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2/19/2018

2018 Arrowhead 135 Stories

The Arrowhead 135 is a human powered ultra-endurance marathon that takes place every year during the coldest part of Winter.  Participants have 60 hours to complete the 135 mile trek from International Falls to Fortune Bay Casino in Tower on the Arrowhead State Trail.  Racers are required to stop at three checkpoints (unless racing unsupported) that are spaced about 35 miles apart, where race officials can pull a racer due to frostbite or other medical concerns. Participants must run, ski or bike the distance with their sub-zero survival gear,  no outside help except from other racers or race officials and they must follow a strict set of race rules out on the course.

Image Credit: Christopher Tassava

This year's race saw Jay Petervary miss a course record by only a minute and take his third Arrowhead 135 title while Sveta Vold took first place both unsupported and overall for the women.  The extreme cold weather conditions were a contributing factor that had 56 of the 72 cyclists completing the race under the 60 hour cut-off.  I have compiled all of the stories, photos and news articles of  racers who chose bike propulsion pertaining to this year's epic race.  For full race results, click here.

Image provided by Sveta Vold

Race Participants:  Bike Propulsion

Ben Doom-2nd Men, 2nd
Sveta Vold-1st Unsupported Women, 1st Woman, 24th
Find your limits. Arrowhead 135

 James Kiffmeyer-24th Men, 25th
James Kiffmeyer

 Whitney Beadle-2nd Woman, 29th
Christopher Tassava-29th Men, 32nd
Travis Van Neste-30th Men, 33rd
Erv Berglund-40th Men, 45th

 Jacklyn Carlson-Hayes-7th Woman, 54th
The Arrowhead Ultra 135 - 2018

 Back of the Pack Racing-Multiple Racers/Results
Image Credit: Sveta Vold
Photos
Video




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2/15/2018

Bike Jacket First Impressions


Since getting my first tray rack bike rack (Saris SuperClamp) a couple of years ago, I have had the problem of road grime and salt getting all over my drivetrain, wheels and cables causing problems and corrosion.  I would have to immediately rinse my bike down with warm water as soon as I got home to prevent further damage.  There is now a new product called the Bike Jacket that eliminates this hassle and protects valuable wheels and components during winter driving.


Getting to and from the trailhead with your fatbike on a tray-style rack in snowy or wet road conditions can really make a mess of your bike.  Bike Jacket owner Amy Middleton had experienced this problem and came up with a solution for it.  The Bike Jacket comes in two sizes to fit most fatbike wheel/tire combinations.  Regular fits tires up to 26"x 4.5" and Large fits tires 26"x 4.5" to 27.5" x 4.5".


Studded tires could tear up conventional materials but Amy had this in mind during manufacturing.  Go ahead and put your studded tires in the Bike Jacket, it's durable lining can handle it.


Even with a suspension fork, the Bike Jacket fits. Simply zip the zipper around the wheel and and secure the hook and loop fastener behind the fork for a custom fit.


Protecting the drivetrain is key when using the Bike Jacket, it completely covers the wheel, cassette and front chainring from any road grime and salt.


As you can see by the above picture, both brake lights and the license plate are easily visible using the Bike Jacket. When covering your back wheel and drivetrain, make sure to secure the Bike Jacket using the hook and loop fasteners in a way so that it doesn't cover your license plate.


When not in use or after hosing off to clean, simply hang the Bike Jacket up to dry and store.


Fatbike wheels and components are expensive and the Bike Jacket is a great way to protect your investment.  Not only is it good for Winter but will also get plenty of use during the transitional periods during the Fall and Spring when the roads can get a bit messy.  The Bike Jacket is available from BikeJacket.net for $299.00 and can be shipped anywhere in the USA and Canada.

Disclosure:  Bike Jacket provided a sample to use for this article but offered no other form of compensation for this review.
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