. The course featured an extended secteur of sand that would have been at home in Belgium’s Koksijde. The high-speed entry into the sand pit and root-laced exit challenged even the most skilled riders. Barriers, off-camber turns and a rock-strewn backfield demanded constant attention from all. Nearly completely flat, there was no room to rest, and no room for error.

Christina Bennett wasted no time in getting to work in the women’s A race. Quickly distancing herself from the competition, the Ace rider opened a lead that would only grow throughout the contest. Lianna Miller, who left nothing on the course in her attempt to bridge the gap, took second, finishing ahead of Houghton’s Melanie Watkins.

The select men’s A field, slightly less well-attended than in years past but of equal caliber, started at a blazing pace. Though the speed would relent somewhat over the course of the contest, race officials set the lap count to a total of 11 based on the initial lap time. In the end, the competitors would wage battle for well over an hour. As the racers found their rhythm midway through the race, several groups formed, each racing among themselves. At the front, Brian Geshel and Pete Karinen traded blows. The lead went back and forth, with Karinen flying over the barriers and Geshel countering on the straightaways. Topher Chase and Evan Simula duked it out for third further back. Normally a 45 minute contest, the racers were on their bikes some twenty minutes longer than usual. The additional time pushed the competitors deep into the red, forcing mistakes where the expert cyclists would normally shine. In the end, the race would be decided by a botched bunny hop by Karinen. The young Culver’s rider went down hard just before the bell lap, opening the door for Geshel to take the win. All is fair in love and cross. Karinen lost just a handful of seconds in the mishap and went on to take second. Evan Simula held his own on the singlespeed and brought home the bronze. Topher Chase and Mik Kilpela rounded out the top five.

Sunday: Top of the World Smackdown
A perfect complement to Saturday’s highly technical course, Sunday’s lap on the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge golf course once again featured a course suited to power riders: wide open sections of pavement, straight sections of fairway and a few barriers and chicanes to keep the roadies honest.

The deck was reshuffled with a number of new riders taking part in each race and several of Saturday’s racers trading their skinny knobbies for a fat-tire spin on Copper Harbor’s mountain bike trails. They could hardly be blamed on what would likely be one of the last warm and sunny days of the season. Even so, the fields were just as large as the previous day with plenty of flesh blood in the mix and most of the contenders still in the game.

Tara Laase McKinney, who missed Saturday’s contest, took the win in the women’s B race. The previous day’s winner, Kate Liphart, held on for second, outpacing Marie Peasley. With her first and second place finishes, Ms. Liphart took home the weekend title. Jeni Kilpela claimed second and Marie Peasley third.

In the men’s C race, Steve Becker traded the sidelines for the starting line and slashed posts with abandon in his first cx race, destroying the field. Like a pack of wolves scrapping over carrion, the survivors fought hard for the remaining podium spots. Steve Hackney snagged second ahead of Terri Lahti. Finishing fourth on the day, Doug Campbell’s strong finish on Saturday kept him in the lead of the Cup standings, though with just slim margin of one point ahead of Terri Lahti. Steve Hackney held on for third overall.

The overall classification in the B race also went to the wire. With both Kris Bunker of Hancock and Andrew Rickauer of Marquette taking a first and fourth place over the course of the weekend, the pair was tied for first place after the two races. In the Keweenaw Cup tradition, the tie was broken with a one-legged, 100m sprint. Both got off to a good start, but Bunker prevailed. Third place in the B class went to Alex Rejc.

Continuing where she left off on Saturday, Christina Bennett again rode away from the field in the women’s A race. Lianna Miller put up a solid fight and repeated her second place finish; Melanie Watkins likewise repeated for third. Thus, the results for the title in the women’s A class were easily tallied: Bennett claimed her first title, with Miller and Watkins going home with the second and third place trophies respectively.

The field in the men’s A race saw some changes from the previous day: Pete Karinen was unable to return to Copper Harbor for a rematch after his tumble in the Downtown Hoedown. In his place, however, was the formidable Joey Graci. A perennial threat, Graci is feared far and wide for his blistering start. The question was whether Geshel’s fast and steady pace would be enough to reel Graci back in should he escape. As expected, Graci cracked the race wide open at the gun and soon had a commanding lead. Fueled by high-octane soul and funk from the previous night’s jam session with Frank and da Beans, Geshel brought Graci back into striking distance before eventually moving past and taking his second win for the weekend. Further back, Mik Kilepla and Colby Lash battled it out for third place on the day. With a sweep on the weekend, Geshel took his first Keweenaw Cup title. Teammate Evan Simula finished second, ten points back, and Colby Lash third by a point ahead of Mik Kilpela.

