Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Nifty Ten Fifty and Nifty Mixty 2019



The Nifty Ten Fifty 2019, is scheduled March 30, 2019. The Nifty Mixty gravel ride is like Mavericks Surf contest. We wait until conditions are right, then announce the event a week or so prior. The window is typically mid March through end of April. We look for lush green conditions, with tacky surface, but after the rains have subsided such that there is little to no mud. We will see you at the Nifty Ten Fifty, and stay tuned for the announcement of the Nifty Mixty!

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Nifty Mixty 2018 Report and Results


Scroll down for results.


The bunch at the top of MacDonald Trail, Sector 3

If great weather, lush green grasses, tacky dirt surfaces, abundant wilflowers, and a friendly, adventurous group of riders, combine to make for an epic Nifty Mixty, then by all accounts, the 2018 edition was a smashing success. What made this year's event unique though, is that all levels of riders stayed more or less together all day, by patiently regrouping after each Sector.

Well, except for one rider, Alex Stevenson. Alex just came off a solid win at the Nifty Ten Fifty, the road version, just two weeks prior. And on the Mixty, he took off in the first 100 meters, and rode solo, and very fast, all day! We never saw him again. But hold on... the Mixty is an age and gender compensated event. Jennie Phillips, a 50-something woman, and former National caliber road racer, is learning the ropes of dirt riding, and was able to pull off the overall victory, by quietly finishing mid pack on all Sectors, then having her age/gender compensation applied as the results were compiled. The Silent Assassin as it were.

Charlie Huizenga, a 50-something male, and extremely strong rider, was launched into second place once the handicap was applied. This moved Alex into 3rd overall. As a twenty something male, Alex gets no handicap whatsoever, and though it would be hard to imagine anyone covering the course any faster, or more skillfully, it wasn't quite enough to eclipse the solid performances of the quinquagerians, Jennie and Charlie.

2016 Champ Keith Hillier returned for another elite performance, landing in 4th place overall. In 5th place was Mixty veteran Kristen Anderson, with rookie Jake Gilchrist picking up the final "money" spot.

As far as overall winners, we've had 3 female Champs in a total of 4 Nifty Mixty's. Two were 40-something moms, one 30-something male, and this time a 50-something not mom.

The Lanterne Rouge award goes to "George Eagleton", at least that's his Strava handle. Does anyone remember "Eddie the Eagle," the underdog British Olympic ski flier? Maybe some relation? Results are determined by taking riders' 5 best placings on the 6 timed Sectors, i.e. one throw out. Lower score is better. Win all 5 timed Sectors, and your score is 5 points. George Eagleton racked up a solid 100 points, the only rider to score triple digits. And by golly, he did it with style, hitting that round number precisely. Congrats George! And if you think George had less fun than anyone in the top 6, you'd be very, very wrong. Heck, he even stopped for a break at a water spigot during one of the timed Sectors!

A far cry from the quagmire of mud we had on Wildcat Creek Trail in 2016, which claimed about half the field, Sector 1 was kinder and gentler this year — but not to Will Holzapfel. He broke a crank arm due to excessive power applied, not the first time this has happened to the 6'4" strong man. Not to be denied, Will one-legged it home, installed a replacement crank, and returned to finish the course in the late afternoon. Will gets the never say die, perseverance award for the day!

After a swift ride up Wildcat Creek, we regrouped and rode a sensible pace up Meadows Trail. We then tackled Sea View Trail, a formidable task on the gravel bike on this impossibly steep grade, with loose gravel, and a challenging rock garden. Those who chose to ride a mt. bike had a much better tool for this job, not to mention the many bumpy descents throughout the ride. Although the Mixty is intended to be a "mixed terrain" bike ride, truth is, it's mostly dirt, and there is no disadvantage to riding a mt. bike. We also had 4 single speed riders on course. Single Speed riders get an additional 5% bonus on top of whatever age/gender bonus they earn.

A Mt. Bike is not a disadvantage on this ride, and certainly more comfortable on the bumpy bits!
 Dave Alter enjoys the hero conditions!
Next we tackled Skyline Trail in Sibley Park. There we ran into a bit of mud, but it wasn't too bad. This a gorgeous trail, and generally not well traveled.

