IUP Cycling Back on the Trails

This Saturday saw IUP getting back into the muddier side of bike racing.  Myself and Spencer King made the short trip out 422 to Yellow Creek State Park for the September edition of the Yellow Creek monthly race series, put on by RideYC.  With neither of us having raced mountain before, it looked to be a good place to get our feet wet.  The morning was comfortable and sunny, but with a substantial amount of mud on the 12 mile course from usual Indiana weather.

Spencer with the throwback kit

The balloon loop course featured the twisty Blair Witch trail and its pine roots, and the dam site trail with its humbling climb.

Platform roadie guy

Going in with very limited experience on the Yellow Creek trails and whatever fitness we had from the summer, we weren't sure what to expect.  Spencer was pretty successful in his IUP Cycling debut, finishing just out the money in sixth.  I on the other hand spent much of the race fighting with my slippery platform pedals and roadie bike handling skills, or lack thereof.  It was certainly a humbling experience for me, at least skill-wise, although I know the strength and handling I gain will come in handy when road season rolls around.  

We will be venturing further into the local mountain racing scene through October, in the Month of Mud series as well as the October Yellow Creek race.  Hopefully some other IUP cyclists will be joining us at future races.  A little cross action isn't out of the question either.  

Also on Saturday was IUP Day, with some good interest being showed.  Sean and Nathan held down the fort there while Spencer and I got muddy down at Yellow Creek.

Our newest member?!

Monday's informational meeting had a good turnout, with some more mountain interest as well as some promising potential road racers.  The road side of the club looks to be filling out nicely for the spring.

For the homecoming weekend, we will be looking forward to some quality rides with some IUP Cycling alums who are making the trip.  For more information on the alumni rides this weekend check out our Facebook page or the previous posts on here.