2010 DirtSpanker Classic
MTB Race and Festival
June 13th, 2010
Mont du Lac Recreation Area
The Mont-Du-Lac race course has been labeled as one of the top race courses in the Midwest, not only by the locals, but also by Minnesota pro riders as well. With a five mile loop that consists of leg burning climbs, screaming decents and Mont Du Lac's trademark rolling singletrack, this course will challenge every rider. Each lap will test the rider's power, endurance, mind and body to the max. This course offers something for everyone, from the first time rider to the seasoned veteran. The DirtSpanker will offer you a true test and a great time.
For 2010, some big changes at Mont du Lac are resulting in some pretty great Dirt Spanker modifications. Mont du Lac has had new owners for over a year now and they have put quite a bit of work into improving the grounds. The chalet has been completely refurbished on the interior and looks great. A road has been built on the north side of the hill all the way to the top. So what used to be the double track climb back up the hill is now a section of double track and then you jump on to the road. There is contemplation of having the race start by going up the road that winds around and up the hill. This would avoid the double grassy walls on the ski slopes that have been the starts of the Sport-Expert races for past years.
Also, Mont du lac is going to be building a 6,000 sq ft home/chalet on top of the hill as well. We were anticipating this being done this spring, so we cut singletrack around the backside of the hill. This section features four techy switchbacks and will be a great place to make an early race attack. If you clear all 4 switchbacks and someone behind you misses one or more you have your gap early and it could stick.
As I mentioned, we were anticipating the top of the hill being a construction zone for the race so we built the singletrack around it. However, I learned yesterday that construction is going to start in July, so it may be clear for the race. So we may have the citizens start midway up the hill and take the road all the way to the top and have sport-expert start at the bottom, take the road up and then start in on the singletrack which is 2/3 up the hill (and climbs to almost the top). The road is still a lung burner, it's just not the wall that going up the face of the ski hill was.
Also, there's a big music festival the night before the Dirt Spanker at Mont du Lac. Two Beat Band, the Boomchucks and everyone's favorite Duluthian, bluegrass and bluesman Charlie Parr, will be playing as a post party for a big ultimate frisbee tournament that day in Duluth. So come in the afternoon for your pre-ride, set up your tent and campsite on