Riders climb the beautiful Skyline Trail


After traveling East Ridge Trail we headed for MacDonald trail, a tough, steep climb in Redwood Park.

Jennie Phillips, overall Mixty Champ, crests after a solid performance on MacDonald Trail.
Ernst is one of four Single Speeders on the course. Somehow the 5% bonus didn't seem like quite
 enough as we watched how hard they were working on the steep climbs.

























Soaring Hawk was next on the agenda, certainly a favorite of those on the ride, and also not well traveled. The fun continues on Red Tail trail, before a fast run along Brandon Trail. By this time, it was getting quite warm, and riders were feeling fatigue and in need of water. One more climb up to Goldenrod Trail where we find a water spigot.

Everyone needed water at this point, no exceptions!
With much fatigue in the legs, riders enjoyed a relaxed pace along Goldenrod, which provides much shade and a smooth surface to ride.

Kristen and Anne enjoy fabulous trail conditions and abundant wildflowers along Goldenrod Trail
One final push up Graham Trail, the final timed Sector brings us to the clearing at West Ridge, where we took a final group photo.

At the end of the final Sector, this is a tired but satisfied crew!
Many thanks to all the riders who participated, who were very social and friendly to fellow riders, and used the trails gently while respecting other trail users. And a special thanks to Charlie Huizenga, who not only finished 2nd overall, but also helped me with navigation, and herding riders along. I can't both lead the ride and run sweep, and Charlie always seemed to have my back, riding unselfishly for the good of the group. Already looking forward to next year!

A small crew gathered for beer and food after the event, capping a great day!
Most of you are aware that the Nifty Mixty is an age/gender compensated event. Below are overall results with the age/gender/single speed factors applied, followed by overall, and compensated results for each of the six timed Sectors.

Announcing Prize money from the entry pool (smaller turnout this year means slightly less money, but we're keeping the $100 prize for the Champ):

1- $100
2- $40
3- $35
4- $30
5- $25
6- $20


Overall Placing Name Points
1 Jennie Phillips 7
2 charlie h 11
3 Alex Stevenson 13
4 Keith ⛰ 19
5 Kristen Anderson 22
6 Jake Gilchrist 26
7 Paul McKenzie 36
8 Eric Bustos 46
9 Anne Spalding 47
10 Cyndi Wong 54
11 shawn blosser 54
12 Ernst Schmidt 62
13 David Alter 63
14 Robert Harris 68
15 William Holzapfel 68
16 Vanessa Baumann 69
17 Alec Flett 79
18 Peter Repetti 82
19 Mike Blosser 92
20 George Eagleton 100



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Wildcat Actual Wildcat Age/Gender Compensated
1 Alex Stevenson 18:06 - 1 Jennie Phillips 17:58
2 Keith ⛰ 19:37 - 2 Alex Stevenson 18:06
3 Jake Gilchrist 20:03 - 3 charlie h 18:07
4 Robert Harris 21:14 - 4 Jake Gilchrist 18:14
5 charlie h 21:19 - 5 Kristen Anderson 18:26
6 Chris Esparza 21:29 - 6 Vanessa Baumann 19:10
7 Eric Bustos 21:50 - 7 Paul McKenzie 19:23
8 shawn blosser 22:01 - 8 Keith ⛰ 19:37
9 Alec Flett 23:32 - 9 Eric Bustos 19:52
10 Paul McKenzie 23:57 - 10 Anne Spalding 19:52
11 Kristen Anderson 24:35:00 - 11 shawn blosser 20:02
12 David Alter 24:48:00 - 12 Chris Esparza 20:24
13 Mike Blosser 25:11:00 - 13 Robert Harris 21:14
14 Anne Spalding 25:29:00 - 14 David Alter 21:49
15 Jennie Phillips 26:03:00 - 15 Cyndi Wong 22:17
16 Peter Repetti 26:51:00 - 16 Alec Flett 22:21
17 Ernst Schmidt 26:53:00 - 17 Ernst Schmidt 23:07
18 George Eagleton 27:08:00 - 18 Mike Blosser 23:40
19 Vanessa Baumann 27:23:00 - 19 Peter Repetti 23:53
20 Cyndi Wong 29:20:00 - 20 George Eagleton 25:14:00


