Race Workshop a Success!

New for this year, we decided to put together a race workshop for beginner women. We held the workshop at Stony Creek the day before the XC race, and found that we all had a lot of advice for our students regarding training, nutrition, and race strategy. We then set out for a pre-lap of the course, where our students practiced passing techniques and learned various tips and tricks for successful racing. Lunch was provided by Tailwind Racing, who also offered the students a discounted rate for the XC race. The workshop was a great success, and we are looking at making it an annual event.

Four Wins for the Weekend!

What a great weekend for Dark Horse Racing!

On Saturday, August 20 Gabby, Brooke and Kerry headed to one of our favorite local trails, Maybury State Park, for the MMBA CPS Time Trial. Gabby & Brooke both won their classes and Kerry got 7th in a strong field of Sport women.




On Sunday, August 21, Brooke and Jen raced the USAC XC race at Ruby Campground, braving the infamous creek crossing and pulling in two more wins and maintaining their lead in the Tailwind USAC series!!!




Congrats, ladies!

Results for the weekend:

Maybury Time Trial
Gabby - 1st place Sport Women 40+
Brooke - 1st place Sport Women 19-39
Kerry - 7th place Sport Women 19-39

Ruby XC Race
Jen - 1st place Sport Women 19-39
Brooke - 1st place Beginner Women 15-29

Ore to Shore 2011

Four of us made the 8 hour drive to Marquette, MI for the 2011 Ore to Shore point to point mountain bike race. Jen, Andrea and Lynda tackled the 48 mile hard rock course and Kerry ripped it up on the 28 mile soft rock course. Janet wasthere to cheer us on.

As much a vacation and team ride as race, a good time was had by all. The race is extremely well run, the spectators are first class -- we even had trumpeters at two aid stations-- and the scenery in the UP is beautiful! Although we didn't bring home any bling, we had a great time!

Podium Days of Summer!

Beth Ann & Gabby headed up to the MMCC Sweat Shaker XC Race in Harrison, MI and brought home a 2nd and 3rd place in open women.




Jen, Brooke and Janet took on the Big M USAC XC race in the beautiful Manistee National Forest and all 3 ended up on the podium in their respective classes!

Jen - 1st Place Sport Women 19-39
Janet - 3rd Place Sport Women 40+
Brooke - 2nd Place Beginner Women 30 and under






Congrats to all racers!

Beginner Women’s Race Workshop

Brought to you by Dark Horse Racing and Tailwind Racing

Date: Saturday, August 27, 2011
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Stony Creek Metropark; West Branch Picnic Area

Thinking of trying your first mountain bike race? Join the ladies of Dark Horse Racing for a beginner’s women’s race workshop and group ride at 10:00am on Saturday, August 27, at Stony Creek Metropark. Come back the very next day and show off your newfound skills at Tailwind’s Stony Creek Cross Country race!

This workshop will be taught by women, for women. If you’re a beginner to intermediate level rider and are interested in the racing scene, come check it out! You’ll learn the fundamentals of mountain bike racing, and meet some new riding buddies along the way!

We’ll spend the first part of the morning discussing training and bike prep, nutrition and hydration, race strategy and etiquette, and miscellaneous tips & tricks. Afterwards, we’ll hit the trail for a lap of the actual race course. We may stop along the way to practice some of the more challenging parts a couple of times. Then we’ll finish up back at the trailhead and have some lunch courtesy of Tailwind, and a Q&A session for anyone that would like to stick around.

For those of you who’d like to follow through with an actual race the next day, Tailwind will be providing a discounted rate of just $15.00 for first-time racers at the Stony Creek Cross Country race on Sunday, August 28! Please email us at darkhorsegirls@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

The workshop and race are both rain or shine events. Please bring a functional bike, a helmet, comfortable clothing, and a water bottle or hydration pack. All participants must sign an Accident Waiver and Release of Liability form. If you are under 18 years old, you will need to have a parent or legal guardian sign a waiver also. Workshop is limited to 20 participants. Please email us on or before 8/20 to reserve a spot.