Mendocino 100

[shiloh]

I've been hearing rumors of a single track trail system, build by mountain bikers, coming together up north.  I had done a little riding up there before and love it, so when I heard Murphy Mack was putting on a hundred miler, I thought, What better way to explore the trails then with a marked and aided race course. 

Murphy reserved A large camp ground in a redwood grove, about 20 minutes from the star finish area, For racers to stay if the wanted.  I picked up my race number there the night before the race and got the course break down from Murphy.  The way he described it you would have thought It was going to be a 100 mile down hill race. I scoped my competition and saw a few strong riders but none were going to be real serious competitors.  And many people were opting for the 60 and 40 mile routes. 

At the start line I saw Brian Astell, a local Pro who knows the trails and is way faster then me.  I'm not wining this thing but a top five should be easily doable. 

The first 7 miles was fast single track that wound and rolled through redwoods thick with vegetation.  We moved at a pretty quick pace and I was passed by about 8 riders when I stopped to readjust my pack.  No worries I thought it's a long race and those guys will not be able to hold that pace.  across a short paved section and onto a long fire road climb up to the first aid station.  I was in good spirits keeping a pace I knew I could maintain and chatting with some other racers along the way. 

Quickly out of the first aid station and across highway 20.  The single track ripped down, I couldn't believe it was all legal.  then along some single and double track along the valley floor I was temped to stop and pick some of the thimble berries that were growing every were. But it was a race so I Restrained.  Another long fire road climb and up to cross the first aid station again I learned Brian and one other rider were about 15 minutes ahead of me.  I accepted third place as the final result and headed out knowing that there wasn't anyone behind me who could really put on a strong challenge. 

Back down a long section of fire road and into a canyon with some steep single track climbs and shoots then along the canyon floor I felt as though I was on a speedster blasting through the Ewok forrest. coming upon the next aid station I ran onto a few of the 60mile racers who were trying to decide to finish off on the 100 mile course or not.  I think I convinced them to go for the 100 then I dropped them. 

Now at about mile 60 I go into auto pilot.  my legs only have one kink of speed in them (slow). a long fire road traverse leads me to a rippin fun single track with tight burmed switchbacks, little rollers, and steep shoots.  tons of fun but too tired to fully enjoy it.  at the bottom I came upon another aid station where I decided to fill up with some GU Roctaine.  A little caffine and sugar should at least put my brain back in focus. 

The next section was about 7 miles of flatish overgrown fire road that seemed more like single track but slowly widened as it traversed a river out to highway 1.  I started getting a little too  comfortable at the highway 1 aid station, eating PB&J and chatting with the aids about the next trail segment.  they offered me a beer, I refused it and bid them farewell.  A couple miles up 1 and back onto single track and the last leg of the race. 

more fun rolling trail through redwood forest.  narrow stuff with pine needles techey roots winding ter urns and awesomeness.  I wound around a turn and scared the bejesus out of a couple of hikers.  Maybe a race in progress sign should have been posted?  no matter all was cool and I continued on. 

I had ben averaging 10 MPH, and had ridden about 78 miles when I pop out onto fire road and see a course marker In a tree that says continue straight, and arrows on the ground that point off into more single track.  I start to make the turn, then remember the instructions we were given at the beginning of the race.  I turn back and continue straight. Soon I see some tents and a group of people cheering.  It was the finish and it came earlier then I expected. My garmin said 83 miles and I was expecting about 90 to the finish.  O well, I was tired hungry and could see the post race buffet. 

I finished in third and will likely be back next year. 

[Ryan Gibson]

nice work Shiloh! Super jealous and hope to join you next year. Planning a trip to Jackson Demo and the surrounding area this fall to check it out...hear it is rad

[Carl Sanders]

Very cool place to ride. Nice work. I might be heading up again for the full three day event that Murphy puts on at the end of this month.