BIIIIGGGGG ups to Fon Du Lac Cyclery, Oshkosh Cyclery, and Team Polska for putting on an absolutely rockin' race. Especailly Douglas and company from Team Polska and the beyond friendly folks from the Wisconsin Cycling Association, for keeping things smooth even with a very cold and rainy day, all accompanied by a forming small lake on one side of the course.
The course was absolutely rocking with a nice, smooth, and sreaming fast downhill followed by an about 200 m climb that started out nice, and kicked up to about 12% halfway through. Even though it was absolutely saturated, the course was uber safe, fun, and still and absolute lung buster. First time racing my Sram Red on a non-flat course, and it took my punishment like a champ. I am not a monster, nor am I small by any means. Yet at times all my 185 lbs can produce some wattage, especially doing unspeakable things to chains, deraileurs, etc . . . standing up while going up. Thoroughly impressed and an even firmer believer. Thanks to Big Ed and all over at Sram for hooking me up with the gear!!
Started the 5's race with out rain gear which turned out to be a a bad decision. Absolutely could not get warmed up, and my legs were like frozen hams that refused to move. With three to go I decided to try an attack on the downhill with the other three in the lead group. I heard two others chatting how they did not like decending with all the water, and I was feeling more than confident until this point with my descending abilities. FAIL!!! Apparently, they were confident enough to chase down an attack. Luckily I was able to hang on the last two laps, and even luckier to have one of my fellow racers blow up harder than I did which allowed me to take 3rd in the last 50 m or so at the end of the climb.
The 4/5 race was hard, cold again, and an absolute blast. Started out at a decent pace which progressively got quicker. Four shot off the front, and I tried to cover the break the entire next lap. FAIL again. This time I was not able to hang on after the climb and completely blew up. Still a great experience, and a race that should be on everyone calendars for next year.