LOoSe MoOSe!
Lots of late-breaking info on the Marquette enduro races this weekend. You won't want to miss this one... Some of the best riding terrain and single-track around, a National-caliber event atmosphere, demo rides of new bikes, and perfect weather... all taking place in GOD's country.
Loose Moose sign-up times: Saturday 3:00pm-7:00pm / Sunday 7:00am-8:30am
Staging Location:
Marquette County Fairgrounds
715 S State Highway M553
Gwinn, MI 49841
Weather:
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www.accuweather.com/en/us/marquette-mi/49855/june-weather/333678?monyr=6/1/2013
Map:
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http://binged.it/10EuvbI
Starting Grid:
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www.moto-tally.com/NEPG/StartingGrid.aspx?EY=2013&EID=6
The course will consist of flowing sandy forest singletrack, and will gradually get more challenging during the day. You will have a 3.5 mile transfer from the start with some trail to get warmed up, then the test lengths in miles are 7, 7, 8, 12, 8 and 9. There will be very few rocks through the first 4 tests, a few in the 5th test, and plenty in the 6th test.
Non-A riders will be NOT allowed to enter the sixth section (if they so desire) until ALL of the A/Pro riders have gone thru it.
Transfer sections will be between 2 and 5 miles, and will all be on dirt roads. NOTE: there WILL be two-way and other vehicle traffic on these roads, so PLEASE take it easy and be “heads-up” riding on any kind of a road!
There will be a couple of gas stops, but pit crews will need to go on the dirt roads to get there, and park in undeveloped areas… so big rigs and small cars might have a difficult time.
It is currently raining there today (which is good news!), and by all accounts we will have great temps and conditions for the enduro!
There will be no riding available at the Loose Moose because it will be starting at the Marquette County Fair Grounds. The fairgrounds will be open beginning at 4pm on Friday June 7th, and will close Sunday night after the event… So if you plan on staying over till Monday you will need to move to a different location.
If you would like to come early and get some extra riding in, there are a few state motorcycle only loops close by to get dialed in for the race or just some fun riding. The closest loop to the fairgrounds is the Bass Lake Trail, about a 20 minute drive. It is a 27 mile loop; it is 2-way, but the Sandstormers suggest riding it counter-clockwise (go to the right from the parking area). You will need a Michigan OVR trail sticker to ride any of the public loops, which are available at most gas stations in the area or a DNR office. The Moss Lake Trail is another great trail in Michigan's U.P.
The Mini Moose family Enduro will also start at the fairgrounds at 1pm on Saturday June 8th - bring the whole family and have a ride with them before you get after it on Sunday.
If mountain biking is your second sport, Marquette offers some world class trails that will keep you entertained for days. Just a few miles north of the fairgrounds is the Marquette Mountain MTB trail, plus there are many more mountain bike trails in the area.
AND IF THAT'S NOT ENOUGH…
The U.S. distributor of Gas Gas and Sherco motorcycles will be on hand at the Loose Moose with 2013 models for you to take a spin on. They will be available from noon-4pm on Saturday. Riders must be a minimum of 16 years old, and have complete riding gear.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
KTM Motorcycles and The CROSSROADS Christian Academy are teaming up to host a spaghetti dinner from 5-7pm Saturday night before the Loose Moose. A minimum $5 donation to the CROSSROAD Christian Academy per plate is required.
For those who want to turn this weekend into a great offroad experience, entries are still available at:
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www.moto-tally.com/NEPG/PreEntry.aspx
For the latest and greatest information on D14 & FES enduros, (detailed event info, updates, maps, weather, flyers, route sheets, results, and series points), go to
www.d14enduro.org