The Tooth or Consequences Mountain Bike Race and Festival is coming up on Sept 29th and 30th. The weekend hosted by the Overland Mountain Bike Club will include :
Saturday festival- Take-a-Kid MTB’ing Day, poker ride, skills contests, bike demos, vendor expo, live music with Hendershot and Bluegrazz, food trucks, cold beverages at Lory State Park.
Saturday Races- 7 stages- 3 climbing stages, 3 descending stages, 1 with a bit of both…24 miles, 4600-ish vertical feet of FoCo’s finest (and rowdiest) singletrack!
YGR had a virtual sit-down with race director, Alan Schenkel, and Overland Mountain Bike Club Executive Director, Kenny Bearden.
Here’s what they had to say about the weekend festivities and races.
YGR: Can you briefly describe TOC weekend?
Kenny: The entire weekend is a celebration of the trails and mountain bike culture of Fort Collins and Northern CO
– Saturday is the festival/party day…Take-a-Kid Mountain Biking Day, poker ride, skills contests, live music from 2 FoCo bands, food truck, cold beverages, demo bikes – lots of demo bikes, vendor expo and racer packet pickup.
– Sunday is the day to pull out the bigger travel bikes and click into party mode. It should be a lively atmosphere. Since the transitions are not timed we’re expecting those sections and the stage starts to be pretty social. Once you cross the stage starting line though, it’s all business. We should’ve called it The Mullet…business in the front (at the start) and party in the back (after each stage end).
Seriously though, for all those who want to ride directional mountain bike only trails in Fort Collins…Sunday September 30th is your day!
Alan: There will be camping overnight (contact Guldy on the webform at http://tocmtbfest.com/contact/ ).
YGR: What do you want people to know that they might not?
Kenny: Cash prizes for Pro/Open categories, equal for women and men. Timed stages are CLOSED to all other trail users – this is OUR day for directional & MTB-only trails. It has taken years to get this event format – take advantage of it!
The prizes being donated for the poker ride and the race…from $5 co2 inflators to $500+ fork coil kits from Push. We have 250+ different prizes to give out between the race, poker ride and skills contests. All racers get entry to the poker ride and all skills contests, volunteers get entry to the poker ride. Cost for all others for poker ride and skill contests are still being confirmed. We’re still trying to get more prizes…goal is to have as many people as possible going home with something
Transition stages ARE open to other users and racers will need to yield as usual
One of the biggest things I want people to know is just how much effort is going into this event, especially by Alan as the Sunday Race Director and Guldy (Len Guldenpfennig) as the Saturday Festival Director. Our entire planning committee is made up of volunteers and they’re all doing a tremendous job. This is a big event to be entirely volunteer-run!
Also, starting lines will make the descending stages true descents. Some will start a little down from the actual start of the named trail.
YGR: Any secret strategies for racers?
Alan: Don’t kill yourself on Upper Timber/Westridge or Towers climbs. Walk it if you need to do so. Save your climbing power for the timed sections. We had to use Westridge at the request of Lory to keep trails open for hikers. I’d also not bring a fully loaded water bladder, there will be some water/Hammer, and supplies at the Aid Stations.
Kenny: – smooth is fast. These are difficult stages…stay upright. Walk where you need to and get back on the bike. We want people going fast and having fun, but we want all to stay safe
Transitions are not timed…take your time, chat with other riders, enjoy the surroundings
YGR: Which stage will be the most fun to watch?
Alan: Maybe base of Mill Creek for 2 of the stages?
Kenny: – top of Stage 3/Herrington section…super steep climb and racers will need motivation to keep pushing to the top
– Stage 5 – the speeds on Carey Springs & Loggers will definitely be worth seeing
– any of the technical sections on the dh stages – watch how some incredibly talented riders take these difficult lines
– the finish line and base area – keep track of live timing and follow along as racers battle for the podiums…and hear the stories from the course
YGR: What categories are included?
Alan: It’s quite a list. Climbers, descenders, and overalls in all categories.
Juniors (16 & under) Male
Juniors (16 & under) Female
Pro/Open Men
Pro/Open Women
Sport 17-29 Men
Sport 17-29 Women
Sport 30-49 Men
Sport 30-49 Women
Sport 50+ Men
Sport 50+ Women
YGR: Did you consider having teams? (A climber and a descender)
Alan: Not this year. Maybe next year. It would be an interesting twist.
YGR: Why do you feel the 40 in the Fort struggled to grow when other races managed to? The Singboat Stinger for example.
Alan: The Beaver Meadows Enduro we ran was actually growing too. I suspect the same old 40 had lost its impact though.
