Mike Piker sums up the Togwote Winter Classic Snowbike Race

2010 Togwotee Winter Classic Race #2 Report
Submitted by Fitzgerald’s Top Shelf Rider Mike Piker

Most cyclists would think 14oF is too cold for riding a bike. However, for the 15 starters of the Togwotee Winter Classic, it was perfect. The trails were freshly groomed and firm, the wind was calm and the sun was shining. There was a record turnout and it was going to be a memorable day for snow biking.

From the moment our gallant race director, Dave Byers, said “GO” the craziness began. Our local “off the couch” athlete and bike shop owner, Scott Fitzgerald, launched a blistering attack 200 yards into a 25 mile snow bike race. Imagine the shock and awe as all of the other “trained” athletes in the group watched helplessly as Fitzy applied his massive power to the pedals and accelerated ahead while yelling “See you at the finish line”. The only problem was that Fitzy’s drive chain didn’t get the memo and couldn’t hold its end of the deal. As a result this massive display of wattage ended in a loud snap of the chain bringing a collective sigh of relief from all the other riders who thought they might be racing for second.

With the threat of Fitzy behind us it was time to get down to some good ole snow bike racing. I quickly decided to turn in the screws and see who was going to respond. After getting a decent gap I settled in for the long haul at my standard endurance pace. However, it wasn’t long before I had company and Gabe “Fiddie Cent” Klamer had closed the gap with authority because that’s how he rolls. At first I felt a little disappointed that my supreme endurance pace could be matched but then I was happy to have someone to talk and work with. I also knew that after pushing the bike up the “V” wall, 6 miles into the race, it was going to be a hammer fest. The “V” trail is approximately 11 miles and mostly down hill; with firm snow it would be faster to work together. I was actually hoping to have someone to work with but as the old saying goes…be careful what you ask for because you may just get it.

During the “V” hike-a-bike both Gabe and I noticed a dark object in the distance rapidly closing in on our position. A minute or so after cresting the climb and starting into the down hill, Mark “I rode a snow bike for the first time in my life last night” Hershberger was on us. I thought to myself, “Damnit!!! how did he close the gap that fast?” After my initial surprise seeing Mark I kwew I had to make the best of the situation. There were now three of us and the firm conditions and downhill grades made it possible to form a pace-line. I never thought I could go fast enough on a snow bike to feel the effects of drafting but the three of us were hauling the mail and it was exhilarating. It was during this section I knew the course record would likely fall.

The smooth and fast descent ended abruptly when the trail intersected back into the Continental Divide Trail (CD) and started a long arduous climb back to the highway. I had thoroughly enjoyed working with my two friends on the silky smooth backside of this course but the vacation was over and this was a race. It was time to let the dogs out and unleash a furious attack to the finish.

I thought of Lance and the “stare” he give to Ulrich before attacking on Alp de Huez. I would time it perfectly and, unlike Fitzy’s ill-fated attempt, I really would leave my competitors in a state of shock and awe.

The time to drop my whole bag of hammers came and two things happened. First, as I was about to give the “stare” I hit a soft rut and crashed like a rookie. I quickly stood up and brushed the snow off my ass then remounted the bike. I thought to myself, “No problem, Piker, you’re not hurt so just collect yourself, get the mojo back and continue with the plan”. Secondly, and most important, I was mostly pinned and couldn’t go any harder without dire consequences. So my plan to leave Mark and Gabe choking on a rooster tail of snow slinging off my rear tire evaporated and I just tried to maintain a hard pace hoping my pain wouldn’t be noticed. No matter how hard I pushed I couldn’t get a gap and constantly heard Gabe and Mark behind me breathing and shifting. I had to accept the fact that after two hours and 25 miles it might come down to a sprint finish.

As the three of us rounded a sharp right-hand turn parallel to the highway I knew the finish was about a half mile away. With no more hammers in the bag and my book of matches almost done, I still had two determined guys behind me that wanted to be in front of me. The three of us came into the dip by the tunnel under the highway and started up the short hill on the other side. I heard labored breathing behind me for a second then I didn’t. Fiddie came around me on the hike-a-bike so fast I thought I had been passed by a Polaris RMK 900. He gapped me by 40’ before I could say “What the F&*K?”. However, I didn’t give up and immediately started striking all the matches I had left. The trail had been churned up by snowmobiles and was barely rideable. Gabe was struggling ahead and this gave me a sliver of hope. I could see his line wasn’t good so I worked the bike to the other side of the trail finding a little traction. It was just enough. I shifted into a bigger gear then proceeded to take my heart-rate into uncharted territory. As we approached the highway on our way to the lodge I had gained back the lead by a margin of maybe ten feet. We sprinted across the parking lot into the lodge and over to the sign-in sheet at the front desk. Somehow I made it in first with Gabe just a step or two behind. Mark arrived seconds later to claim third place. After tucking my lungs back into my chest and allowing my heart rate to drop back below my old “max”, we all signed in, congratulated each other and high-fived.

When it was over and all the riders were in a new Male and Female course record had been established at 2hr 22m and 2hr 31m 30s respectively. We also congratulated our oldest finisher, Don Alsted. At 64 he is a true inspiration.

The Togwotee Winter Classic was “Top Shelf” in every way. Dave Byers and the sponsors (Fitzgerald Bicycles, Baffin Boots & The Bunnery) deserve special thanks for their efforts to put on this “grass roots” event. They provided exceptional prizes for a “friendly competition” that has no entry fee and an honor system clipboard posting the finish times. The course itself is considered a vacation destination by millions and we are fortunate enough to call it our back yard. Even the post ride celebration and awards is an exciting event with riders sharing stories while refueling on buffalo burgers and good beer. With 15 starters, great organization and dedicated sponsors I know this event will grow each year as snowbiking appears on the radar. Finally, I can’t think of a better event to officially begin my 2010 cycling season.