Thanks to the Red Jacket Cycling Team for another edition of the Cup, the volunteers and sponsors who helped make the race a success.

UPCROSS is off this weekend and next, but returns on SATURDAY, November 10 at in Harvey (MQT) with Choco-X.

UPCROSSers looking for some race action this weekend can head to Baycross on Saturday, Oct. 27. Details at http://www.baycrossrace.com

Results now posted

Photos:
Chris Schmidt
Adam Griffis

UPCROSS racers were treated to a diabolical course and true cyclocross weather this past weekend in the fourth of the series’ nine races. Contested under the looming shadow and clamor of the nearby mining operations, the competitors were given constant reminder of toil of everyday life that awaited all but the victor to the race.

A harsh east wind drove waves of low-hanging clouds – laden with rain and laced with the frosty edge of Lake Superior’s waters – over Marquette’s River Park for some of the most unforgiving weather the series has seen in years. Staying true to the spirit of the sport, turnout was strong in spite of conditions, with nearly 45 racers lining up over the course of the afternoon.

The rain-slickened grass and highly technical sections of the course left little room for error. Long straightaways and secteurs of gravel road gave the technically challenged ample time to recover from their errors, at least those who had the strength and motivation to do so.

The women's B race saw some new faces, with seasoned triathlete and first-time cross racer Marie Peasley taking the win. Following mechanical problems in her first attempt at cx racing at the Al Quaal contest, Mary Maheney claimed second. Jeni Kilpela, also in her first year of ‘cross racing, took the remaining spot on the podium.

In the men’s C contest, Ryan Hebert, another UPCROSS newcomer, rode in for the win ahead of series leader Steve Hackney. Doug Campbell outpaced the Keweenaw’s Terri Lahti for third.

No stranger to victory, Andrew Rickauer took his second win of the season and strengthened his hold on the men’s B class. Alex Rejc rode in for a solid second place finish ahead of Tim Fetter, who got his first taste of UPCROSS action.

Nicole Alexander returned to the top of the podium in the women’s A race. With the win, her lead in the overall standings grows to 31 points. Christina Bennett rode in for second ahead of perennial threat Amy Micheals.

Though racing without a pilot’s license, there was no keeping Culver’s Cycling rider Pete Karinen on the ground. Drawing on his BMX skills, the 17” barriers posed little challenge to the 16-year-old from Atlantic Mine. A pair of Blackrocks riders, Evan Simula and series leader Brian Geshel, kept the pressure on for the duration of the contest, however. Not until the final lap was Karinen able to break free. Simula and Geshel nearly succeeded in quashing the effort, but the Culver’s rider remained clear until the finish. Singlespeed racer Evan Simula rode an outstanding race, taking second ahead of Geshel.

A big thank you to host club KMK for another great race and the tasty (& hot), post-race food.

Racing action continues this weekend with the fifth annual Keweenaw Cup in Copper Harbor. In addition to two cyclocross races, the event also features a Saturday night dinner at the Mariner and music by Frank and da Beans (with UPCROSS racer Evan Simula on bass). All proceeds from the weekend's events go to the Copper Harbor Trails Club. Details on the race at: www.keweenawcup.com.

Results now posted

Photos:
Chris Schmidt
Jeni Kilpela (and write-up)

Results of Sunday's race now posted
A-race video: http://letsbikemqt.com/category/videos/

Making their first appearance in the 2012 UPCROSS series on Saturday were Culver's Cycling riders Tyler Gauthier and Cooper Dendel, each taking the win in their respective races. In the men's A race, Gauthier set a blistering tempo, gradually turning the rock wall runup into a pile of crushed gravel over the course of the 50 minute contest. Behind him, the competition scrapped over the remaining podium places. Brian Geshel made an early move, however, and cruised in for second - and into the lead of the series standings. Mik Kilpela finished a strong third.

In the women's A race, Cooper Dendel continued her dominance in U.P. cycling with yet another win, holding off international competition from Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. Kim Chapman, riding for Algoma Cycling Club finished second ahead of Nicole Alexander - who retains the overall series lead.

In the men's B race, it was Sault rider Paul DeBeer atop the podium. Jason Luther and Kit Cischke (singlespeed) rounded out the top three. Andrew Rickauer, who finsihed fourth, stays at the top of the series standings.

Kris Tiles outpaced the competition in the women's B race, finishing ahead of Deanna Koscielny and first-time cx racer Jen Kilpela.

