Lower Huron CX!

Back in October of 2007, I got my first podium in a cyclocross race! I was so stoked. 3rd place in the C class. I started at that press board wooden plaque all the way home. To me that was a defining moment as a CX racer. One that let me know I could finally compete, and that I was learning a new sport that I fell in love with. Not only was I in love with the sport that day, but I was in love with the course. That course was Lower Huron Metro Park. And every year after 2007 I looked forward to racing there. But in the last few years, Lower Huron was left of the schedule, and I was not sure it would every come back. So with the new owners of Tailwind looking to mix the schedule up a bit listened to all the die hard CX fans of old and added Lower Huron back. This was awesome, and as it has been for several years, it was another good day in the saddle for me.

So far for the season everything has been firing on all cylinders. But I was sensing a probably about to rear its ugly head in my fitness. An untimely peak. Thanks to the help of a friend to point out this potential issue, I laid out my options and got my plan back on track. This will come at a price as well. So the price is a dip in fitness to build it all back up again for the rest of the season. Something I have struggled with in the past. So not know how far it would dip, I was happy I was racing again at Lower Huron, and this would still be a great day!

Most of the regular guys were here except for Rodger. At the start I grabbed the hole shot and probably lit a match as well. The lead group was Alex, Andy, Brain and myself. We took several digs early and switched spots several times through the first 3 laps or so. I was feeling like dirt. Right on the edge and could not attack. Barely hanging on, we caught a big group of elite riders. Alex jumped around about 4 of them. And then turned the screws as Brian, Andy and myself got stuck in traffic. Alex sensed this and forced his gap. It stuck for the rest of the race. Soon after, Brain, Andy and Myself were left to fight it out. Andy made the first move and I got dropped. I managed to claw my way back on the long road section. The Brian went as he rode the run up almost every lap. As he got to the top of the paved climb after the run up he would fall apart and I would catch them. Then it was my turn. On the 2 flat sections of the beginning of the course I got a huge gap. This lasted almost 2 laps. Then my non drive pedal got wrapped around a stake and course tap completely stopping me. Andy and Brian caught back up. With 2 laps to go Brain some how recovered and started to make Sharp attacks. On the run up we dropped Andy and Brian and I were left to duke it out for 2nd. He turned himself inside out and I could not hang on. I had to settle for a tough but respectable 3rd.

Great Job -
The timeless Jeff Weinert for 1st in Elite!
Brian Wachlarz - 2nd in Masters 35+! Highest Master's finish to date!
Alex Monte-Sano - 1st in Masters 35+. 1st Michigan Master's win!
Adam McIntyre - 1st in B-men 39-U. And first win in Tailwind!

Kensington CX Day 1 and 2!

After coming of an awesome weekend at the USGP in Madison, My confidence was high and I was ready to jump back into some local racing. And what better to do it than to do it at a new venue! This year Tailwind added Kensignton Metro Park to mix, so there was a special buzz in the air about the race, and I was full of anticipation!

The week leading up to the races was rocky. Training went into the crapper as I become sick with some sort of upper respiratory infection. UGH!! Not good for a race weekend coming up. So I focused on getting over it as soon as possible. Finally by Friday I was feeling better, but still full of mucus. As I got ready and drove to the park, I was very excited as this would be the first time that the race would be at Kensington, so I didn’t know what to expect. When I arrived I hopped on the bike and took a quick loop. The course was laid out great. With rolling terrain, old growth oaks surrounding the park, and a great view of the lake! Awesome! Inside the tape, was a different story. Bumpy, rooty, loose sand and sketchy corners. It wasn’t perfect but it was going to fun and challenging for both days.

Day 1 – The attendance was great. As I got to the line I was not sure how it was going go. As soon as the whistle blew it was full on gas. Rodger Bowser took the hole-shot and never took his foot off the accelerator. There was a group of 5 or so in the front for about 2 laps. And then Rodger, Alex Monte-Sano and I broke off from the pack. We laid it down hard, and I was struggling to hang on. This lasted until the last lap, and finally Rodger made one last dig and pulled ahead for the win. Alex was strong as well and was able to keep separation to take the 2^nd spot. I was happy to roll in 3^rd and look to fight for another day.

