NEWS
2021 Race Report // Day 4
"It's my first ever Trans-style race, I knew it would be hard, but I didn't expect back-to-back 5,000 foot days. We were all pretty tired but we were in it together,” said Jill Kintner.
Day four was the final day of racing for Trans Cascadia 2021 and anticipation was high. Like days prior, camp was bustling long before the sun began peeking through the trees with another big day on the horizon and a long, steep hike-a-bike section gaining nearly 4,000 feet waiting to test the field.
Day four was the final day of racing for Trans Cascadia 2021 and anticipation was high. Like days prior, camp was bustling long before the sun began peeking through the trees with another big day on the horizon and a long, steep hike-a-bike section gaining nearly 4,000 feet waiting to test the field.
"It's my first ever Trans-style race, I knew it would be hard, but I didn't expect back-to-back 5,000 foot days. We were all pretty tired but we were in it together,” said Jill Kintner.
The vibes were strong and cohesive as the group slowly began pushing up the mountain. The steep ascents were matched with ripping fast descents on a very special section of trail, a delight for racers and staff alike. As the day progressed, camp emptied and nearly everyone climbed back up, heckling every rider who rolled to the end of a glorious final stage.
"I would say the camaraderie, the collective effort of everyone pushing really hard for miles and miles in the mountains, having a really good time, are some of my favorite things in the world. That's what we did for four days! It was perfect," said Michelle Parker.
Photos: Robb Perry (Instagram), Mike Thomas (Instagram), Chris Hornbecker (Instagram), Nate Johnson (Instagram), Riley Seebeck (Instagram)
It would be hours before the podium presentations and results were posted, though the massage tent was fully booked and the fire was already roaring. After another fantastic meal from The Bayou Catfish, the party got started. Special thanks was given to the staff by Forest Service District Ranger, Paul Willard, commending their efforts for maintaining deep backcountry trails year round.
It was a long, hard four days whose toll was felt even by the most experienced racers in the field. “I don’t remember anything,” remarked Aaron Bradford.
"It was nice to see people enthusiastic about coming out despite all that's going on in the world. Despite the fires, despite losing more than half our course just a few weeks ago, I think we were able to put together what's been the best year yet," beamed Race Director Nick Gibson.
After a notable speech from the staff lead and Race Producer Alex Gardner, the awards were underway. Aaron Bradford was the obvious choice in the Go Hard category, as he climbed his way up to third overall on the last day. Myles Trainer came from behind to take the win in the Pro Men’s field, with Myles Morgan recovering from mistakes at the start of the day to finish second, less than nine seconds behind Trainer. "The last day I had a couple of mishaps on the first stage and fell over once. The last two stages I brought it back and clawed back a bunch of time," said Morgan.
Photos: Chris Hornbecker (Instagram)
Jill Kintner took a dominant win in the Pro Women’s field, beating out Corinne Prevot (2nd) and Alicia Leggett (3rd) by over ten minutes. Osvaldo Olmos, Jason Hawkins, and David Marshall made up the Amateur Men’s Podium with Briana Valorosi taking the win for the Amateur Women.
The Trans Cascadia crew and all the volunteers overcame so many obstacles to pull the event off. Everyone present expressed gratitude, and one final cheer rang out through the Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest. Camp had become a community over the last five days on and off the trail, that shined through as the party in the woods raged on all night with folks jumping over the fire for dessert.
After the dust settled, all agreed that they had experienced something truly special. Morgan Kurz, who won her entry from the Grow Cycling Foundation giveaway, was thrilled to have taken part. "That was the most epic riding that I've ever done, the hardest thing I've ever done, and the most rewarding thing I've ever done."
Trans Cascadia would like to thank the racers, photographers, volunteers and National Forest Service for making this race happen!
Support Our Trail Building Work!
$10 from the sale of every jersey goes to Ten for Trails.
2021 Race Report // Day 3
"We planned on the racers eating for two, but in fact they're eating for three."
Nestled deep in the Okinawan–Wenatchee National Forest, racers woke up to another day of unbelievable weather and riding. After daily Covid testing and a quick brief, breakfast was served under the Shimano tent with Hannah from The Bayou Catfish and her staff working round the clock to feed over 100 racers and support staff…
Nestled deep in the Okinawan–Wenatchee National Forest, racers woke up to another day of unbelievable weather and riding. After daily Covid testing and a quick brief, breakfast was served under the Shimano tent with Hannah from The Bayou Catfish and her staff working round the clock to feed over 100 racers and support staff.
