January 29, 2016 – Following its crowd-pleasing inaugural race, the 45NRTH Ontario Fat Bike Series p/b Cycle Solutions held its second race on January 23. “The Snumbler,” as it was named (apparently “snow” + “The Humbler” = creative linguistic math), was organized by Dan Marshall of Substance Projects at Northumberland County Forest near Roseneath, Ontaio.
A field of 60 racers came out to attack the 10 km race loop, participating in either the 20 km short race (two laps) or 40 km long race (yup, four laps). Each lap started with an arguably not-so-gentle climb for the first 1.5 km. Then the remainder of the loop was a fun mix of open and fast, with some tight sections of rolling single track. Again, special thanks have to be given to local club volunteers for all of the hard work that went into grooming the trail (let’s be real – without them, races such as these are unlikely to happen). And Mother Nature finally got on side and kept the temperatures cold enough to maintain the trails in prime condition.
The Start/Finish hub featured a heated area for racers to warm up and comfortably change into dry clothing. The was also chili and hot chocolate, which contributed to the post-race party atmosphere, as participants exchanged race stories and attended the podium ceremony and draw prize give-out.
Jennifer Bouchard of Short Hills CC, who took 2nd in the 20 km women’s 35+ race, commented, “Thanks to Substance Projects for putting on another fantastic fat bike race! The course was so much fun, with a variety of double and single track. All trails were beautifully groomed and rideable. Although it was a really cold day, the post-race hot chocolate and heaters kept us toasty! The awards and draw prizes rocked!”
Brian Loney, racing for Cycle Solutions Angry Johnny/Norco/LG, came 7th in the 40 km men’s 35-49 race and summed up his experience, saying, “…My family and I were excited to hear that Dan was stepping up to put a series together this winter, because he always puts on super-fun, family-friendly events. The Snumbler did not disappoint and delivered the best winter race conditions I’ve experienced so far!”
Hiding in the snow to photograph all the action were Ted Anderton and his crew from ApexRacePhotography. Links to the pics are at here.
Official results can be found here for the 20 km and for the 40 km races.
What lies ahead for the 45NRTH Ontario Fat Bike Series? Scott Glazier, racing for Cycle Solutions and finishing 2nd overall and 1st in the 40 km men’s 35-49 race, is eagerly anticipating the next two events: “I have a suspicion that Kingston will be good and Bracebridge will be the biggest. Everyone likes going up north for winter fun.” And Thom Hanrahan of Silent Sports/DMBA, who placed 1st in the 40 km men’s Masters races, summed it up with, “THE perfect fat bike race course. Thank you Dan for another super fun race. Can’t wait to see what you have planned for Kingston!”
As you may have guessed, race number three is indeed in Kingston. Keep a lookout for details on “The Snophy,” slated for February 6th! All the course info will be posted at substanceprojects.com.
See you there! The more the merrier!!