I have wanted to race the Frozen Hog Race for a couple years now, but never committed until this year. I wasn’t really sure what to expect racing in the snow. I knew that it would be different, and challenging because it is hard to imaging doing a race in February in the snow. The race directors did a great job prepping the course considering it snowed over 12" the week of the race. They shoveled, snow shoed, and rode bikes on the trail to compact it as best they could. They did a good job getting the course ready. I had a nice short warm up, and got a chance to ride part of the course and see how it was going to be. They started right at 9:00am and our car read 17 degrees. It was cold, but did not take long for me to warm up. The race started pretty congested with plenty of wrecks, and racers sliding off course including myself. It was kind of a backwards race as far as my racing strategy goes. I usually try and make up some time on the down hill and stay steady on the climbs. This was completely different! I was really slow on the down hill and seemed really fast on the climbs. If you went too fast on the downhill it didn’t take much to crash and tumble in the snow. On the first climb I was able to pull ahead and put myself in a good position. The trail was in awesome condition the first lap, nice and packed down, and you could stay on your bike and get in a rhythm. The second lap was totally different! By the time lap two came around, several racers had been on course which made the snow like sand. It was hard to stay on the bike to say the least! It felt like a cyclocross race, a lot of on/off the bike. Overall the race was really fun and I’m glad I did it. Came in 1st place in my age category, and 2nd overall. Won a nights stay in Moab, and 20.00 bucks to a bike shop.
Jonny Hintze riding up the first wash, had a strong race, finished 20th with a time of 2:13.
Quin Bingham powering through the wash! Came in 21st with a time of 2:15
Nate Stowers trying to stay upright on the second wash, came in 22nd with a time of 2:17
Jake Pantone looking pretty comfortable considering this was his second ride of the season. Jake came in 23rd with a time of 2:21. Overall Team Bikers Edge/Destination Homes felt good about the race even though all four of us pulled up the rear. Great race to start the season, and a good learning experience for all of us. We enjoyed a 4 hour plus ride the day before which probably didn't help our legs for race day. We couldn't pass up the good riding weather though! It was mid 70's and we were all enjoying being on dirt instead of carpet. It definitely was a wake up call for all of us, and we realized how stacked the pro field is. Thanks again to all of our sponsors who contribute to our team and make it possible for us to race.
Quin, Jonny, and Jake on the Zen trail Friday day before the race.
Quin Bingham, Nate Stowers, Jake Pantone, Jonny Hintze
