If you’ve been lucky enough to get your hands on an EMTB, you, without a doubt, discovered how fun they are. For some, they are a life-changer, and for others, it’s a bike that allows them to explore further and ride harder.
EMTB races have popped up here and there, but no one has nailed down the format until now. A new series is born from the same folks at NW Cup called Short Circuit. An EMTB race designed to challenge riders while having a good time with good people. It’s a recipe for success, and I was fortunate enough to join in on the fun for its inaugural event in Port Angeles, Washington.
Riders had all morning to do as many laps as they wanted on Stage 1. The course consisted of a trail climb with a ripping descent back to the staging area. Riders were timed for both the ups and downs, and using full power was encouraged. What I enjoyed is that I could do a race lap and then the second time around, just take it easy and even shoot some video like your seeing here!
After Stage 1, riders charged up their bikes from either their own power supplies or from the Shimano-supplied charging station. Transition bikes provided a taco feast while Specialized dished out demos for people with EMTBs that wanted to give the race a go.
Stage 2 started a little further up the mountain and really put the EMTBs through the wringer. Punch climbs, off-camber, and raw traverses, and some rowdy descents back down the hill. I can’t tell you how fun it was to just be able to do as many laps as you wanted. It made the entire event more social and just removed the race vibe mentality that a lot of us are just not into.
We can’t forget to talk about podiums! Short Circuit shook things up with the last-place finisher taking third, the most average racer taking first, and the fastest taking second! I freaking loved this!
Honestly, this was the best bike race I’ve ever been to, and I highly recommend that you check out the next one because Short Circuit is for sure the future of EMTB racing in the PNW.
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