Kenny: The 40 was just too difficult. Numbers declined every year since its inception except for the year we started Tooth or Consequences (when we had a small increase). In 2017 we had 90 people sign up. We couldn’t continue paying thousands of dollars for an event with numbers like that. This is the feedback we got from many prior participants. The most common comment we got was “I’ve done it once, no need to do it again.” A 40 mile race with nearly 9000′ of climbing was just not marketable.
YGR: Do you think this new format will help?
Kenny: We hope so. Golden GiddyUp is doing this exact format with huge success – nearly 600 riders in each of their first 3 years. It attracts a wider range of participants, not just the hardcore XC racers. This is still a solid day of riding, but not the absolute suffer-fest that was the 40. It’s doable by a much wider range of riders and we’re hoping for a much livelier atmosphere.
YGR: Do any other races use this format?
Alan: Golden Giddyup, in it’s third year this weekend. 350 racers I think I saw.
Kenny: Golden GiddyUp…and it has been a hugely popular event for them!
YGR: Do you think this format favors one discipline over the other?
Alan: We are going to try and award points for overall on each stage so that equalizes both disciplines. It was a wise suggestion from Tyson, working on the mechanics of that with Big Mountain Enduro (our timers).
Kenny: Absolutely not, and that was the whole idea of this format. The enduro crowd will compete for the descending category. Strong XC riders will compete for the climbing category. With points determining the overall, it’s going to be very interesting to see how it plays out. We think this gives as equal a chance as any other format.
YGR: Why do you think this format is better than a xc format?
Kenny: I wouldn’t say that it is a better format for all events…we just think it works best for the type of terrain and trails we have here in Fort Collins. We have some steep, rocky, old school trails that are very appealing to the enduro crowd. Currently our local land agencies will NOT allow an enduro event on these trails. With this type of event we can have both. The climbs we have are still appealing and a challenge for those who can go uphill really fast. The descents are definitely appealing to those who can go downhill really fast.
YGR: Did you have any permitting issues?
Kenny: Yes, actually. We tried for 2 years to get an enduro race approved along with the 40 but were declined (which is how we ended up in Beaver Meadows for 2 years). This format is the result of meeting land agency concerns and still being a fun format for a wider audience. Permitting costs increased significantly this year because of having trails that are officially closed to other users during the event. Once we presented the new format there were no issues at all.
YGR: Where in the park will the festival be taking place?
Alan: Soldier Canyon Picnic Area.
YGR: Can you ride different bikes for different stages?
Alan: That would be challenging to do. You’d need a team of supporters to move your bikes.
YGR: What’s going to be the best bike overall?
Alan: I’d recommend a 100-120mm travel full squish.
Kenny: Depends on your focus. If focusing on DH stages – 150 travel is the way to go. For overall – still recommend 120 minimum because of the long technical descents. You can certainly get through many of those stages with less travel, but can you do it fast and smooth?
YGR: Is the race capped? Have you reached the cap? How do I register?
Alan: Yes, 250 racers. Still have spots open. Link to register is https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-tooth-or-consequences-mtb-race-registration-43117038222
Kenny: We have not reached the cap, and we are a bit surprised that we are still lighter in registration than we expected. This is the one-time chance to have access to some of the best trails in Northern Colorado with the guarantee that no other users will be on them. We have CASH PRIZES this year. Your race entry gets you free entry to the Saturday poker ride and skills contests as well…and we have a TON of prizes to give out – over 250 items! And…your entry helps support local trail advocacy, building and maintenance. You want more and better trails??? …well this is a fun way to give back and help make that happen!
YGR: Are you still looking for sponsors?
Alan: We have a great set of sponsors. If we have any last minute ones, find us here:
http://tocmtbfest.com/sponsors/
Kenny: We really appreciate their very generous support of the event…helping us with prizes, the support from our local bike shops and retailers, the graciousness of the land agencies and their willingness to work with us…all of this is what’s making this a great event.
YGR: Can I volunteer?
Alan: Yes please! We need lots of help to make this a success! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d44aeae2aa3f94-tooth
YGR: Are Strava segments going to fall?
Alan: I would be utterly surprised if most folks did not hit PRs with a closed directional course. So I expect a lot of Strava notices on Sunday afternoon. If you are guarding a KOM, you better race!
YGR: Is the camping you mentioned in the park? What’s that looking like?
Alan: We have 10 spots in Inlet Bay, and a few others (boat sites) are available closer to Soldier Canyon in Lory. Contact Guldy if interested. http://tocmtbfest.com/contact/
Race Information
Race Website- http://tocmtbfest.com/
Race Registration- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-tooth-or-consequences-mtb-race-registration-43117038222
VOLUNTEER- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d44aeae2aa3f94-tooth
Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/events/2052782291438597/
The Tooth or Consequences Mountain Bike Race and Festival is coming up on Sept 29th and 30th. The weekend hosted by the Overland Mountain Bike Club will include :
Saturday festival- Take-a-Kid MTB’ing Day, poker ride, skills contests, bike demos, vendor expo, live music with Hendershot and Bluegrazz, food trucks, cold beverages at Lory State Park.