Day 2 – I arrived at the race feeling a little better, and legs were loose for the effort the day before. The course was run backwards with a few other changes in some of the corners. It flowed much better for me, and I was starting to think I would have a good chance to finish better than the day before. I set my tire on the front row next to Andy Fedewa and Rodger Bowser. When the whistle blew I jumped to the front of the group. Shaw Schaffert an incredible surge to grab the hole shot and open up the hurt on the field. I followed 3^rd wheel behind Rodger. This is exactly where I wanted to be, especially going into the 1^st downhill sketchy left hand turn in the beginning of the loop (this comes into again later). The pace was high and painful for the first lap. There were riders blowing corners through the tape, washing out in the sand, and blowing tubbies. The 3 of us continued to pour it on. By the time the 3^rd lap rolled around, Rodger was leading and I was on the edge of my limit to hang on. Rodger would dig on every straight away or flat section and begin to open a gap. As soon as the course started to twist and turn again, I would bring him right back. This was tough on both of us, but even tougher on the rest of the pack. All this time, I could see Alex slowly closing in on us with Andy Weir behind him. As we approached the halfway point of the race, I knew I had to make a move to see if I could shake Rodger. But I had to find the right time to do it. In lap 6 with 3 more laps to go, I found my opportunity. As we rolled through the sand at the end of the lap 5 and made the long sweeping left hand turn into the start finish section, I knew if I could get around Rodger I could take away the power section and possibly open up a gap through the twisty technical of the course. Then it happened. Rodger took an outside line through the sweeping corner and sat up for a brief section. I gave it full gas, and went to the inside line around him and did not let up. Through the first sketchy downhill corner, I took all the risk I could and nearly lost control. I was riding my CX bike like a downhill racer trying to grab every second I could get! I finally got a chance to look back and realized it was working. I was in the red zone, and still pushing harder. I finished up the lap with a negative split and about a 15 second gap. Now the plan was to hold everyone off for another 3 laps. I pushed as hard as I could through every technical corner knowing that this was going to help me continue to increase time, and maintain as much power through the flat sections to limit any loses. It worked to a tee! On the final lap, the adrenaline was pumping something furious knowing I was set up for a win and it was my race to lose. I talked myself through every corner, and focused on keeping the bike up right. I was still feeling good and holding the gap. Brad Lako and several others were all over the course cheering me on like crazy and giving me the needed time checks. Through the last few turns I was stoked and able to finally get a glimpse to see the damage done behind me. I rolled across the finish with both arms in the air and time to enjoy the celebration! My first CX win of the year!

It feels great to get a win under my belt for the season, and makes me want the next one even more. Not only was the win a high point for my weekend, but having my mom and dad there to see it happen was even better! Thanks for diving to all the races, and supporting me year after year.

Congrats to the following folks for some great races last weekend;

Adam York – 3 for 3 for wins already this year. And back to back wind Saturday/Sunday!

Rodger Bowser – 1^st on Day 1 and 2^nd on Day 2.

Brad Lako – Another W on Day 2! Way to hang in until the end!

Jim Goerlich – 4^th place in the B race!

Don Cameron – 1^st Double Days! Fastest of the masters and most of the elites.

Tom Payne – 1^st place both days, and 1^st ever CX win in a B race!

Mike Seaman – Master 45+ Podium both days. You’re off to an awesome start.

Rich Stark – Doubling up in Masters and SS both days and dominating both!

Shawn Schaffert – Doubling up Masters and SS both days, and turning yourself inside out to nail 2^nd place.

Derek Hill – Riding Great Again. Makes me happy! Top 5 in the B race!

USGP Plant Bike Cup - When it All Comes Together!

What an unbelievable and fun weekend! A few weeks ago, I was not sure I would have been able to say that. As the USGP of Cyclocross appeared to be in jeopardy, and was not going to happen. But in the last hour, Trek Bikes stepped in with sponsorship and helped save this incredible event. As a result the race lived on and I was able to pull of something I never thought I would ever be able to do at a USGP event. I scored a top 3 podium in the single speed race! What an incredible feeling! And this is how it went.

