Polar Roll - Fat Bike Race

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​Saturday February 15, 2020
Ishpeming, MI
​thepolarroll.com/

Oh the difference a year makes. After last years Polar "Stroll", where deep snow forced most the finishers to hike most of the course, riders were greeted to near perfect trail conditions. It was like a rolling "sidewalk in the woods". 
There was, however, a high of 14 degrees and up to 20 mph hour winds. Such is fat bike racing in the U.P. 
Jeff took advantage of a 3rd row start, while Jon Lester and Tim Patterson joined the party in the back.
 With a snow? eating grin Jeff experienced these familiar trails in a new way...no roots and rocks to deal with like the Marji Gesick race in September. He was very satisfied with a top 10% finish.
​ Jon patiently picked his way  thru dozens of riders until he came to the wide open Iron Ore Heritage Trail where he could unleash THE POWER, helping him gain over a hundred more positions.
 Tim Patterson's return to bike racing shows he's still got it with a solid mid-pack finish. 
As is typical of a Danny Hill designed course (blame him!), the actual mileage (39) exceeded what was advertised.
 Mike Lester ripped out a top third finish in the all out hammer-fest that is the 15 mile distance.
Honorable mention to Steve Schrek who needed to withdraw midrace (it was COLD!) but chaperoned the Diablos about the town after the race. 
Full results below:

Full Results: www.superiortiming.com/2020/02/polar-roll-2020/

Check out the "Bike Life with Rob" YouTube channel. He recorded the entire race (including a little of Jeff Abitz (red Diablo vest) at the start. 

- Jabitz