The Darkhorse 40 is a crap-load of fun. At 40 miles, it’s more a MTB mini marathon/endurance race than a typical XC race. Most Pro and expert riders completed the race between 3–Â3.5 hrs. Competitive riders rode at or above threshold for the entire race. The start was fast and furious as riders red lined immediately jockeying for position on the dirt road portion before entering the tight single track. The pace on the front of each field was brutal as the miles ticked by and the herd was culled. As the select groups established gaps on their fields, they settled into a more sustainable pace.
The two twenty mile loops were deceivingly fast and flowing. Most of the course consisted of speedy single track through deep woods with nicely developed berms, small drops, water crossings, and even a corn field. Areas with exposed and jagged shale wreaked havoc, puncturing and shredding even the toughest tubeless tires. The tight rollercoaster single track had a video game feel as the scenery zoomed by your periphery. There were several aide stations on the course with water, bananas, and products provided by Hammer.
The whole event has a great vibe, and a real MTB bike festival ambience with over 400 competing and vendors such as Specialized and BH bikes present with the latest products and demos. It is to road racing as NASCAR is to Formula One. After the race, BBQ chicken, salad, RC Cola, ice pops, and beer are available to all competitors. The race included 24 hidden preems that were redeemed for merchandise during the awards ceremony.
Plenty of roadies and cross riders show up as the race falls when many are a little burned out on the road. However, enjoy it while you can. The Federal Aviation Administration gave the state permission to select a company to operate and develop the publicly owned airport adjacent to the 7,400 acres of woods, fields and wetlands on which the race was held. The future of area is still in question.
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The Start
Closing in on the first single track
Steve Rodriguez
Steve Rodriguez
Morgan Stebbins
Morgan Stebbins
Kevin Brubaker
Dave Chomowicz
Dave Chomowicz
Rufus Pichler picking up a preem
Albert Pedemonte
Lisa Argrusa
WTF!
Natural born killer. When not demolishing ’95 Oldsmobiles, Brubaker manages to destroy a brand new, and supposedly indestructable UST tire.
Rehydrating
Albert and Rufus
Rehydrating
Yeehaw!
Sponsor ride
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Great write up. The Darkhorse was one of the most fun events I have done in years. Great course that is as tough as you make it. I cannot wait for next year.
Thanks for the recap Dave. That looks like fun, it will be on my calendar next year
Nice Writeup Chom
Next year …
This looks pretty cool. Did anyone do it on a cross bike?
…Brewbaker
I did not see anyone and to be honest you would likely be in a world of hurt after 1 lap. The course is not that technical but there are still some fast descents over rocks and roots. Cross wheels and tires would likely not hold up. Plus you would be overgeared likely on the steep rocky climbs.
A race you have to try once and find yourself doing again the following year. Its’a good sufferfest on some of the best single track around with a sweet party at the end with the guy’s you just finished battling.
Nice. Might be time to dust off the old mountain bike this fall. Anybody know were is a good spot is not to far, not too technical?