Big Wheel Racing

So I got back on the racing bandwagon and found another classic to add to my A-List of races. I really, really, really like the Pierre’s Hole 100 up at Grand Targhee Resort on Wyoming!!! Years ago, my lovely wife Jeni and I did a ski trip and tasted Alta, Snowbird, Jackson Hole and eventually Grand Targhee. The memories of Targhee’s sweet powder and climbing up Mary’s Nipple stuck and well the place has a special memory for us. So when I found out there was a chance to race up there, I dove right in. The race venue did not disappoint.

After 96.5 miles and 15,700-ft of climbing, I ended up 2nd place SS on the MOOTS 29er, with a close enough view of 1st place that it reminded me of how I still need to get some fitness back. No regrets there though – because the 1st place SSer – Mike from Ketchum and I hit it off pretty darn well – we rolled out riding together and talking quite a bit. Super cool cat and a dedicated SS enduro racer himself – part ‘o the clan.’ It’s really cool when there are good people in the SS class. Chad from Erie, CO was the other SSer and he went out of his way to contact me before the race – so we had dinner with his lovely wife and the Big Wheel Racing’s own flying Carney Brothers. I’d say the SSers were the classiest bunch in the race, but since I am low rent I probably brought the property values down a bit.

But the podium did net me a free entry into next years race, and along with the schwag haul, this was a nice ROI. wow, I’m already in for Pierre’s Hole 100 and Barn Burner 104 for 2011 – my schedule is filling up without my direct action!

I rolled up near a moose and mooseling on the trail which was really amazing, startling, and a bit scary. No flying squirrel though.

Carney the Elder (Andrew) missed the 3rd overall by a small margin, but in 4rth place he was able to secure the extra large belt buckle, of which only 4 were given. Congrats! Carney the Younger (Steven) lost a tire on a nasty descent and bailed the race – but he was all smiles afterwards. Good to see you guys again.

And finally, I got to meet Rebecca Rusch – who said she may be at Vapor Trail 125 in a few weeks. Cool. That girl reminds me of the song by the Commodores. Holy cow, all I could think of was…umm I gotta hit the gym because I’ve been slacking. Either that or she needs to start wearing a red cape.

I’ve been racing on Moots ti 29er bikes now for 4 seasons and feel I have an advantage with the bike and ti components.  Thank you to Moots for supporting BWR!

-Matt Turgeon