Snow adds new layer of challenge to IRONBULL gravel bike race
Riders rode on less traveled scenic roads as part of the IRONBULL Red Granite Grinder. Photo credit: Dave Kallaway Photography
Billy Goat Hill forced riders out of their saddles. Photo credit: QCWilly Photography
Featured sections included Nine Mile Forest Recreation Area. Photo credit: QCWilly Photography
Participants of all ages rode the 12 mile recreational ride in downtown Wausau. Photo credit: QCWilly Photography
WAUSAU – A layer of snow added to the racers’ challenge at the 2nd Red Granite Grinder cycling event. Riders began the race in downtown Wausau early in the morning with the season’s first snowfall blanketing the course. Courses were already designed to test riders’ limits and many riders were forced to end the day short of the finish line.
Riders in the Red Granite Grinder had the choice of racing courses with varying degrees of difficulty. A 12 mile recreational ride was family-focused with the entire route taking place in downtown Wausau. The rest of the riders left downtown Wausau with a police escort at dawn competing in either the 50, 85, or 140 mile routes.
Race director and course designer Shane Hitz logged 1200 miles designing the race’s courses. Hitz masterfully led riders to iconic hills such as Rib Mountain State Park and Billy Goat Hill and wove in off-the-beaten path gems including Edgar’s Scotch Creek Preserve and privately-owned Managed Forest Lands. Several of the trails featured in these sections were opened to cyclists for the first time.
“Nine Mile Recreation Area and the Wausau School Forest was super fun,” said Allan Schmitt. Schmitt covered the 50 mile course in just over six hours.
For some, the challenge proved to be insurmountable. Only 2/3 of the racers that started the 140 mile route finished the route before the finish line cutoff. Two riders continued on after the cut off – spending dawn to dusk on their bikes.
“I never really contemplated dropping out … it was more about mustering the determination to complete the race, no matter the setbacks,” said Mark Badger. Badger was the last person to complete the 140 mile route, but missed the official finish line cutoff after 12 hours out on the course.
“I’ve been racing for 20 years, and today’s race was the single hardest event I’ve ever done,” said 2nd place 140 mile finisher, Dan Teaters. Teaters was plastered in mud by the finish, collapsing exhausted at the finish line.
Dan Teaters collapses moments after crossing the finish line plastered in mud from the difficult course. Photo credit: QCWilly Photography
IRONBULL’s next event, the Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge – Winter Edition will also use the element of snow to enhance racer’s experiences. In this event, teams will snowshoe, road bike, trek and partake in winter challenges using a map and compass to guide their way through the course in the dead of winter.
IRONBULL Red Granite Grinder 2020 Results - Full results and pictures
140 mile: Vince Dinkel 9:09:50
85 mile male: Kyle Demerath 4:57:30
85 mile female: Chloe Thomas 6:17:54
50 mile male: Andrew Arends 3:12:27
50 mile female: Jodi Oettinger 3:57:25
Bikers rode on Rib Mountain State Park’s Yellow Trail for the first time ever as part of the IRONBULL Red Granite Grinder. Photo credit: QCWilly Photography
Banner photo: The Red Granite Grinder started with a police escort from downtown Wausau. Photo credit: QCWilly Photography