Race Report: Round 2 of the Southern Enduro Tour - The Northwoods Enduro

Is Carson Lange unstoppable? The times don't lie!

Hot Springs, Arkansas is known for high-speed racing, typically of the equestrian type... However, last weekend mountain bikes rolled in to take over the town during the second stop of the Southern Enduro Tour. The Northwoods Enduro and Wildcat Marathon christened the newest trails in Hot Springs as the first events of its kind held at this venue. The Northwoods trail system was ideal for hosting a dual race- the 40-mile marathon on Saturday, then the 6 stage enduro on Sunday. The trails are less than 5 minutes from downtown Hot Springs where there are restaurants, breweries, natural spring bathhouse spas, and plenty to do for the entire family. It was also opening weekend for the horse races, so the entire town in full swing!

Clint Squires showed up early to get on the trail and get practice started.

Saturday was race day for the pedal eager people. The weather was gloomy but it was a comfortable temperature for distance racing- the riders competed on a 20 mile course and rode two laps totaling over 40 miles and 5,000+ feet of ascent.

The enduro race traversed a 15 mile course with 1,945' of descent and 1,897' of climbing in 6 race stages.

The neutral start of the enduro rolled out of Cedar Glades park taking riders on a scenic singe-track warm-up towards the first stage.

Pine trees, lakes and cliffside vistas provided a picturesque ride throughout the day.

Stage 1 lived up to the trail's name, Zig Zag. Full of fast, tight turns, the stage set riders out for an exciting day.

Kate Castro looking focused and fast.

Thomas aka Salty-Ging keeping it clean through the turns.

Marc Thierry charging and ultimately on the way to his second consecutive podium finish in the series this year.

Racers recapped their reactions to the hail storm that unleashed mid-stage.

Shirtless Doug! It wasn't absolutely freezing outside, but you see everyone else wearing jackets... He may have been questioning his typical race uniform decision when the weather turned midday.

AJ on rails through one of the berms on stage 2! Photo- Keith Smathers

Gravitas racer, Garrett Hubbard, flying low. Photo- Keith Smathers

Kiwi weaving through the tight and tricky singe-track. Watching him ride, you would never expect that he is a challenged athlete (Check out www.challengedathletes.org for more information). If you're lucky enough to meet him, you'll see that he's got grit, determination and BIG things planned for this year...

Stoked!

Grant Lampson staying on the fast lines for another junior class win.

Logi was carrying some serious speed out of the fresh cut section!

The loose, off camber turns were tricky here, but no drama from these riders.

This is the your favorite person to see when you get off of the race course. Thanks, Nick!

Yup, that's right, a set of Shimano Brakes that were raffled off to a stoked racer.

Slaughter Trail Guides coupon prize- a day of shuttling for two.

Click here for more photos.

The Southern Enduro Tour visits three states, offering some of the best variety of terrain in the midwest, and creating a regional championship that is both challenging and fun for any mountain biker that is seeking a premium race experience.

The third stop of the SET is back where it all started four years ago at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas. However, the series is going through a transition with a recent change in ownership. My company, Slaughter Trail Guides, is purchasing the brand and will continue to direct and promote the SET. My primary goal is to continue to provide an exceptional race experience with unique courses, professional timing using the Sport Ident system, lots of free prizes, custom awards, top 5 pro payouts, and as always tasty meals and post race brews. I intend and look forward to integrating the Southern Enduro Tour races and Slaughter Trail Guides services cohesively, while evolving the events to make this series even more welcoming to new racers and families. I'm stoked for another season of racing and I hope to see all of the same riders and supporters, and welcome more locals to our fun and supportive community!

The Registration for the third stop of the Southern Enduro Tour is open now. Click here.

Posted In:
Racing and Events Race Reports

Author Info:

dslaughter25
Member since Dec 28, 2016
12 articles

3 Comments

Jsaunders11 (Feb 22, 2019 at 21:55)

These races are a blast. Racing with buddies, shredding the descents, post ride beers and comradery. Can't beat the experience.

tony76us (Feb 22, 2019 at 20:09)

Awesome event!

jacobboma (Feb 26, 2019 at 11:36)

If your from the area come ride a tour stop, you won’t be disappointed.