Steve Hackney, riding for Red Jacket Cycling, took the win in the men's C race, with second place going to fellow Houghton rider Terry Lahti. Scott McEntyre rounded out the top three. Terry Lahti, a first-year cx rider, takes the lead in the series standings. in the C class.

Results now posted

Photos:
Chris Schmidt

Due to the increase in the number of races from seven to nine this season, the UPCROSS organizing committee has made a couple of changes to the series rules:

1. Due to the increase in the number of races for seven to nine, overall standings will be calculated on the basis of the best seven of nine races, allowing racers to drop two instead of one race.

2. Racers must finish a minimum of five of the nine races. This is intended to help ensure that the series is a series, and that the title (or coveted tenth place) doesn't go to a rider who only races a couple of races.

“I know you won't break the rules, because there aren't any.”
- Dr. Dealgood, Return to Thunderdome

The Romans had the Colosseum, the post-apocalyptic world will have Thunderdome. The Keweenaw has Michigan Tech’s Sherman Field: a fortified structure of steel and concrete encompassing a field of skin-stripping synthetic grass, where armies of men wage battle over an oblong ball to the cheers and jeers of bloodthirsty spectators during the autumn. With the football team competing elsewhere and the last of the Keweenaw's lions defeated by local gladiators, cyclists were enticed to compete in the stadium under the ruse of athleticism this Saturday in what was christened the opening race of the 2012 UPCROSS Cyclocross Series. Little did the riders know that they would be racing on a course engineered to slowly fatigue the competitors to near exhaustion over a 30- to 45-minute period to the howling delight of bell-banging hecklers and hooligans.

Some 45 willing participants assembled under the setting sun to partake in the spectacle. Race director Ian Marks and chief of stadium Ryan Tervo had laid out a highly technical course on a space small enough that all of the carnage could be comfortably witnessed from the grassy sidelines yet large enough that lap times were in excess of six minutes. With no fewer than six barriers, gravel, soul-sucking artificial turf, countless off-camber turns and harrowing descents intermixed with wide-open pavement, racers would need to be all-rounders to do well.

In the first of the evening’s contests, Melanie Watkins (Red Jackets) took the gold in the women’s B race, outriding Terra McKinney and Kora Graci. The men’s C race, which saw a number of first-time cyclocrossers, was taken by Michigan Tech Nordic skier Matt Wong, edging teammate Luke Geisor. Third went to Doug Campbell.

In the men’s B race, the 2011 UPCROSS series runner-up Andrew Rickauer continued his winning ways, beating first-time cyclocrosser Kris Bunker of Hancock. James Bialas, riding for Houghton’s Red Jacket squad, rounded out the podium.

Reigning UPCROSS series champion Nicole Alexander of the Chocolay Ace team took top honors in the women’s A race, holding off Lianna Miller, who recently relocated to Houghton from Colorado and who is expected to be a factor this season. Melanie Watkins, following her win in the B race earlier in the evening, rode away with the bronze in the A race against some stiff competition.

Though there were several notable absences in the men’s A race due to a conflict with the Chequamegon Fat Tire and alleged hair washing (you know who you are), the field of 16 cyclists who gathered in the stadium shadows for the start were all up for the challenge. Elite junior mountain biker Pete Karinen (16, of Painesdale) wasted no time in cracking the contest wide open by taking the hole shot and riding clear of his competition with a bunny hop over the first barrier. Karinen, representing the Culver’s Cycling Team, never looked back. His technical prowess on the barriers and strength on the hill climb left no doubt that a changing of the guard on the UPCROSS circuit is imminent. Last year’s series champion Ryan Tervo (Dorfblick / Flyer Cycles) put up a solid fight, however, and claimed second. Brian Geshel (Blackrocks) took the best A-race finish of his cx career with third. Blu Tenbrink, a former UPCROSS champion competing in his first cx race in years, returned to the peloton in solid form and notched a fourth place finish.

The UPCROSS Series is off next week to give racers opportunity to compete in the USGP of CX in Madison but returns with a double header September 29 and 30 in Negaunee with Iron Cross.

Results now posted

Photos:
Chris Schmidt / Eric Ollis
GrandpaCamo

The 2012 UP Cross Series will kick-off under the lights of Sherman Field on Saturday, Sept. 15th. The event, which is in its second year, will start with the Men's C and Women's B races at 7:30 pm. The Men's B and Women's A races will follow at 8:15 pm and the Men's A race will premier at 9:00 pm. The evening will close with a clunker race.

The course will feature a mix of pavement, gravel and grass around Sherman Field, the football and soccer stadiums at Michigan Tech. The race is very spectator friendly with views of almost the entire course including the run-up to the bleachers. Cost of the race is $10.