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Sea View Actual Sea View Age/Gender Compensated
1 Alex Stevenson 15:11:00 - 1 Alex Stevenson 15:11
2 Keith ⛰ 15:32 - 2 charlie h 15:28
3 charlie h 18:12 - 3 Keith ⛰ 15:32
4 Chris Esparza 18:36 - 4 Kristen Anderson 16:46
5 Robert Harris 18:57 - 5 Jennie Phillips 17:21
6 Jake Gilchrist 20:28 - 6 Anne Spalding 17:36
7 Eric Bustos 20:38 - 7 Chris Esparza 17:40
8 shawn blosser 22:02 - 8 Paul McKenzie 18:18
9 Ernst Schmidt 22:09 - 9 Jake Gilchrist 18:37
10 Kristen Anderson 22:22 - 10 Eric Bustos 18:46
11 Alec Flett 22:33 - 11 Robert Harris 18:57
12 Anne Spalding 22:35 - 12 Ernst Schmidt 19:02
13 Paul McKenzie 22:36 - 13 shawn blosser 20:03
14 William Holzapfel 23:12 - 14 William Holzapfel 20:24
15 David Alter 23:39 - 15 David Alter 20:48
16 Jennie Phillips 25:09:00 - 16 Vanessa Baumann 20:54
17 Peter Repetti 25:36:00 - 17 Alec Flett 21:25
18 Mike Blosser 26:28:00 - 18 Cyndi Wong 21:30
19 George Eagleton 27:38:00 - 19 Peter Repetti 22:47
20 Cyndi Wong 28:18:00 - 20 Mike Blosser 24:52:00
21 Vanessa Baumann 29:52:00 - 21 George Eagleton 25:41:00



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MacDonald Actual MacDonald Age/Gender Compensated
1 Alex Stevenson 8:10 - 1 Jennie Phillips 7:31
2 Keith ⛰ 8:11 - 2 charlie h 7:54
3 charlie h 9:18 - 3 Alex Stevenson 8:10
4 Jake Gilchrist 9:27 - 4 Keith ⛰ 8:11
5 Chris Esparza 9:48 - 5 Kristen Anderson 8:29
6 Eric Bustos 10:01 - 6 Jake Gilchrist 8:35
7 Robert Harris 10:01 - 7 Paul McKenzie 8:45
8 shawn blosser 10:16 - 8 Eric Bustos 9:06
9 Alec Flett 10:47 - 9 Anne Spalding 9:15
10 Paul McKenzie 10:49 - 10 Chris Esparza 9:18
11 Jennie Phillips 10:55 - 11 shawn blosser 9:20
12 William Holzapfel 11:09 - 12 Cyndi Wong 9:46
13 Kristen Anderson 11:19 - 13 William Holzapfel 9:48
14 David Alter 11:45 - 14 Robert Harris 10:01
15 Anne Spalding 11:52 - 15 Vanessa Baumann 10:04
16 Ernst Schmidt 12:21 - 16 Alec Flett 10:14
17 Cyndi Wong 12:52 - 17 David Alter 10:20
18 Peter Repetti 13:50 - 18 Ernst Schmidt 10:37
19 Vanessa Baumann 14:24 - 19 Peter Repetti 12:18
20 George Eagleton 15:25 - 20 George Eagleton 14:20

