Math Bélanger's Rasputitsa ordeal
In Russian, Rasputitsa is the time of year when much of Siberia turns into a sea of mud. But Rasputitsa is also a gravel race in the northeastern United States, at Burke Mountain, which took place on Saturday under conditions worthy of its name. Here is the story of the event:
“Asthe snow has snowed” – Émile Nelligan
A few days before the race, the organizers posted photos showing the condition of the course. The snowstorm that had hit Burke Mountain earlier in the week promised that the legend of Rasputitsa would finally come true. The course was snow-covered, with a section of the running course (Cyberia) that would be impassable.
On the big day, there is a festive atmosphere. Although the race is challenging, for most participants it is more of a hike. At the start line, nearly 1,300 participants try to warm up. The few degrees above zero were a welcome relief after a difficult spring. Everyone was excited, finally a race that would test our fitness after the winter activities (outdoors and indoors). The race started, and cyclocross, fat bikes, singlespeeds, mountain bikes, and tandems set off on the course.
First section of gravel
The first gravel section is decisive. The first bumps quickly separate those who will become the leading group from the rest of the pack. Then we reach a minefield on the first descent. The breaking bumps create a cloud of bidons , changing the strategy for some. It's war!
"I lost my only bidon– Jeremy Martin, 2016 Canadian Cyclocross Champion
After only 15 minutes of effort, hostilities break out—it's hell in the north! The leading group is reduced to about fifteen tough competitors. Most of the faces are familiar: high-caliber American and Canadian riders, and a few Quebecers. Among them is Geoffroy Dussault, a cyclist who will not be intimidated by the first wave of riders or the difficulties of the course.
Cyberia (2017)
After just 18 km, we arrive at Cyberia. A 1.5 km section where cyclists must run alongside their bikes. The lead group explodes, literally! At the Ride this section, each rider tries as best they can to catch up with their closest rival, either alone or in pairs. Then there are sections of snowy, icy, and muddy road. The bikes are covered in it and our shoes are soaked. It really hurts!
"I didn't practice my running this winter!" - Marco Daigle
The race continues, with magnificent gravel roads and breathtaking views. You don't need to look at the scenery to be left breathless.
Finally, the bacon feeds appear, with only 10km to go. We step on the gas and give it our all on the last few hills...
AAAHAAAAH! What a surprise the organizers had in store for us! ANOTHER section of the race in the snow. A mountain bike trail buried in snow where we struggled to ride and/or run as best we could. After 1 km, we came to an unmarked intersection. We followed the tracks. I caught up with a few people who were part of the lead group, trying to navigate the snow on the cross-country ski trails. "I'm doing fine!" Finally, four or five of us found ourselves back at the same intersection that had caused confusion 20 minutes earlier! We had gone around in circles! We stopped, had a discussion, and set off again.
Kevin Bouchard-Hall, winner of Rasputitsa 2018
As we hurry back to our bikes, we realize that we are just 1 km from the finish line, which is also covered in snow. What a mess! We race to the finish. Everyone is confused. Were we supposed to do the extra loop?
Jérémy Martin sipping cider after the race.
A can of cider helps us forget the mishap (or adventure) and we laugh about it. Isn't that the spirit of gravel? We tear each other apart in appalling conditions, and regardless of the outcome, everyone tells their stories!
"Raspu"is tough, the conditions are unpredictable, it's cold, and the organizers make it even harder. It's a combination that makes it challenging... but satisfying once you're done. See you next year!