Another remote start on the final day took us out to Greenwood Furnace, an early iron ore mining location. The historic trails took in 4 enduro segments in a route that eventually finished back at camp some 6hrs later.  Conditions started fast and greasy but in a repeat of the previous day the weather soon flooded the hardpack sections and liquefied the loam. Another solid day in the saddle and solid result at the end.

Dodging other riders walking down the shoots. Photo Firespirephotography

Enduro #1 was a standout stage in a day that delivered 3 of the best stages of the week. This rare section of steep gradient was proceeded by a world class stretch of unrelenting mossy rock riding. Photo Firespirephotography

Bigger speeds on stage #1 and sniper rocks have their consequences. Ed and I both sprinted out the stage on a rear flat. The Hutchinson tyres were awesome and only having one flat each the entire week was proof of this, for most people it was a daily occurence. Photo Firespirephotography

Ed has just noticed that the trails turns right through trees at the bottom of this fast shoot. #firespirephotography

The Enduro Overall 5 Day Winners by Category. #firespyphotography
Kudos to the organisers of a unique race here in Pennsylvania.  I doubt it would be possible to find a another event that combines such diverse riders, equipment and terrain. I have relished the chance to push my bike and body so deep and i feel it can only help with building speed for the season ahead.  

A CHANGE IN THE WEATHER
Todays stage profile had the XC stage racers chomping at the bit, with the R.B Winter State Park, a 45min shuttle from camp, offering fast and comparatively smooth trail.  A torrential downpour early on changed the conditions dramatically with the Enduro specialists at the back of the field floundering in the wake of the XC animals who unleashed their big engines on the drier fast rolling trail at the head of the race.

A drive through Amish country on the way out to R.B Winter State Park

Traditional farming methods and values

Before the rain came.  Enduro #1 combined fully tapped singletrack with flat 50m rock gardens

2hrs in of what became 5.5 hrs.  Flooded double track and shredded singletrack for the remainder of the day

After putting the XC bike on the podium yesterday, and banking some serious suffering, I'm more than happy to switch focus to the enduro segments for Day 2

Day 1 stage race complete - its going to be all about the Enduro stages for day 2.  Out comes the Auric with a fresh Hardskin tyre on the back.  

Stunning forested ridge riding for mile after mile today.  Tussey ridge was reminiscent of other vintage ridge trails back home in Nelson.
Thats Ed floundering in the background by the way lol

Stage 3 was a massive 10 minute run!  Unfortunately the first 4 minutes were uphill lol. If this were EWS there would be a mutiny  

Day 2 Enduro winners

And a fresh plate for tomorrows Enduro specific Day 3!!  Big bikes are being prepared throughout the camp. 5 stages with neutralized liaisons between each - now that is more what I'm accustomed to.  

5 Enduro segments today laced the Rothrock State Forest located 20min from camp. The majority of climbing was on the now familiar leaf covered rock and root singletrack under the deciduous tree canopy, with the descents increasing in technical challenge as the day wore on.  

The entire hill appears to be made up of smashed rock. Some loose, some embedded, some hidden by the leaf litter (A E Landes credit)

The day essentially started and finished outside a diner in State College which meant minimal delay for post race refuel!

Ed felt obliged to sample a Cheese Steak - the Philli signature dish

Thats a big day ahead right there on that map

Elite Women Enduro podium

Masters Enduro Podium. Ed is aiming to get on terms with the other enduro specialists for the overall enduro standings at the end of the week

​A selection of Fuji weaponry for the most diverse xc stage race (with enduro) out there

I went for this one for day 1.  The diametric opposite of my regular enduro rig this thing is both so fast and so sketchy.  My body has rarely felt so abused!

​Not a baggy short or backpack in sight (gulp) Photocredit TSE media team FireSpirePhotography

A rare stretch of buff singletrack through the beautiful Pennsylvania forests Photocredit TSE media team FireSpirePhotography

Post race + not many minutes: assume the position.  Ice for my poor abused wrist and a handy concrete block for draining my acid filled legs.  I laid here for some considerable time!

​Getting loose on the hardtail paid off.  Fastest Overall Enduro Female Day 1!
AND, 3rd place General Classification overall women!