Jim Goerlich, Mark Caffyn and myself made the trek around the pond and over to Madison, WI for this year’s edition of the USGP Plant Bike Cup. We got there early Friday and pre-rode the course. It was a lot of fun, and it had much more flow over the course from last year. As always, Jim and I traveled light and planned to take on the single speed class both days. The course was very single speed friendly and I could not wait to line up the next day. Well, the next day came and I was feeling great. Before heading to Madison, I felt I would be able to grab a top 5 and even a top 3 in one of the days if I had the opportunity. So my goal was set, and my confidence was high. This was going to be a tough goal to achieve as there are always big name players, and others coming out of the wood work with the same goal. As we arrived to the park, it was cold! Temps in the mid 30’s, and it sure felt like cyclocross. It kept trying to rain, and was windy as hell. I just thought to myself – Perfect! Jim and I helped Mark get ready for the Cat 2/3 race and cheered him on for a few laps before getting ready ourselves. After a quick warm up, it was time.

I was the 3^rd called to the line, and was sitting front and center on the start grid. Lots of the same faces I did battle with the year before including pro Raleigh/Clement rider Craig Etheridge. I was feeling calm and ready. My mind was clear, and the countdown began. The official gave the 15 sec. warning, and shortly after, the whistle blew. We were off! A sea of Lycra clad single speeders were fighting for the hole-shot. I settled in behind the leaders in about 5^th. It was chaos as the attacks came early and often. I pegged my heart rate to stay near the front, but did not panic, as I knew several of them would pop. I kept everyone within sight, and just raced my race. Soon I found myself near 10^th place in the 2^nd lap. I knew I had to start attacking myself. I made a surge, and dropped the group I was with. I could see a few more single speeders strung out in a loose line ahead of me and began to pick them off one at a time. By the 3^rd lap, I was sitting back in the top 5. I was with 3^rd and 4^th riders, and the 2^nd place rider was about a ½ lap ahead. We tried to work together and bridge back to 2^nd place, but it was obvious that no of us really wanted the other around and each took small digs throughout the lap. I finally made my move in the flat section of lap 4. Another one dropped off and now I was battling alone for the last step of the podium, and 2^nd place was getting closer. As we round the course and into the finally lap, the guy in 2^nd place was still a few hundred yards ahead but showing signs of fatigue. I told the guy I was riding with that we needed to go get him and get him now, but he did not react. So I took it into my own hands. I went around him and began my chase for 2^nd. I went as hard as hell, and was feeling really good and in control. I quickly dropped the 4^th place rider and was bearing down on 2^nd. Every corner I was gaining an inch. He would look back and try to push harder. As we came near the pits and into the last half of the course, I was only about 15 feet away. I planned my strategy and waited for my opportunity to make one last move.

We both pushed as hard as we could and the crowd and announcers were all going crazy and cheering us on. This made the last few minutes exciting as hell! The only thing left was the hardest part of the course. The long hill climb, downhill switch back and then – the “hill side strangler” run up. I was hot on his heels and wheel to wheel going into the last climb. I pushed past the pain, and knew I had to be the first to the top of the hill to beat him. I began to pull past as we climbed, and as we crested the top, I pushed past him and continued to push as hard as I could through the flat section and into the run-up not looking back. Through the final turns and onto the pavement I did not know where he was, so I was still pouring it on. I crossed the line and saw I had a gap. I did it! I just finished in 2^nd place at a USGP! I was so stoked, and couldn’t believe it actually happened!

Day 2 was another good day. I did not stand on the podium, but I did finish up 6^th and missed the top 5 by only a few seconds. The course was wide open this day, and I was slightly under geared to hang with the leaders. But my effort was solid, and I was able to negative split my laps for the 2^nd day in a row. Overall, what an incredible weekend, and one I will remember for a long time.

The MI scene was in full affect as several folks made the journey for some of the best CX racing in the country.

Congrats to Jeff Weinert for take 2^nd place on both days and is in the hunt for the Masters 45+ overall title.

Margaret Robinson – 2^nd Cat 4 women Day 1

And congrats to Mike Wissink, Matt Baroli, Tom Burke, Ellie Burke, Sven Baumann, Adam York, Danny Gerrow, Mark Parmelee, Andy Weir, David Johnson, Mark Caffyn, Cruise, Greg Johnson and Jim Goerlich for showing the Wisco crew how the MI scene rolls!

Finally, thanks to the Wolverine/AFC guys for offering up there trailer, tent, and compound during the weekend. It makes it feel like being with family at these races!

