It is a stage that often offers up a new winner due to the skills needed for this sort of riding.  Or at least the skills needed to go really really fast and not eat it here.

And is a place described as, “The hardest easy riding I’ve ever done!”

It is almost impossible not to ride the 35+ miles of whoops, berms, dips and jumps that make up this gigantic BMX-esque loop without a poop-eating ear-to-ear grin on your mug.

This is our only multiple lap day of the week – 2 x 16ish in 2012.  We’re going to pull a few miles out of the 2011 course to keep all the speed going right to the crazy fast finish of this rippin’ stage.  We’ve also flipped the direction so the feel will be different for those of you who’ve been here before.

We’re moving the feed zone to right after the start/finish line so that you’ll have one shot at the mid-way point of the race to pick up that Hammer and Kate’s Bar before heading out for the final lap.  The new feed zone will make it super easy for your supporters and family to take care of you and relax in the cool shade of the Susquehannock campgroup at Raystown Lake.

From 20,000 feet it looks something like this:

And the upy downy parts go like this:

It’s time to go fast.

Changes to RB Winter’s Stage Await Riders

Despite our love for the “Mini-xc” format we’re going to try something a little different this year at RB Winter.  We’re jumping in the way back machine for a little original look PA XC.

Similar to the course first run in the mid-90s at the Bucknell Roctober Challenge (won by one of 2012′s TSEpic participants, NoTubes and Philly Ciclismo guy, Stephen Kincaid) the course for this stage is sure to be a favorite for anyone loving a technical rocky challenge.

This is a course littered with beautiful singletrack and old tram roads of yesteryear first used to pull massive old growth trees from the mountains surrounding RB Winter but re-purposed into multi-use trails that are near and dear to promoters Mike and Ray’s hearts, this is a course for old school mountain bikers.

You’ll find the same incredible start/finish area at the RB Winter Park which features a spring fed lake and beach for post-stage relaxation as you enjoy whatever fare we treat you to that day.   Part of what makes RB such a sweet place to host a stage is this idyllic spot tucked away in between the ridges of central PA.

The day greets you with a short paved section leading to some fun singletrack along Overlook and Boiling Springs Tr (for those of you who’ve been here before this was the final “mini-xc” stage previously) in a quick 2 mile prologue with a fast descent back into the park.  Next up is a gradual climb on dirt to one of my favorite trails anywhere, a section of Old Tram Tr that runs just gradually downhill for 1.5 miles.  A very short dirt road section and then a climb up Round Top Tr to Spring Mountain Tr (double track jeep road sort of thing) and away we go to the high point of the course.

Next up is another of my favs.  Grosses Gap.  Grosses is steep, very steep and going down.  A rocky bit at the top – that some locals have lovingly turned from a massive jumble of torso sized loose rocks into a rideable treat, the sort of bit that if you don’t dab you give yourself a little pat on the back – lets you know you’re about to see your front wheel just drop away.

800-ish feet down in 1 mile or less.  And it is way steeper at the top than the bottom.  Grosses is that almost vertical line 10 miles into the stage on the profile above.

Stay loose, keep your head up, and enjoy the next couple minutes of hard puckering.  Be smart out there, you’re about as far away from home at this point as you’re going to get.

A long but not super steep climb up Running Gap Rd takes you to the notorious Top Mtn Tr.  I’ll give you fair warning.  You’re not at the top when you get to the turn onto Top Mtn.  You’re not at the top the next time you think you’re at the top either.  Or the time after that.  And probably not even the time after that.  This is the widest singletrack you may ever ride.  The rocks aren’t huge – well most of them aren’t.  And while the trail is at least jeep width the whole way through there are sections that can leave you scratching your head and searching desperately for the line.  You can roll pretty well through most of it – and momentum is definitely your pal on this trail.  It is a trail that if you clean the whole thing you’ll feel pretty good about yourself.  When you hit the vista stop for a look if you’re not in too much of a hurry, it is worth it (and may be stocked with PBRs).  Bonus, once you hit the vista you’ve conquered the worst to Top Mtn’s climbing.

A short climb over the ridge on Coopers Gap Road and very fast descent and you’re headed back to RB Winter via Old Tram and a pedaling descent right into the heart of the park.  We’ll have the food and beverages waiting.

Link to Map – 2012 TSEpic RB Winter Stage

NOTUBES TRAN-SYLVANIA EPIC p/b DIRT RAG BRINGS OUT BEST OF U.S.

