Wi State Cyclocross Championships Race Report-
Location: Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, WI
Date: November 20th
Weather: Overcast, 41F, 7-10mile winds

So I guess it has become tradition to do this race because it is the only cross race I’ve done the past two years. Brozek and I each told each other that we would be there…thus we were both committed. Which was confirmed when I saw him in the parking lot…crap I can’t back out now. But at least I would have someone to race with/against. I also saw Chuck in the parking lot and he said he was doing the same race I was. Crap. He is better at road biking than I am…he is better at mountain biking that I am…he has a USCF license…thus my championship dreams were already dashed.



But nevermind that, the only reason I race this race is to ride on the speedway. This is were some of my racing idols have raced and it is a thrill to be where they once were. Well they had to take the speedway out of the race this year because it was all mucked up. Bummer! Fortunately though registration is in the National Midget Car Racing Hall Of Fame. Inside I saw a plaque dedicated to Tony Stewart (who had a good Sunday) and finally my boy Jason Leffler. Even the Kasey Kahne Mountain Dew Machine outside of the HOF was pretty cool! But alas I was here to ride bikes…I signed up! Last year I put my team down as Racing with Jesus as I wasn’t on a USCF team. Of course the person couldn’t read my writing so in front of about 30 people he asked me to clarify my team name. Funny! This year I raced as part of Schwinn Regional team.

I pre-rode a couple laps, stripped off some clothes and rode one more. I tried to talk Chuck into starting in the front with me and finally he did. I didn’t really see Brozek before the start, I think he was near the rear. Anyways in true me fashion, I planned on leading out the race, trying to hold it to the first row of trees maybe 100 yards away. Well I didn’t click in as quick as I would’ve liked and started about 10th, passed a couple people and entered in 6th place. That is where I was exposed as a pretender and the backwards spiral began. I settled into a pack of about 10 riders about a half lap in and rode with them for a lap or so. The pack got smaller and smaller as some people rode ahead of us and a couple dropped off. Then it seemed like a faster rider would catch me about every half lap. I would ride with them until I was cooked, drop off and wait for the next one. Kind of how I used to run cross country that year in high school. By the last lap I realized 2 of my goals were going to come true, I wouldn’t get lapped and I would finish ahead of Brozek. The last lap was nice since I had a good 45 seconds to the riders in front of and behind me so my position was pretty much locked barring a debacle. I am not the state champion (I never thought I would be) and I didn’t even score any points for being in the Top 20. But I was out there, having a good time!

After the race I talked to Super Fan Jess! J She was hanging with other Super Fans Stephen and Emily, Shiroma (of Person of the Week fame) and Jill and Melissa. Not sure who won the other races but I heard Jordan took a big digger on the barrier section of the A race (still got a Top 10 or so though.) I know Garett and Jerry were going to race but I didn’t see them. Chuck was smirking with pride after the race. You see, the person leading after they cross the finish on the first lap got a free pint of Guiness beer…and Chuck did it! My co-worker Greg also raced but I barely saw him before during or after the race and I just know he finished somewhere between Chuck and myself.

For those of you that have no idea what the hell I am talking about, cyclocross is a form of bike racing. It is a criterium-style race with laps from 1-2k in length. They have barriers where you have to dismount and run and hurdle with your bike. They have hills that are so steep that you have to run/drag/trudge up them while carrying your bike. It is on varied terrain on grass, trails, through beer gardens wherever they can make it random and interesting. They make sure you ride the hills off-camber. They make sure to loop you through mud if they can find it. Yesterday we rode next to a race track, near a grave yard, through a picnic shelter, on several sidewalks, and everywhere in between. I guess yesterday was still a tad nice for cyclocross…the temperature was ok but from what I’ve been told there needed to be more rain/snow/sleet mix…maybe next year!

Other Race Reports:
Chuck He didn't even question the sexuality of his bike!
J.Bro I guess my rusted SPD's are better that his Ritcheys but I am pretty confident (I know) I would have beat him regardless of pedal issues...I was feeling pretty strong!

Photos to come soon!!!