Time Trial Track Chicago: 2012 John Fraser Memorial TT Recap

Normally the weather for the John Fraser Memorial Time Trial (JFMTT) is down right cold, windy and just plain miserable. At least that's what most of us have become accustomed to over the years. The forecast was just a bit off from what Kahn had previously predicted, but who can complain. He got paid, and all of you desperadoes rolled out to the quiet, little, sleepy town of Maple Park to compete in the first MATTS outdoor race of truth. The weather this year was a lot more inviting even with the cool damp air. The wet pavement might have been a disadvantage for those racers who rolled out early; however, several racers posted some pretty impressive times considering the circumstances.

The fastest time of the day was posted by the youngster Andrew Toftoy (Nature Factor/Finer Finish). He stopped the clock at an amazing 19:34.27 for the 9.22 mile course that had two turn arounds. I'm not sure even "Bobke" had him on his radar for this time trial. I know his brother John has put in several impressive times at races over the past four years. Both John and Andrew did a nice job choosing their parents because the genes they inherited are quite advantageous in this sport. Bryce Mead (Mead's Bike Shop) came in with the second fastest time at 19:35.24 and Jeff Otto (Lamb Little Racing) came in with the third fastest time at 19:51.85 completing the podium.

Check out the new medal design for the MATTS 2012 season.
Nice job Doug...this medal looks awesome! You gotta love the
Mavic track wheel with the clock hands...definitely an upgrade!

Winners of their respective categories at the JFMTT include:
10-14: Alex Koors (ABD)
Gina Johnson (Multisport Madness)
15-19: Konrad Witt (ABD)
20-24: Jake Buesscher (XXX Racing Athletico)
25-29: Andrew Toftoy (Nature Factor/Finer Finish)
Ashley Korol
30-34: Bryce Mead (Mead's Bike Shop)
Amanda Windorff
35-39: Brian Kubinski (Project 5 Racing)
Erin Kubinski (Project 5 Racing)
40-44: Chris Mosora (Scarlet Fire Racing)*
45-49: Jeff Otto (Lamb Little Racing)
Deb Colyer
50-54: Dan Norbeck (Vision Quest)
Carla Axt-Pilon (Elmhurst Bike Club)
55-59: Elmer Colyer (Brones Bikes)
Diane Roanhaus (Midwest Masters)
60-64: Richard Kreutzfeldt (PACT)
Victoria McAdams
65-69: Ken Roanhaus (Midwest Masters)
70-74: Bob Burns (Team Mack)
Nancy Beck (Midwest Masters)
75-79: Gerald Beam (ABD)
Patricia Beam (ABD)
CAT 1/2/3: Jeff Otto (Lamb Little Racing)
Stacy Mosora (Scarlet Fire Racing)
CAT 4/5: Jack Arnolde (Northbranch)
Laura Wheatley (Team Rev 3)
*Single Speed

As if Jeff Otto wasn't fast enough, the man and his "techno weenie" machine are seen here dialing in some serious nano precision at the wind tunnel in AREA 51. Not sure how many watts that front brake is costing him at different angles, but he shouldn't worry about it. I'll make sure that I personally eat another apple fritter or two or what the heck maybe even three before the race. This way he can catch me when I start six minutes ahead of him at the next 41K time trial. Phil really missed that prediction last year of when the catch would occur, and the officials totally forgot to check my bottom bracket...thanks Spartacus.

As always, ABD put on another spectacularly, organized race. These cats really have it figured out when it comes to the teamwork that's needed in orchestrating these races. This can obviously be seen in the turnout they receive at their races. Many of the other race clubs could learn a lot from these guys in how to get things done both effectively and efficiently. I especially appreciate how they keep the racers informed with their emails and flyers that are several months ahead of time.

I would have liked to have seen everyone at the JFMTT, but I had a little run in with the tarmac on Friday during a training ride. I should be all healed up and ready to roll in two weeks at the Cherry Valley time trial. Rick Green has shortened the course this year to a 20K that avoids the fercockt tracks...definitely a positive. No cyclist enjoys flying over railroad tracks with all of that expensive carbon fiber equipment. Maybe a dual suspension mountain bike would make this section of road a bit more fun to bunny hop.