We’re only 2 races in to the Northern Ohio Mountain Bike Series, but the rumour around the team beer keg is the squad at NOMBS is doing a bang up job bringing local MTB racing back… with our help, of course! This month took us to The Thorn at Findlay State Park, the current home course of Yellowman Dave Starkey. Dave designed the course this year, utilising some of the trail’s more unique features and taking us off the official map. Shez, Rae, Rachelle, Ron & Mike were all out this time due to injuries, but they all turned out to volunteer.
Quinn, Duncan & Martin raced in their respective categories with top 4 finishes across the board. Rae & Shez held down the mile 7(?ish?) road crossing and got at least 2 photos of all the juniors, so if you have a foundling in the race, check out the photo dump here: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1TiV6rZREYctC4hOFL7q3zjpq6Y0vp6sb
Mike did his turn as the human pylon for a somewhat unusual u-turn start- we’ve had reports that the fear was visible in his eyes, especially during the mens sport release. Mike reports that the many butt slaps he received were “exhilarating.”
Ron & Rachelle might have had the most exciting volunteer experience, though. Sometime in the middle of the 3rd lap, a large tree fell across the trail near their intersection and had to be removed by chainsaw!
Reports from racers was that the dirt was primo, with the exception of a real greasy patch near one of the small bridges. The patch claimed several victims, including Duncan and Martin. Many we spoke to had never been to The Thorn before and plan to go back. This is great news for a local trail that just doesn’t get the love it deserves. Big huge thank you to Oberlin Bike Shop for being the shop presenter for this one and also to Steadfast Fenders, for coming on as a league sponsor and giving permanent number holders a sweet fender!
Race results are at SFWTiming.com, courtesy of our friends at Summit Freewheelers! If you have comments or photos, please let us know, we’d love to help spread your stoke!
And PLEASE if you have photo or video of Mikey getting buzzed by the sport and expert men, send them to us! We want to see it!!