Columbus Park CX!

The kick off to the newly revamped Tailwind USAC CX State Championship series got underway last Sunday, and it did so in un-charted territory. A new venue and in my backyard. Yep its almost the end of the earth. Right on the country's international border. Yep, racing in the UP probably would have been closer. Yep. Right here in St. Clair Co. Ironically, its only about 20 mins away from Stony Creek, but to some of the Suburban folks, they were in God's country. Well, Columbus Park proved to be a worthy venue for CX with 29% gradient run up, fast flowing bermed down hills, a 14% grade loose gravel climb, and balls out long power flat sections of 2 track, this was not only different than any other Tailwind race in the past, but one that offered something for everyone. This not only marked the first time the park has hosted a CX race, but also the first time a CX race has taken place in St. Clair Co. So to me, that is really cool!

Onto some racing. This was going to be a good test for everyone. New season, new venue, and a few new faces. That first race is always a acid test... Who's got it? Who's been working for it? How did you road or MTB season go? Who's lean? Who moved up? All the questions are asked. Then you line up, look around. Yep all present. Wait where is So and so? Who is that? Then the whistle blows, and your heart is stuck in your throat! This year it was not any different. Most of the usual suspects were present, so it began... David Johnson grab the hole shot and put down an incredible effort out the blocks. Rodger Bowser followed along with Andy Fedewa, Shawn Schaffert, Brian Wachlarz and then me. Roger and Brain soon covered this first attack and we followed. The Brian Decided to pull ahead of the group and laid it down on the first section of flats. He put some serious hurt on the group. We followed but slowly, the other guys started to fall away. By the time the 3rd lap rolled around, I made contact to Brain and Rodger, and the damage was done to the group behind. I was at my limit and was hoping Brain was done. And as soon as the 4th lap started, he sat up! He was done. Rodger and I went around and began to trade blows. We soon realized it was down to him and I and formed a truce. At this time we were picking up riders in the Elite class, and used them to our advantage for drafting and keeping a nice healthy gap to the rest of our group. We traded pulls until the last 2 laps. Rodger then began to turn the screws. I could feel the pain increase, but he could not completely shake me. He would pull away on the climb and the run up, but I would claw back on all the technical sections of downhills and the flats. By the time the last lap rolled around, he dangled just a few hundred feet ahead of me. Brad Lako was on the side lines yelling at me to chase him down! You can DO IT! DIG! DIG DIG! I stood up and lit a match! I instantly bridged the gap on the down hill. Then the run up. He pulled a few inches back. Then the next down hill. I was back, into the chicanes, and onto the flats. Rodger stood up and applied max power to the pedals. I tired to do the same but my heart rate was already maxed out. No more matches. I tired to stay with him, but could not close down the last couple hundred feet at the end - 2nd place.

I was very happy with the result especially finishing that close to Rodger who is a former Masters 35+ State Champ and overall series champ. So this should make for some exciting racing this year.

Another notable race was the B Men 39-U. My good friend Brad Lako showed that he is going to be a major player in the cross series this year by taking a commanding win! and putting up some of the best lap times of the day! This is Brad first official USAC win! And it is well deserved. Keep working hard, stay focused one race at a time, and take home the year end hardware as well!

Other notable results -

Adam York taking first in the Elite class against a very tough Sven Baumann!
Tom Barret and Scott Fabinjanski - 2nd and 3rd. These guys are ready to breakout. I can smell it.
Mike Seaman - Another great single speed performance with 3rd.
JB Hancock - Taking 1st in the single speed class and having fun. That is what CX is about right?
Ben Christian - 4th in B 39-U. First race and podium! Nice Keep'em coming. You worked hard for it.
Ryan Katulic - 3rd in B 39-U. What would happen if you actually rode your bike other than a few races?
Me - 4th in the single speed race. I felt like death, but pulled out a spint finish for 4th in the end!

Well I will be off to Madison this weekend to take on some of the best single speeders in the country at the USGP of Cyclocross! Shooting for a top 5 and stretch for a top 3 podium finish. It will be tough, but I am ready and excited for the challenge!

Let's Get Ready to......!

