The Landmine Classic 2025

Who would've thought, during a record setting drought, the one day of rain would be on the largest mountain bike event in New England? Despite the persistent deluge, the 2025 edition of the Landmine Classic Mountain Bike Race at Wompatuck State Park did not disappoint. It was truly the wettest, sloppiest, and funnest bike event I've ever participated in.  

Leading up to the race, all signs pointed to an impending mud fest. Waking up on race day, I wasn't surprised to see not just rain, but absolute downpours. The forecast prior to the race at least prepared me mentally to expect the worst conditions. I was actually equal parts nervous and excited to play in the rain on bikes. To my surprise, most other racers were too. I was expecting at least half of the field to forfeit, but only about 25% of registered racers were no-shows.

Shortly after I arrived at Wompatuck, the rain started to come down in buckets and waves. I was drenched to the bone as my field was called to the starting line. While the rain was uncomfortable, the course wasn't as bad as I had expected. Yes, it was basically one big puddle, BUT the constant rain actually helped clear some of the mud from my tires and frame during the race. If it had rained the day before, all of that debris would have just stuck to my bike like cement.

Secondly, the large puddles in the trail helped me find the lowest points of the course, where my lines would be safest. The middle of each puddle was tacky enough to roll through with traction, whereas the roots and rocks on the sides of the trail were slick. Of course, there were times when wet rocks and roots couldn't be avoided, but overall the 11 mile Cat 3 course was not as bad as I had expected. Any traction through the course owe to my erstwhile 2018 Specialized Epic Comp and my Specialized T5/T7 S-Works tires. They handled surprisingly well through the mud and over the wet stuff. 

Even in a torrential downpour, I can't recommend this race enough. It's a fun day in the saddle, and the money goes towards a great cause: the Friends of Wompatuck (FOW) who build and maintain a lot of the trails and bridges throughout Wompatuck.