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| Bouldering-Nicolet Roche |
Every day that we live, every person we meet, every turn
on the trail is another opportunity. Simple as that. –anon
So true, and such is the case with “GF-X” (Gnomefest
ten). As I read and re-read each
part of that quote, I realize just how perfect it is when describing the
gathering of people that took place recently at The Bear Paw Adventure Center
in Langlade Wisconsin. The Bear
Paw served as host and the magical Nicolet Roche trails (and others) were
perfect for the fat tired bikes and riders.
Each year for ten additions mountain bikers have gathered at
a prime trail system somewhere in the state for a weekend of fun, camaraderie
and always at the heart, riding bikes. My indoctrination came when Gnomefest made several
stops at my home trail at Levis Mound.
At the time, I really didn’t have a clue what it was about-it wasn’t a
race, although there is “racing” and “festival?” Well, yes, but laid back and more a congregation of like
minded riders.
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| What Chainrings? |
The G’fest had been around for a few years before I
experienced it, so I wasn’t in the
core group who’d made it into an annual event. Still, the enduring quality to me was meeting all these new
people with a common love of riding dirt and how quickly friends are made. Most live way outside of the
area-riders coming from Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and even as far away as
Winnipeg Canada, as in this most recent addition. They meet once a year, and as I have found pretty
commonplace, act as though they’d ridden together yesterday. Friendships are picked up where they
left off the previously. Of
course, with social media like Facebook, we tend to stay in touch and may even
hook up for rides or events at other times, but for the majority, it’s GF as the gathering.
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| Post Derby Fire |
The fest started at the Nine Mile Forest in Rib Mountain,
held there several years, then moved onto Levis Mound outside of Neillsville
for several more. A quick return
to it’s roots at 9 Mile and then it ventured east to Langlade. Between the trails of the Nicolet Roche
and Bear Paw, there could hardly better a better location for unique riding
opportunities. Much discussed
around the campfire was how different each trail in the state can be, and play
host to a GF. Nicolet
has giant boulders to (attempt to) ride over and around, flowy fast singletrack
and some of the longest sections of uninterrupted trail in the state. Trail builders like Lloyd, Charlie,
Scott and the rest there have created a system that all serious riders should
not miss. As a trail builder
myself-I’m humbled by the effort these people have put into the trail there.
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| Dirt Cat Talent |
Typical Gnomefests surely put “fun” high on the list of
weekend goals, and “Mayor” Julio dished it up. A huge campfire serves as the gathering place each night and
a launching pad for night rides and perhaps an impromptu “derby” – a short
circular “race” with the last person riding declared the winner. Saturday is the big event day, with a
Womens ride headed out early, the ladies this year exploring sweet trail on the
Bear Paw property and then along the scenic Wolf River…perhaps getting little
more scenic. All riders head out
later for the uber fun “Dirt Cat” which involves some orienteering skills, bike
riding, talent and this year a good poker hand and yatzee score to win. A non- timed event, riders could hit
the check points in any order and just enjoy riding the trail. My friend Dave and I rode plenty and
our tails were dragging a bit by then end-the Nicolet whipping us a bit!
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| Dwarf-Cycle race of Death |
Topping the fun checklist is the “Dwarf Cycle Death Race.” Racers sign up to compete in
single elimination bouts, riding tiny kids bikes in a figure 8 course around
cones-usually in costume.
Spectators pop up lawn chairs and cheer on their favorite riders. “Rules” were mostly followed this year,
and I have to admit, it was some of the best racing I’d witnessed at a GF-some
real talent out there keeping those unruly two-wheelers upright.
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| Steve-O-Punk, Cameraman |
There is plenty of swag as well-some of the prizes festers
bring to exchange, some from generous sponsors. Awards are given for the Dirt Cat and chili cook-off and
plenty of freebees are tossed to the crowd. My chili didn’t make the cut again this year, but I’ll keep
trying. It is so cool to have
everyone gathered at the food and beer potluck, where riders just being everything,
hang out and visit. More new
friends made as we talk of bikes, trails and riding.
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| Have DOg-Will Moto |
With long drives ahead for most, the final morning is
usually filled with relaxed easy group rides offering plenty of time to spin
the legs out, stop for pictures and explore trails missed during the
weekend. Packing up is always the
worst of course and saying good bye.
Almost everyone camps and the grounds return perfectly clean and picked
up if not a bit quieter….the knobbie tires silently resting on bike racks now.
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| The Mayor-Dirt Cat |
Each Gnomefest offers that “opportunity” to live, meet new
people and take every turn on the trail.
Simple, like the quote reflected.
GF is now a perennial date on my calendar for I’m not quite done riding,
meeting new people and living.
When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the
future of the human race. -H.G. Wells
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| West Loop-Nicolet Roche |
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| Big Wheels=Big Traction |
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| Mr. Gomez |