Like a kid waiting for Christmas to get here, I have been jonesing for some CX action. And you know what? CX-Mas has arrived! Yep, tis the season. The most wonderful time of the year. And what better way to open up the presents with the first gift of the season - the Ithaca Grand Prix of Cyclocross. JB took a year off from putting this race on to finish up his masters, but it was back this year and it was bigger and better than ever before. One of the best run races, best fun races, and best CX courses in the state! If you have not done this race yet, you should squarely kick yourself in the ass!

As the weeks and days led up to the race, it was one of the only things I could think about. I made the 2.5 hour ride over to Ithaca with my dad, and as soon as we arrived, the buzz was in the air. I chatted with all my CX friends and finally got ready to race. This year the masters races would be 50-60 mins long. So I knew this was going to be a good endurance test for me. Also, in the 5 laps we were going to do, there was a total of 1000 ft of climbing! Ouch. This was going to make for one of the hardest CX races I have ever done. We took to the line behind the elite, and after 30 seconds we were off! I had issues clipping in at the start and this cost me a shot at the Prime. But I was sitting in 5th place going into the course. Attacks came early from Andy Fedewa, Shawn Schaffert, Pete Thompson and Ray Auger. But I just settled into my groove and applied the pressure keeping everyone in sight. After a few laps, and a couple of hard surges up the sled hill, and gravel climb. I found myself at the front of the race all alone with Pete Thompson. I stuck to his wheel like glue, and we traded a few pulls through the race. We continued to grow the gap lap after lap to the other racers. Finally with 2 laps to go, Mark Wolowiec (masters 45+) caught and passed us. Pete made a dig to get onto his wheel right before the sled hill. I followed. I instantly went past the red zone but managed to hang on but just barely. We went through the fast flat section of the course and was able to recover a bit, but Pete was still trying to put the pressure on. Into the long sand pit, I was just off the back. Pete Surged through the sand by foot and past Mark. He remounted his bike and began to sprint up the small punchy hill. I could not respond to the attack and the gap grew. For the next lap and a half, I tried every possibility to reel Pete back in, but the gap was too large. He dangled right in front of me. I crossed the line for 2nd place, and was very happy with my race.

Shortly after, I lined up again for the single speed race. I had some reservations about doing this race as I was completely spent from turning myself inside out trying to catch Pete in the race before. But I got on the line anyway. As soon as the race started, I felt like mush. Legs were tired and heavy, But I know i had 3 more laps left in me. I was sitting in 3rd in the first lap right before the sled hill. I decided to run it rather than ride. Big mistake, as everyone that rode it passed me like I was standing still. Mike Seaman, Jim Gorlich, Ray Auger, and Andy Fedewa were all in front of me now. Mike and Andy took this as their opportunity to make their move stick. As I chased, I passed Jim and Ray in the beginning of the 2nd lap. And I made a big charge to catch Andy, Through the pine tree dirt path. I made contact with Andy right before the sled hill. But it was too much. As we climbed the hill together, my quads began to cramp from the effort of the masters race. I was left to try and hang on, but he slipped away. I was able to hold off everyone else for the last lap, but could not close down the remaining few yards to Andy so I had to settle for 4th. But not bad. 2 podiums on the same day! I will take that.

Congrats to the following folks on some great results!

Sven Bauman - 2nd to a UCI top domestic Road Racing Pro!
Brad Lako - 1st USAC CX podium with a 4th place!
Andy Fedewa  - Double podium and an outstanding 3rd in the single speed race!
Jeff Weinert - 5th in Elite. The pony is ageless!
Mike Seaman - 2nd in the Single Speed race. Racing experience paid off in an awesome early race move to secure a commanding 2nd!
Pete Thompson - 1st place. Way to bounce back from early season injury. Now time to go back and race elite where you belong! ;)
Jeff Haney - 1st place I think he is getting younger!
Tom Barrett - 3rd place, Tommy B looks to be back!
Scott Fabijanski - 3rd place. It appears to be that Scotty is back on a plan, and should be a force to recon with in masters 45+.

FInally - Getting the best of Stony Creek!