Cannondale’s Bishop faces toughest test yet

State College, PA – Load up on the stakes and garlic. If you know Buffy, bring her along. You’re going to need some help to take on these guys. In recent days pro men from across the United States have finalized their commitments to this year’s NoTubes Trans-Sylvania Epic and once again TSEpic is getting ready to host the strongest field to assemble in North America for a mountain bike stage race.

Cannondale’s Jeremiah Bishop, the two-time defending champion at TSEpic, leads the line-up on the men’s side. With two victories in hand and a string of MTB Stage Race wins 9 deep JB has to be the odds on favorite to don the Pactimo leader’s jersey. Indications are that going home with that jersey will be harder than ever for this Olympic hopeful.

Jeremiah Bishop(Cannondale) in full flight in TSEpic ITT | AELandesPhotography

Leading the field of contenders is stage race maestro Jason Sager (Jamis) who is one of the world’s most experienced in this discipline. Sager has completed Cape Epic and Trans Andes this season in prep for his run at TSEpic. His 2012 preparation combined with confidence that he was the strongest racer over the last several days of the 2011 TSE should leave Sager well positioned to take victory home with him to Utah.

Jason Sager (Jamis) leads Drew Edsall (Kenda/Felt) on Allegrippis Stage of TSEpic | AELandes Photography

TeamCF brings another likely contender for the overall victory in Christian Tanguay. Christian was a contender for the first edition of TSE in 2010 and then focused his talents on the NUE series in 2011. He made the most of this effort taking home the NUE title to stake his calim as the best endurance racer in North America. At the recent Cohutta 100 Tanguay finished a mere 4 minutes behind Bishop. With TSEpic’s shorter courses forming the battlefield the war at front will be tight and hard fought.

Lining up with Bishop, Sager and Tanguay are a host of men who have the ability to win TSE and battle for the overall podium. Barry Wicks is demonstrating some of his best form in several years and this Kona Bikes rider is ready to avenge last year’s frustrations.

Tough luck didn’t stop Wicks from loving TSEpic.  He’s back with a win on his mind. |AELandes Photography

The breakthrough performance of 2011 came from New England’s Justin Lindine who rode a strong, steady race and ended third on the podium. Justin returns with confidence gained from last year and prep that includes a ride at Cape Epic. Two time finisher and stage threat Drew Edsall is back for third run with new found support and a factory ride on the Kenda/Felt Team. With his privateer status revoked could Drew pilot his Felt to the top of the podium in 2012? Sam Koerber is an unknown entity at TSE after having flown at the front of NUE #1 in Cohutta for the first four hours before fading late. Jonathan Davis is making the trip back to PA from Colorado and a laser focus on racing took him to a top 10 finish in Cohutta. Wicks will be ably assisted by his MTB stage race experienced team mate Cory Wallace while Sager will have back up in the form of Thomas Turner. Two local riders are aiming to make their mark at TSE. Aaron Snyder (Scott Bikes) has the BC Bike Race under his belt and moved to State College not long ago allowing him to train specifically on the trail of the TSEpic. Snyder has been marking his progress against the STRAVA times posted by Sager – and beating them. Finally, NoTubes has East Coast legend Stephen Kincaid lining up in their colors and while Stephen has most recently been a force on the road his abilities as a mountain bike racer are no less impressive and he is sure to find opportunities to shine, perhaps the whole way to final podium.

Justin Lindine has shown he is one to watch in 2012 at TSEpic | AELandes Photography

Check out all the action by tuning in to www.TSEpic.com, Dirt Rag and Cycling Dirt for daily updates, pics and video and following Trans-Sylvania Epic on facebook during race week.

The 2012 NoTubes Trans-Sylvania Epic presented by Dirt Rag kicks off on Sunday May 27 near State College, PA and will again feature what are perhaps the deepest and most competitive pro men’s and women’s fields in North American mountain bike stage racing while providing every participant the feel of a week of summer camp with a camp full of mountain biking friends. The TSEpic benefits PA Trails through the Outdoor Experience Organization. Find out more at www.TSEpic.com.

###

Contact Information:
Mike Kuhn, TSEpic Co-conspirator
TransSylvaniaEpic@gmail.com
717-350-1029

Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic 2012 from Dirt Rag Magazine on Vimeo.

Okay, maybe that’s a little harsh, but this unknown local has been making a name for himself in the last
several years, and has no plans on stopping. Having shredded in Belgium with the U23 National Team,
devastated the competition in every local XC race and toed the line in his fair share of solo 24-hour
races, he is slowly catching on to the stage-race phenomenon- and couldn’t have picked a better time.