"We planned on the racers eating for two, but in fact they're eating for three."
Shuttles carried riders in waves up to the day’s start, more climbing through the alpine was on tap, and racers were encouraged to bring extra snacks and lunch for a long day on the trail. The photographers headed out on course after a long night of editing, covering serious ground to document the stoke.
"It's been a pretty unique experience. You've got a pretty small window to shoot the larches and we've nailed it...it's just magical all around,” said Riley Seebeck of Flow Photo Co.
Santa Cruz Bicycles has been supporting Trans Cascadia for years. The brand is heavily committed to trail work, and supporting an event that leaves a legacy of pristine singletrack behind for all to enjoy and experience.
Riley Seebeck (Instagram)
Jordan Nguyen, Sports Marketing Manager for Santa Cruz, weighed in on their continued support. "A big part of it is community. Trans Cascadia in particular does a lot to give back in terms of advocacy, building, and maintaining these trails in the Pacific Northwest. They do a great job of building a really special event and race as well."
Up top, the riding was likened to “Beach Boys” big wave surfing, as racer after racer flowed down the mountain. Transfer stages remained long, with Geoff Kabush continuing to egg Tobin Ortenblad on. There are rumors of a tickle fight after the last stage to settle things once and for all. The highlight of the day was a secret trail opened and cleared for riders, this trail was permitted for a single day only. It may well be the first time tires have touched the remote section of forest, truly a special moment for everyone.
"What's special about today is that no mountain biker had done this ride until we did today. It took us four or five tries to piece this ride together when we were planning the race. This is going to be a treat," said Remy Aucoin, a trail steward who helped immensely in clearing the race stages.
Photos: Robb Perry (Instagram), Mike Thomas (Instagram), Chris Hornbecker (Instagram), Nate Johnson (Instagram), Riley Seebeck (Instagram)
Kabush slipped back to third place overall, but looked ahead to day four and his beef with Ortenblad.
"I feel I have the upper hand physically and mentally. It's been a good three days chipping away at him and he’s ready to crack. I've just been saving my energy for day four,” Geoff over a steaming bowl of chili.
Rising star Myles Morgan took over the lead in the Pro Men’s category, moving into the last day of racing. Alicia Leggett moved up one spot into a podium position in third.
"Today we've got some pretty long stages. I'm stoked for today, there should be some more variety which is always good," said Morgan before beginning the day. He excelled on the long, rutted stages and now has his work cut out for him to keep Kabush and Myles Trainer behind going into the final day.
Jill Kintner has a commanding lead in the Women’s Pro field, thoroughly enjoying each stage. Fellow Red Bull athlete and professional freeskier Michelle Parker is enjoying what is both her first Trans Cascadia and first-ever mountain bike race.
"This is my first mountain bike race ever! We're on day three now. At this point everyone is a tight-knit group of friends and we're all supporting each other. It's just a long party train," says Parker.
Juliana Bicycles’ Alex Pavon loved the long stages of day three. "The third stage of the day was just steep and loose, super rowdy and really ripping." She also weighed in on the impending showdown between Kabush and Ortenblad. "It's gonna be an all-out tickle fight to the death. My money is on Kabush, sorry Tobin!"
The evening fire roared as podium presentations got underway. Drinks were poured as pallet after pallet of Deschutes beer and Ablis CBD tonics disappeared at an alarming rate. Jumps were assembled near the fire, and things got weird under the stars. After a year away, riders and volunteers alike soaked in the community with smiles all around.
Due to the length of day three full results will not be published until Monday. The final day of racing will be exciting, look for a full report tomorrow when the party in the woods concludes.
Photos: Robb Perry (Instagram), Mike Thomas (Instagram), Chris Hornbecker (Instagram), Nate Johnson (Instagram), Riley Seebeck (Instagram)
Day 3 Results:
Pro Women
1) Jill Kintner
2) Corinne Prevot
3) Alicia Leggett
Pro Men
1) Myles Morgan
2) Myles Trainer
3) Geoff Kabush
Support Our Trail Building Work!
$10 from the sale of every jersey goes to Ten for Trails.