My love hate love saga with Stony ended this year with me finally getting the best of that damn place! And it unofficially closes the end to one of my personal best Mountain Bike Racing seasons ever! Training has been going well, and my overall results have been more than I expected all season. I never really considered myself a great XC racer, but I have proved this year that I can not only race near the top of the expert class, but I can do it week in and week out. As a result, I wrapped up 2nd overall in the Tailwind USAC Michigan State Mountain Bike Points series, and 2nd overall for the XC State Championship! This is something I have not done since racing sport in 2009. So needless to say, I am very happy with how the season has turn out and have a lot of confidence moving forward into cyclocross. But before I move on, I want to tell you about the race at Stony itself. It was one of the best and funnest races I ever had.

It all started out with the call ups. Brad and I took the first 2 spots on the line and the rest fall in. As expected, there were some very fast guys showing up for the last race. Jeff Cergat, Adam Naish, Simon Bailey, and Josh McCreedy just to name a few. And then there were the usual suspects that we have been battling all year. Aryn Pongratz, Dub-9, Todd Freidinger and a few others. I knew I had 2nd overall wrapped up so there really wasn't a lot of pressure for me at the start. As always, the whistle blew and we were off. Brad took the lead at the start with a blistering pace. Followed by Jeff and then me. We splintered the group quickly, and a large gap formed. I backed off soon after because I knew I would pop at that pace. Soon Todd joined me, and we were able to pace our selves and trade pulls for 3 laps. We set a really good pace and played off each other's strengths. Right after the 3rd lap started, Josh joined us and was looking strong. I started to worry that we were falling off the pace and soon would be caught by the entire group. Todd and Josh seemed like they were stronger than I was and I soon found myself slipping off the back and into 5th place. Then through the trees, I could see the black kit of Dub-9. "How in the hell is he going so fast?" I thought. Shortly into the Pines, Jon Caught us and passed like we were standing still.... Josh reacted Todd and I stuck together. We made it to the 4th lap and Jon had pulled ahead of the group and was on his own. Josh, Todd and myself were back together and looking to make something happen. Up the long climb at the start of the loop I took the first pull and made a dig. I realized then that Todd had fallen off and it was just Josh and I. Josh said "lets get him John" and we began the chase. I could not match Josh in the single track, and he pulled away. Then on the flats I caught him. He had cramped and we were back together. We could now see Jon and I began to dig deep. Josh crashed out, so it was up to me. Jon finally realized I was clawing my way back as he looked back. I was taking every inch I could to bridge the gap. I knew if I could get on his wheel before the last climb, I had a chance of beating him since the last 1.5-2.0 miles was all flat 2 track. As we approached the climb I was within yards of making the catch. I could tell he was turning himself inside out to stay ahead, but so was I. We crested the climb and bombed down the hill. I was still inching closer. We got caught up with 2 riders of the 40-49 class and rode with them till the end. Right before the last turn into the start finish area, I finally made contact with Jon. We had just a few hundred yards to go. Jon made one last dig to get around the 2 40-49 yr old riders and boxed me in. This was a perfect move, but I still had a chance. By this time I was spent and was looking for any opportunity to make a move. We were sitting 3rd and 4th for the race at this point. Then to our surprise, Brad was in front of us. We swept him up and passed. Now we were into the final chute fighting for 2nd and 3rd. I could not find that last attack in the legs and settled for 3rd place by 4 seconds. But man what an awesome last 30 mins of racing!

Congrats to Brad for another outstanding season with 3rd overall for the series and State Championship! I can't thank you enough for all the training tips and help with motivation you gave me throughout the season!

And congrats to the other series overall winners as well. There were a lot of personal best among this year classes!


 Finally, thanks to Tailwind for continuing to support my habit and provide great USAC racing in the state of Michigan. It is still a great series, and it will only get better. Good luck Wissmans!

O2S

Knocked another one off the bucket list. This this it was Ore to Shore or O2S as most refer to it. And again, it was another race I was going into blind so the expectations were mixed. Everyone always says how great of a race this is and now I know why. Between the unusually course, the great towns in which it starts and ends, and just an all around great atmosphere, I was happy to finally be able to take part. But what was it going to be like? Are the hills really going to be that tough? Can I go full gas for 48 miles? Will the course suit me as much as every keeps telling me? All this was going through my head. However, I just kept it all in perspective and went for a really hard training ride, and tried to beat the 3 hr mark. And this is how it went.