As a recent State College transplant, Snyder can step outside his door, strap on his helmet and be on
TSEpic soil in 15 minutes… by bike. He says it’s easy to get to the trails, but almost impossible to ride
anything less than three hours- something he doesn’t consider a bad thing. The draw of the State
College MTB mecca is something that initially piqued his interest in the area, and now that he has settled
in since moving to town late last summer, Snyder doesn’t want to leave.

Personally, he thinks it’s unfair to label him as ‘The Local’ for TSE, but let’s be real, he is about as local as
they get. With his mindset the last few seasons, Snyder has primarily focused on being the “fastest guy
in the region.” He feels that every fast rider needs his niche, and his is good old-fashioned East Coast
one-track ripping. With the beautiful clash of both his self-determined cycling specialty and the media
buzz that TSEpic has become, his time to shine will soon be upon us.

What are his goals for TSE? On the record, his sights are set firmly on an overall podium finish after
seven days of gnarly mountain biking on his favorite trails. Off the record? Well, he says “not to count
me out on taking a stage or two.”

Snyder has laid out a few things he feels will help him reach his lofty goals against the likes of some of
the best stage racers in the country. He tells us, “Priority number one is staying out of trouble. Little
things like mechanicals, wrong turns and cramping all add up. A few of those add up to a minute or two,
and before you know it you are out of contention.”  Troubles aside, Snyder has an incredible work
ethic and unparalleled knowledge of the trail system.  His greatest advantage will come from sleeping
in his own bed, eating his own meals and sitting on his own porcelain throne every morning. “That’s
huge,” he grins.

While he won’t be snuggled up in a bunk right next you at night, the camaraderie of the race is
something he doesn’t want to miss out on. Though every podium contender’s goal is to get cleaned
up, eat an energy bar or two and put his legs up, we expect to see Snyder do his usual post-race routine
which includes standing around, not eating, and festering in a dirty chamois for several hours. Time will
tell, but chances are you will be able to pick his infinite local knowledge.

If you are concerned and want to help slow him down for the week, pony up 20 bucks and get your
name down for the laundry service that he and his girlfriend will be operating out of their home. But
even though massive piles of stinking laundry never equate to good legs, we wouldn’t put our money
against him.

-Submitted by The Matt Miller Experience

Snyder competing in the 2011 BC Bike Race

The Queen gets tweaked with less ups and more singletrack sweetness!

Bishop and Sager on one of Three Bridges Trail's namesakes

The base camp set up – where we’re in the same place camp all week long – is one of the features of this event that makes TSEpic the “mountain bike summer camp” participants love.

Here Alex Grant of the Cannondale Factory Racing team gives his thoughts on the week at the TSEpic and just how sweet Tussey Ridge is on our Queen Stage:

Watch more video of Alex Grant on cyclingdirt.org

In 2012 the new finish to the Queen stage through Rothrock bring riders back to within one half mile of camp and eliminates the transfer at the end of the stage.  To pull this off we’ve been granted access to private land with a trail that finishes at Kearns Campground just across the street from our home base.  This is the first time an event has crossed this property and we’re lucky to have some great folks in and around central PA who are willing to help us bring this together.

Thanks Kearns!

Here’s how it looks from above:

And here are the up and down bits:

We’ve pulled about 1 grand of elevation out of this thing compared to 2011 and eliminated last year’s only real potential hike-a-bike.  Seriously, we hate hiking with our bikes.  We love to ride ‘em.

And you’re going to love riding some of PA’s most fantastic single track across Tussey Ridge, up and over Three Bridges Trail and on the incredible Wert Path.

Justine Lindine is coming back for 2012!

Be sure to check with Kearns if you’re looking for a place to camp away from the hustle and bustle of camp – they are just across the highway and a great place to stay!  Also, please note that the trail into their property is private and is only open for mountain biking on the day of our race.

Special thanks are also in order for the use of the Kistler trails on this stage.  These new trails off the end of Tussey Ridge built by the NMBA trail gnomes are a complete blast and cross yet another section of private property.  We can’t tell you how thankful we are for all these great people in Central PA willing to let us ride our bikes through their back yards!  Just one more reason riding here rocks.

I could use a little refreshment!

And, check back tomorrow (2/9/12) for a sweet announcement from our friends at Dirt Rag and NoTubes!

Called by many the toughest stage of the TSEpic, we changed up the King in 2011 to allow a start and finish right from CampTSE.  While the starting and finishing from base camp is always a hit, we spent a bit of time after 2011′s race looking for a way to put even more awesome trail in the mix and place riders onto those fantastic State College trails a little early in stage.  Less dirt roads, more singletrack is always the goal.