2021 Race Report // Day 2
This is definitely a unique event. You're kind of just out there in the middle of nowhere taking in all the sights! — Jill Kintner
Slowly emerging from their tents, racers took their time preparing for another raw, long day in the mountains. A late start allowed extra time at breakfast for a third cup of Trailhead coffee, enjoyed round the daily morning fire. With shuttles loaded and lunch packed, the camp emptied as racers started the course…
This is definitely a unique event. You're kind of just out there in the middle of nowhere taking in all the sights!— Jill Kintner
Slowly emerging from their tents, racers took their time preparing for another raw, long day in the mountains. A late start allowed extra time at breakfast for a third cup of Trailhead coffee, enjoyed round the daily morning fire. With shuttles loaded and lunch packed, the camp emptied as racers started the course.
Fires recently devastated the Wenatchee National Forest, nearly canceling the event. This means that day after day, racers are riding fresh cut trails, with volunteers working overtime, moving massive amounts of earth daily. It is truly something special, riding trails untouched by tread, carving fresh lines deep in the backcountry.
Between Covid tests and general rider safety and welfare, Lead Medic Nic Hall expressed the gravity of the day, “We have the highest level of covid safety and our first priority is rider safety. We will close the race or freeze the stage and utilize everyone to bring a patient off the mountain.” The remote nature of the event means racers may be called on to assist the medical team in the event of a crash. If someone hits the deck, stages will be frozen and all bodies on course will be utilized to assist with extraction.
Racers took to the course en masse, laying fresh tracks on trail as the competition heated up. Transfer stages saw a party train covering the mountain, the fight for the podium was real across all categories, with Kabush and Kintner maintaining the lead as the day progressed.
"This is definitely a unique event. You're kind of just out there in the middle of nowhere taking in all the sights," says Jill Kintner.
Tobin Ortenblad loved the challenge of day 2. "The early stages of each day are very chunky and take a lot of finesse to go fast on. It honestly felt like riding a bike for the first time.”
Riders tackled steep climbs, occasionally hitting hike a bike sections of trail before bombing down into camp with a rowdy crew of volunteers heckling pros and amateurs alike, where cold refreshments and fresh snacks awaited all participants, delivered directly tent to tent by the amazing chefs on site. The massage tent, run by Sarah Olsen of Portland’s Elevated Bodyworks, was fully booked as everyone took time to recover and prepare for day two.
“We’re taking care of everyone, trail builders, volunteers, racers and kitchen staff,” she says. With long days back to back, Olsen and fellow masseuse Sammy Stark are key in ensuring everyone is at their best during the event.
Dinner was lively as war stories from the day were recounted over hot bowls of soup and all time Tiramisu for dessert. Kabush gently rubbed his stage times in Ortenblad’s face, as the California and Canadian beef continues to heat up. The fire was homebase for the daily slideshow of images from the AMAZING crew of shooters out on course, followed by podium presentations. Kabush managed to maintain his lead ahead of Myles Morgan and Myles Trainer, while Kintner retained the top step followed by Corinne Prevot and Alex Pavon.
"It was certainly rowdy, but beautiful and glorious up in the alpine. I'm looking forward to getting up high again, the larch trees are turning and it's absolutely stunning," says Briana Valorosi.
As the fire died down and riders peeled off to their tents, the last stranglers finished watching the nightly star show through the trees. Camp felt like family as racers laughed and spoke about the days ahead. A huge thanks to all the volunteers who dedicated not only this weekend but many others preparing for the onslaught of 100+ riders tearing down the labor of love they helped create.
Day three will see riders tackle just under 12 miles that the trail crew call a special treat. 4000 feet of vertical followed by a blazing 7000-foot descent. Stay tuned for results and highlights as the race continues.
Day 2 Results
Pro Women
1) Jill Kintner
2) Corinne Prevot
3) Alexandra Pavon
4) Alicia Leggett
5) Michelle Parker
Pro Men
1) Geoff Kabush
2) Myles Morgan
3) Myles Trainer
4) Aaron Bradford
5) Dane Petersen
Support Our Trail Building Work!
$10 from the sale of every jersey goes to Ten for Trails.
2021 Race Report // Day 1
Day 1 of Trans Cascadia started with a bang, deep in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This land is traditional indigenous territory of the Wenatchi and Syilx people.