Saturday Races- 7 stages- 3 climbing stages, 3 descending stages, 1 with a bit of both…24 miles, 4600-ish vertical feet of FoCo’s finest (and rowdiest) singletrack!
YGR had a virtual sit-down with race director, Alan Schenkel, and Overland Mountain Bike Club Executive Director, Kenny Bearden.
Here’s what they had to say about the weekend festivities and races.
YGR: Can you briefly describe TOC weekend?
Kenny: The entire weekend is a celebration of the trails and mountain bike culture of Fort Collins and Northern CO
– Saturday is the festival/party day…Take-a-Kid Mountain Biking Day, poker ride, skills contests, live music from 2 FoCo bands, food truck, cold beverages, demo bikes – lots of demo bikes, vendor expo and racer packet pickup.
– Sunday is the day to pull out the bigger travel bikes and click into party mode. It should be a lively atmosphere. Since the transitions are not timed we’re expecting those sections and the stage starts to be pretty social. Once you cross the stage starting line though, it’s all business. We should’ve called it The Mullet…business in the front (at the start) and party in the back (after each stage end).
Seriously though, for all those who want to ride directional mountain bike only trails in Fort Collins…Sunday September 30th is your day!
Alan: There will be camping overnight (contact Guldy on the webform at http://tocmtbfest.com/contact/ ).
YGR: What do you want people to know that they might not?
Kenny: Cash prizes for Pro/Open categories, equal for women and men. Timed stages are CLOSED to all other trail users – this is OUR day for directional & MTB-only trails. It has taken years to get this event format – take advantage of it!
The prizes being donated for the poker ride and the race…from $5 co2 inflators to $500+ fork coil kits from Push. We have 250+ different prizes to give out between the race, poker ride and skills contests. All racers get entry to the poker ride and all skills contests, volunteers get entry to the poker ride. Cost for all others for poker ride and skill contests are still being confirmed. We’re still trying to get more prizes…goal is to have as many people as possible going home with something
Transition stages ARE open to other users and racers will need to yield as usual
One of the biggest things I want people to know is just how much effort is going into this event, especially by Alan as the Sunday Race Director and Guldy (Len Guldenpfennig) as the Saturday Festival Director. Our entire planning committee is made up of volunteers and they’re all doing a tremendous job. This is a big event to be entirely volunteer-run!
Also, starting lines will make the descending stages true descents. Some will start a little down from the actual start of the named trail.
YGR: Any secret strategies for racers?
Alan: Don’t kill yourself on Upper Timber/Westridge or Towers climbs. Walk it if you need to do so. Save your climbing power for the timed sections. We had to use Westridge at the request of Lory to keep trails open for hikers. I’d also not bring a fully loaded water bladder, there will be some water/Hammer, and supplies at the Aid Stations.
Kenny: – smooth is fast. These are difficult stages…stay upright. Walk where you need to and get back on the bike. We want people going fast and having fun, but we want all to stay safe
Transitions are not timed…take your time, chat with other riders, enjoy the surroundings
YGR: Which stage will be the most fun to watch?
Alan: Maybe base of Mill Creek for 2 of the stages?
Kenny: – top of Stage 3/Herrington section…super steep climb and racers will need motivation to keep pushing to the top
– Stage 5 – the speeds on Carey Springs & Loggers will definitely be worth seeing
– any of the technical sections on the dh stages – watch how some incredibly talented riders take these difficult lines
– the finish line and base area – keep track of live timing and follow along as racers battle for the podiums…and hear the stories from the course
YGR: What categories are included?
Alan: It’s quite a list. Climbers, descenders, and overalls in all categories.
Juniors (16 & under) Male
Juniors (16 & under) Female
Pro/Open Men
Pro/Open Women
Sport 17-29 Men
Sport 17-29 Women
Sport 30-49 Men
Sport 30-49 Women
Sport 50+ Men
Sport 50+ Women
YGR: Did you consider having teams? (A climber and a descender)
Alan: Not this year. Maybe next year. It would be an interesting twist.
YGR: Why do you feel the 40 in the Fort struggled to grow when other races managed to? The Singboat Stinger for example.
Alan: The Beaver Meadows Enduro we ran was actually growing too. I suspect the same old 40 had lost its impact though.