So we searched around a bit.  We poked around here prodded there and hopped on the bikes for a bit to try out some different combinations.  What we came up with adds a few more miles of sweet singletrack to the mix — and all that looking around gave us all sorts of ideas for future editions!

We’ve kept all the great trail, ditched some access road, and we think you’ll approve.  With mileage totaling around 42, two checkpoints, and loads of singletrack, this stage is going to be epic once again!

By Mike Cushionbury

On October 25-26, race promoters Mike Kuhn and Ray Adams officially presented the third annual edition of the NoTubes Trans-Sylvania Epic Mountain Bike Stage Race presented by DirtRag in State College, PA, scheduled for May 27 to June 2, 2012. They kicked off the rollout appropriately enough with a ride on the now legendary Queen Stage at Tussey Mountain which included a possible new finish right near base camp via freshly cut singletrack.

This section of trail, with it’s smooth, arching and fast rollercoaster design through the trees stands in stark contrast to the otherwise rocky ridge ride and will leave riders grinning widely as they speed to the finish.

Though there will be some minor changes next year, both Kuhn and Adams feel their general program has been highly successful, proven by a race field that doubled in size this year compared to the inaugural edition in 2010. Kuhn and Adams also revealed that NoTubes has signed a three-year title sponsor deal and that DirtRag magazine has come onboard as presenting sponsor.

“We’re focused on trying to milk even more fun out of the week with small tweaks here and there,” explained Kuhn. “Overall we will probably have a little shorter (by 10-15 miles) total mileage for the week, but the fun meter will go up a ton.”

Luckily there's a beer tap right at the end of Tussey Ridge

One example is shortening the day at Raystown Lake by about five miles. Though the trails are amazingly fun, fast and swoopy, at 40 miles this year virtually every rider, from elite pros to sportman level, felt it was too much of a good thing. As a result the day will return to 34 or 35 miles total, in line with the much-acclaimed first year version.

Two other notable changes involve Stage 5 at R.B. Winter State Park and Stage 6 on Tussey Ridge. Previously, the “Mini XC” or Super D” day contained four very short yet technical races with neutral riding transfers in between. Though Kuhn and Adams stand behind the format, it was becoming too long of a day, so next year it will be converted to a short, sprint-style cross-country at about 20 miles. For Queen Tussey the next day, the event now has access to the private Kern’s Campground which will allow the race to finish directly across the street from the Seven Mountains Boy Scout base camp. Another addition may be a new route at the bottom of the ridge via new, smooth and fast singletrack that could potentially cut off about four miles of road from the first two editions.  Though the new section is on private property both promoters feel confident an agreement can be reached with the landowner. Other small yet welcome changes will include racers hitting singletrack earlier on Stage 2 and access to new singletrack during the prologue found on the private land of one of the race support moto riders.

Trans-Sylvania Epic has gained a reputation for fielding a strong professional field and the promoters are quick to boast this as a benefit over other stage races. “We’ve not really done anything particular to cater to the elite racer but are super psyched that they love what we’re doing and want to come out for it,” stated Kuhn.  “Top riders want to be at the TSE because the whole thing is a freakin’ blast.  They do what they do because this sport is just plain awesome.  They love mountain biking and the culture of our sport – same as you and me – and we have both of those things coming out our ears at Camp TSE.

“Ray and I designed this to be doable and fun for everyone, from those really fast folks to the men and women out there racing expert and sport events or even those that just love riding a lot or maybe used to race, like Ray and me,” he continued. “Nope, you probably won’t beat Bishop, Grant, Sager, Wicks, Sneddon Carey, Yeager or other top pros who find TSE such a sweet way to start their summers, but you do get to hang out with them for a week, make friends, share war stories and relish over each day’s accomplishments as they play out on the big screen each night.  They are there, accessible and having fun just like you.”

The famous Three Bridges of Stage 6

To that end, in an effort to make TSE more reachable to everyone the new “Trans-Sylvania Epic Experience” category has been created with riders starting each day 60 to 90 minutes before the main fields and covering the same distance but without the pressure of just making the same time cuts. They’ll still be timed each day but won’t be eligible for GC placings. Also, the “Team” category returns again where a group of up to five riders can mix and match which stages they want to ride, as long as at least one member is on course each day. This category is eligible for awards and placings. Kuhn has also promised the return of Stage 8 on the last day, The Three Beer Derby, won last year by Kona’s Barry Wicks, which consists of riders drinking a beer and doing a lap around the base camp lake three times.