After an unfortunate but necessary break in 2020, the race is back with rider safety first and foremost. A blind enduro, racers are given each day's map the night before, with no chance to explore the trail prior. This makes for quite an interesting event, leveling the playing field for all riders….
“I've done Trans BC, Andes Pacifico, the BC Bike Race, and this is my favorite trail that I've ever been on.” —Chris Karwisch
Day 1 of Trans Cascadia started with a bang, deep in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This land is traditional indigenous territory of the Wenatchi and Syilx people.
After an unfortunate but necessary break in 2020, the race is back with rider safety first and foremost. A blind enduro, racers are given each day's map the night before, with no chance to explore the trail prior. This makes for quite an interesting event, leveling the playing field for all riders.
Race Director Nick Gibson was excited to get started. "I'm stoked to get people on course after a year's delay. We're excited to show people this area, this is the first ever bike race on these trails."
With a full volunteer staff, spending countless hours in preparation, racers shuttled into Foggy Dew Campsite, their home for the next 5 days. A remote backcountry experience with all the amenities save cell service, racers are treated to a camp that feels more like a living village. After Covid testing and orientation, participants devoured a stunning southern inspired meal prepared by Hannah Carlos of The Bayou Catfish under the stars.
"Riding blind trails is something special...you have to be super comfortable on your bike and just react to the trail," says Geoff Kabush, a two-time winner and one of only three five-time finishers of Trans Cascadia.
Race Producer Alex Gardner gave a preview of what was to come. “We've got a lot in store for you guys. We've been learning a lot over the years and Nick's put together an amazing course."
Santa Cruz Bicycles sent Walker Shaw and Tobin Ortenblad to the event, both feeling fresh and excited to race the trails blind. “This is a different style of racing than we've been doing, but I'm pretty excited for it,” said Shaw. Aside from a minor beef between veteran Kabush and Ortenblad, the entire day was spent deep in the forest with riders enjoying the transfer stages as much as the racing.
Dillon Osleger of Specialized Soil Searching even stopped for a short spell of fly fishing as he inched his way close to the podium. "The granite and all that glaciation just felt like home. It's just like what I grew up riding."
The larches were in full bloom, as riders traversed the early hours of the first day of racing. Stage one began after a multi hour technical climb, leading racers up Angel’s Staircase, a rocky exposed uphill slog, switchback after switchback. Stage two took racers on a fresh and flowy 1.5 mile descent before dropping back to camp. Times were tight, smiles were all time, many riders said stage two was the best trail of their life.
"I've done Trans BC, Andes Pacifico, the BC Bike Race, and this is my favorite trail that I've ever been on,” raved Chris Karwisch after finishing the stage.
Back at camp, the community vibe was flowing and Pearl Izumi, Shimano, and Santa Cruz helped bring the party. Hard. Hot dinner and conversations around the blazing fire eventually lulled the camp to sleep. After only two stages, the times were tight with Kabush in the lead, followed closely by Myles Morgan and Myles Trainer. For the pro women Jill Kintner took the top step. "I've always wanted to do this race...It was a tight turnaround, I was in Italy a day and half ago...They feed you, you have a tent, everything is set up so you just ride your bike!"
Travel restrictions cut the international field drastically, making the event feel a bit more homegrown, reminiscent of year one. With stacked fields in all categories and a sold out race, the weekend is sure to excite. With no leader's jersey to present after a year away, race organizers treated all participants and staff to custom jerseys presented by Pearl Izumi.
The evening was spent around a roaring bonfire, with a full bar, hot showers and all the amenities that make the event special. Energy was at an all time high as many racers had not seen each other in over a year, community and connection were present in spades, and everyone might have stayed up a bit too late.
Trans Cascadia is more than just a race. Hundreds of hours went into clearing the course.These trails remain open to the public for all to ride and enjoy. The Trans Cascadia staff and volunteers have clocked nearly 20,000 hours in the woods to date, with over 500 miles of trail maintained, and 100+ miles reclaimed. The race is merely a catalyst for open access to our public lands. Stay tuned for more daily reportage as the racing heats up.
Day 1 Results
Pro Women
1) Jill Kintner
2) Corinne Prevot
3) Alexandra Pavon
4) Alicia Leggett
5) Michelle Parker
Pro Men
1) Geoff Kabush
2) Myles Morgan
3) Myles Trainer
4) Aaron Bradford
5) Tobin Ortenblad
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