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Soaring Hawk Actual Soaring Hawk Age/Gender Compensated
1 Keith ⛰ 8:28 - 1 Jennie Phillips 8:05
2 Alex Stevenson 8:45 - 2 Keith ⛰ 8:28
3 charlie h 10:04 - 3 charlie h 8:33
4 Eric Bustos 10:46 - 4 Kristen Anderson 8:37
5 Robert Harris 11:09 - 5 Alex Stevenson 8:45
6 shawn blosser 11:28 - 6 Cyndi Wong 9:12
7 Kristen Anderson 11:30 - 7 Paul McKenzie 9:23
8 Paul McKenzie 11:36 - 8 Eric Bustos 9:47
9 Jennie Phillips 11:43 - 9 Vanessa Baumann 10:18
10 William Holzapfel 11:45 - 10 William Holzapfel 10:20
11 Alec Flett 11:49 - 11 shawn blosser 10:26
12 David Alter 11:55 - 12 Anne Spalding 10:27
13 Jake Gilchrist 12:04 - 13 David Alter 10:29
14 Cyndi Wong 12:07 - 14 Ernst Schmidt 10:49
15 Ernst Schmidt 12:35 - 15 Jake Gilchrist 10:58
16 Peter Repetti 12:38 - 16 Robert Harris 11:09
17 Anne Spalding 13:25 - 17 Alec Flett 11:13
18 Mike Blosser 14:00 - 18 Peter Repetti 11:14
19 George Eagleton 14:32 - 19 Mike Blosser 13:09
20 Vanessa Baumann 14:44 - 20 George Eagleton 13:30



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Brandon Actual Brandon Age/Gender Compensated
1 Alex Stevenson 10:31 - 1 charlie h 9:25
2 Keith ⛰ 10:32 - 2 Jake Gilchrist 9:51
3 Jake Gilchrist 10:50 - 3 Jennie Phillips 10:00
4 charlie h 11:05 - 4 Kristen Anderson 10:29
5 David Alter 12:07 - 5 Alex Stevenson 10:31
6 Robert Harris 12:09 - 6 Keith ⛰ 10:32
7 Eric Bustos 12:23 - 7 David Alter 10:39
8 Ernst Schmidt 12:27 - 8 Paul McKenzie 10:39
9 Peter Repetti 12:47 - 9 Ernst Schmidt 10:42
10 Paul McKenzie 13:10 - 10 Anne Spalding 10:55
11 Alec Flett 13:22 - 11 Eric Bustos 11:16
12 Kristen Anderson 13:59 - 12 Cyndi Wong 11:16
13 Anne Spalding 14:00 - 13 Peter Repetti 11:22
14 Jennie Phillips 14:31 - 14 Robert Harris 12:09
15 Mike Blosser 14:38 - 15 Alec Flett 12:41
16 shawn blosser 14:45 - 16 shawn blosser 13:25
17 Cyndi Wong 14:50 - 17 Vanessa Baumann 13:27
18 William Holzapfel 16:15 - 18 Mike Blosser 13:45
19 Vanessa Baumann 19:13 - 19 William Holzapfel 14:18



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Graham Actual Graham Age/Gender Compensated
1 Alex Stevenson 5:39 - 1 Jennie Phillips 5:31
2 Keith ⛰ 5:43 - 2 Alex Stevenson 5:39
3 Jake Gilchrist 6:21 - 3 charlie h 5:42
4 charlie h 6:43 - 4 Keith ⛰ 5:43
5 shawn blosser 7:40 - 5 Jake Gilchrist 5:46
6 Eric Bustos 7:47 - 6 Kristen Anderson 6:13
7 Paul McKenzie 7:56 - 7 Paul McKenzie 6:25
8 Jennie Phillips 8:01 - 8 shawn blosser 6:58
9 Robert Harris 8:12 - 9 Cyndi Wong 6:58
10 Ernst Schmidt 8:14 - 10 Ernst Schmidt 7:04
11 Kristen Anderson 8:18 - 11 Eric Bustos 7:04
12 William Holzapfel 8:19 - 12 William Holzapfel 7:19
13 Alec Flett 8:26 - 13 Peter Repetti 7:41
14 Peter Repetti 8:39 - 14 David Alter 7:49
15 David Alter 8:53 - 15 Alec Flett 8:00
16 Cyndi Wong 9:11 - 16 Robert Harris 8:12
17 Mike Blosser 10:13 - 17 Mike Blosser 9:36
18 Vanessa Baumann 14:06 - 18 Vanessa Baumann 9:52
19 George Eagleton 14:36 - 19 George Eagleton 13:34