One final benefit enjoyed by TSE is the support of State College, PA, located about 30 minutes away. The popular home of Penn State University boasts a large selection of hotels, restaurants, bars and other attractions for out of state racers who want to enjoy the full experience of the area. Our little media adventure included accommodations at the Ramada Inn, located minutes from Tussey Mountain resort and highly recommendable for riders who are coming from out of the area. Heck, it even has an indoor pool right in the middle of everything. Of course, no mountain bike media trip is worth getting muddy over unless there’s a constant flow of beer, Black Russians and Gin and Tonics in the evening. This stage was aptly handled by Mr Pickles, Zeno’s, The Phyrst and the famous Rathskeller all located right downtown for your enjoyment.

2012 Trans-Sylvania Epic Mountain Bike Stage Race

May 27 – Stage 1: Bald Eagle Prologue, 16km

May 28 – Stage 2: Rothrock Cooper’s Gap, 69km

May 29 – Stage 3: Bald Eagle Coburn, 76km

May 30 – Stage 4: Raystown Lake, 56km

May 31 – Stage 5: R.B. Winter, approx 32km

June 1 – Stage 6: Rothrock Tussey Mountain, 61km

June 2 – Stage 7: Bald Eagle Little Poe, 42km

Is this Euro enough yet or what?(Nope, points deduction for camelbak, try again.)

The Philly Ciclismo team’s Mike Festa splits time with our own NoTubes TSEpic Team.  Mike has taken part in the TSEpic two years running in the solo men’s category.  He’s convinced 9 other guys from his road/cross focused squad to take a week next year for some banging about on the rocks of central PA.  In this installment on Epic Teams we check in with Mike and the gang about the plans for world domination and have Mike interview some of the other guys about next year.

TSme:  Mike, two years solo, next year Epic Team.  What led to the switch?

Festa: My road team sucked me in big time this year. I raced my mtb less than ever (shame on me). This year’s TSE was a bust for me as I severly injured my back a week prior at The Rapha Gentleman’s Race. I reinjured it on Stage 2 and had to abandon. I figured the best way to get revenge on my roadie friends would be to get them to race TSE with me! I also felt TSE needed more embrocation, mesh base layers, and skin suits. 

TSme:  How did you convince the guys on the team to do this thing?

Festa: Everyone had heard me rave about the event for the last 2 years. I think Abe’s photos had a lot to do with it too, very deserving of the word “Epic”. The media coverage of the race is amazing. It really allowed them to follow the race, and get a sense of what they were missing. The combination of amazing riding and a great atmosphere sealed the deal. The people this event attracts are top notch. That and Chris Newport decided he wanted to race. Everyone listens to Newport, not so much me.

TSme:  What are you guys looking forward to most next year?
Newport:  Riding some of the best trails on the East Coast and not racing road for two weekends in a row.
Lebair:  I am really looking forward to a week of excessive High Fives, and using the word epic way too many times each day.  As well as riding some of the best trails in the galaxy.

I'm signed up for what now?

Festa: Finishing. Last year I was really disappointed with my injury and the DNF. I missed the 3 Beer Rally, which is an event I likely could have won. Barry Wicks, I’m coming for you.

 

TSme:   Do you guys think you can take down this year’s winners, the CO/VA Connection?  Will you be engaging in any special preparation for the challenge?

Festa: I saw those guys last year, they looked tough, but I think our roadie good looks and shiny legs can take them. As for me, I’m actually going to race my mtb for a change. Then, likely will cry about how I miss road. Coach, you have been warned.
Newport: We’re going to try… a strict regimine of beer and whiskey intermingled with some training from time to time should ensure our victory.

Lebair: Coming in to the 2012 TSE race the rookie/ underdogs, it is going to be a challenge, the CO/VA connection has experience on their side, but I believe with all my time I spend wheelie practicing and Newport with his  bunny hopping practice- we should be able to psych the other team out by day 2- they will probably be too afraid of our sick style.

So, these guys pretty much have no hope.

At least according to those guys from CO/VA.

The Philly Ciclismo team’s Mike Festa splits time with our own NoTubes TSEpic Team.  Mike has taken part in the TSEpic two years running in the solo men’s category.  He’s convinced 9 other guys from his road/cross focused squad to take a week next year for some banging about on the rocks of central PA.  In this installment on Epic Teams we check in with Mike and the gang about the plans for world domination and have Mike interview some of the other guys about next year.