Kenny: The 40 was just too difficult. Numbers declined every year since its inception except for the year we started Tooth or Consequences (when we had a small increase). In 2017 we had 90 people sign up. We couldn’t continue paying thousands of dollars for an event with numbers like that. This is the feedback we got from many prior participants. The most common comment we got was “I’ve done it once, no need to do it again.” A 40 mile race with nearly 9000′ of climbing was just not marketable.
YGR: Do you think this new format will help?
Kenny: We hope so. Golden GiddyUp is doing this exact format with huge success – nearly 600 riders in each of their first 3 years. It attracts a wider range of participants, not just the hardcore XC racers. This is still a solid day of riding, but not the absolute suffer-fest that was the 40. It’s doable by a much wider range of riders and we’re hoping for a much livelier atmosphere.
YGR: Do any other races use this format?
Alan: Golden Giddyup, in it’s third year this weekend. 350 racers I think I saw.
Kenny: Golden GiddyUp…and it has been a hugely popular event for them!
YGR: Do you think this format favors one discipline over the other?
Alan: We are going to try and award points for overall on each stage so that equalizes both disciplines. It was a wise suggestion from Tyson, working on the mechanics of that with Big Mountain Enduro (our timers).
Kenny: Absolutely not, and that was the whole idea of this format. The enduro crowd will compete for the descending category. Strong XC riders will compete for the climbing category. With points determining the overall, it’s going to be very interesting to see how it plays out. We think this gives as equal a chance as any other format.
YGR: Why do you think this format is better than a xc format?
Kenny: I wouldn’t say that it is a better format for all events…we just think it works best for the type of terrain and trails we have here in Fort Collins. We have some steep, rocky, old school trails that are very appealing to the enduro crowd. Currently our local land agencies will NOT allow an enduro event on these trails. With this type of event we can have both. The climbs we have are still appealing and a challenge for those who can go uphill really fast. The descents are definitely appealing to those who can go downhill really fast.
YGR: Did you have any permitting issues?
Kenny: Yes, actually. We tried for 2 years to get an enduro race approved along with the 40 but were declined (which is how we ended up in Beaver Meadows for 2 years). This format is the result of meeting land agency concerns and still being a fun format for a wider audience. Permitting costs increased significantly this year because of having trails that are officially closed to other users during the event. Once we presented the new format there were no issues at all.
YGR: Where in the park will the festival be taking place?
Alan: Soldier Canyon Picnic Area.
YGR: Can you ride different bikes for different stages?
Alan: That would be challenging to do. You’d need a team of supporters to move your bikes.
YGR: What’s going to be the best bike overall?
Alan: I’d recommend a 100-120mm travel full squish.
Kenny: Depends on your focus. If focusing on DH stages – 150 travel is the way to go. For overall – still recommend 120 minimum because of the long technical descents. You can certainly get through many of those stages with less travel, but can you do it fast and smooth?
YGR: Is the race capped? Have you reached the cap? How do I register?
Alan: Yes, 250 racers. Still have spots open. Link to register is https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-tooth-or-consequences-mtb-race-registration-43117038222
Kenny: We have not reached the cap, and we are a bit surprised that we are still lighter in registration than we expected. This is the one-time chance to have access to some of the best trails in Northern Colorado with the guarantee that no other users will be on them. We have CASH PRIZES this year. Your race entry gets you free entry to the Saturday poker ride and skills contests as well…and we have a TON of prizes to give out – over 250 items! And…your entry helps support local trail advocacy, building and maintenance. You want more and better trails??? …well this is a fun way to give back and help make that happen!
YGR: Are you still looking for sponsors?
Alan: We have a great set of sponsors. If we have any last minute ones, find us here:
http://tocmtbfest.com/sponsors/
Kenny: We really appreciate their very generous support of the event…helping us with prizes, the support from our local bike shops and retailers, the graciousness of the land agencies and their willingness to work with us…all of this is what’s making this a great event.
YGR: Can I volunteer?
Alan: Yes please! We need lots of help to make this a success! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d44aeae2aa3f94-tooth
YGR: Are Strava segments going to fall?
Alan: I would be utterly surprised if most folks did not hit PRs with a closed directional course. So I expect a lot of Strava notices on Sunday afternoon. If you are guarding a KOM, you better race!
YGR: Is the camping you mentioned in the park? What’s that looking like?
Alan: We have 10 spots in Inlet Bay, and a few others (boat sites) are available closer to Soldier Canyon in Lory. Contact Guldy if interested. http://tocmtbfest.com/contact/
Race Information
Race Website- http://tocmtbfest.com/
Race Registration- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-tooth-or-consequences-mtb-race-registration-43117038222
VOLUNTEER- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d44aeae2aa3f94-tooth
Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/events/2052782291438597/