For the week leading up to it. Brad Lako and I talked a lot about the race, what to expect and the great towns in the area. We were both taking our families on vacation in addition to the race. So Brad gave me the run down on what to do at the start, where to hang out, where to eat etc. This was a big help. And we meet up at the start as well. We both arrived early, but not early enough to get a warm up in and a good starting spot. Everyone was already lining there bikes up in the grid. So by the time we got there, we were already 30 rows back. Not good, but then again, I didn't know what to expect. Brad and I were lined up side by side. The gun went and the mountain bike peleton was off! We rode through the city streets for a few miles before hitting the dirt. All you could hear was the high cadence buzz of 700 knobby tires. What a great sound! We then took a hard right hander, and bam into the dirt for the first time. A red dust cloud was every where and thick as riders started to jockey for position. I stuck to Brad's wheel. We then rode through an old iron ore mine and soon found ourselves climbing up a steep and long two track climb. This started to separate out the group a bit. At the top it was all flat bumpy 2 track for several miles. Brad and I turned up the gas, and began to play leap frog from group to group making up lots of time. Brad would bomb down the technical sections, and I would TT through the flats and straights. We traded pulls like this for the entire race. After an hour or so, we made it to the steep power line sections. As you approached it, all you could see was a wall of bike racers walking up this monster from about a 1/2 mile away. Brad and I made quick work of the hill, and picked our way around several riders through the technical rocky section. We hauled ass again at the bottom and then dumped out onto the paved road. I did another hard pull, and soon we were climbing the paved road. The section was hard, but looking back, if I knew the course I would have made my attack here. Never the less, we were able to make up some more ground. By the time we got to the last climb on this section. We splintered the group we were with, and put in a huge gap. Brad jumped up front again and smoked the downhills as I followed. As we made it through some very fast sections, we were starting to catch several guys that had fallen off of the lead pack that was ahead of us with about 10 miles to go. This was a huge morale booster to both of us, and we turned the pace up a notch. By this time I thought I would be dead and ready to blow up. But I was feeling awesome. I told Brad I had at least 2 hard efforts left in me. He said if I thought I had it to go for it. But I told him I would hang back since I did not know the course. So We kept on.

With about 5 miles to go, we got to Kirby Hill. It was steep, loose, and narrow! Brad was in front and took an inside line. There were 2 guys in front of us on the outside line. The problem was, both lines merged in the middle. Brad spun up the hill as hard as he could. I stuck right to his wheel. As Brad approached the first rider, he just barely got around him. I was not as lucky as that rider had to dismount his bike and run in front of me. This caused me to spin up the hill in easiest, and slowest gear I had. Brad knew what he just done, and went for it like a bat out of hell. By the time I made it to the top, he was 300-500 yards down the trail and sprinting. I put it in the big ring and began the great chase! I was slowly reeling him in on the flat 2 track. But just as soon as I would gain, the trail would get technical and his gap would grow. As we got down to 3 miles to go, I was slowing inching my way closer to him again. I was full on gas the entire time, and so was he. I began to take huge risk through the tighter fast single track sections, and making moves past other slower riders through the worst parts of the trail. As I got through the last section of sandy single track, it dumped us onto the pavement again. I looked up and saw Brad just ahead. Click, Click I put it into the big ring. Brad looked back and saw me coming! We had less than 2 miles to go, and all that was left was a long section of rail trail and the paved driveway into the finish line. I put myself into the red zone and caught and then passed Brad at the beginning of the rail trail. This was with 1 mile to go. My legs were screaming, but if I let up for just a second, I knew he would be right back up in my ass! I pedaled hard and passed a ton of people! I looked back as I went past the last corner. I could not see him. I crossed the line and gasped for air. Brad rolled in 30 seconds behind and gave me a high five. That was some of the best "wheel to wheel racing" I have ever been apart of!!! We both had an awesome race because we were able to work together and push each other to our limits. I beat my goal of breaking 3 hrs. with a time of 2:53:32. This was good enough for 102nd out of 595. Not too bad for my first time. And it was also good enough for 22nd out of 110 in the 30-39 men age class. Brad finished up 23nd. Great ride Brad. And way to beat your personal best time!

Other great rides. JTP, Jim Bonnel, Jay Click, Joran Wakely. You guys all crushed it and should be very proud.

Tough luck to Mark Parmelee and Jeff Poirier for flatting. I'm sure you both would have had great rides.