The temperature on race day was in the low 70's. Winds were out of the south, southwest at 10-12 mph. The predicted rain held off until road race started. In other words, it was a great morning for a time trial in northern Wisconsin.
As for the course, three of the four stretches of road were in very good condition. The first stretch had some gradual climbs that were challenging especially into the wind. The second stretch was smooth tarmac that contained easy rollers that allowed riders to open up the throttle to the midway point. However, the third stretch was quite beat up in several sections. It also included a lot of rollers and curves where you couldn't see what was coming around the corner. The last stretch was incredibly fast with a tailwind that allowed riders, once again, to power through the rollers to the finish.
I didn't care much for the Fantasy 50 Ride leaving after the team time trial and before the individual time trial. Why? The joy riders didn't quite understand how to stay on the right side of the road as they took up the whole lane. Also, there was a volunteer who was waving both groups to turn right when the ITT'ers were to continue straight. Only the Fantasy 50 riders should have turned right, a few riders went the wrong way. Yes, they probably should have ridden the course before the race.
This 50 mile time trial was a whole new experience for me. I mean gel packs with caffeine and a water bottle during the race? What's that all about? This was definitely something I should have implemented into my training along with riding the TT bike several weeks prior to this event. After this time trial, I think it's time to keep my other bikes in the stable while I get started on some much needed interval training for the last part of the season.
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| The Jaminator is working on the rear "dream brake" before my departure. Hopefully, I'll get some added stopping power when he's done. Individuals who had previously competed in the Firehouse 50 told me it was hilly with a couple tight corners. This got me thinking about a functional rear brake. Rule 1...Don't go screwing around with your TT bike the day before a race unless you've got a good mechanic who can fix anything! Rule 2...Read Rule 1! |
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| No, Reed's not proposing to Leigh. He's asking for her forgiveness regarding a previously sent email that she never responded to. It must have worked because Leigh joined us for dinner at the Second Street Bistro in Ashland, WI. |
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| Bob, you missed out on some really good food and old country music. You know the classic country music that you would have listened to in your younger days. At least it wasn't the same country song being repeated in your car's CD player. |
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| Before dinner, Mike Anderson (left) and Leigh "Snickers" Thompson (right) were kind enough to fill Reed and I in on the course since we never road it. Yes, that was a big mistake for both of us! |
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| View of Lake Superior from the hotel parking lot the morning of the race. This phone picture doesn't due justice to the morning sunrise over the lake. |
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| Reed, I can't believe somebody stole your cleat covers. They were last seen in this picture near your left foot. What's up with that non-aero water bottle and cage? |
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| The start of the Firehouse 50 Road Race. Maybe next year Reed, we could do the team trial first, so we can then enter the road race. If not, we can always enter the Fantasy 50 Ride. Wait, don't you have two course records for that now Reed? One for time and another for the number of riders passed. I know...STFUARBA! I'll try to do just that in the next three weeks before the Double Bong. |
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| The "26 year old phenom" shown here is Bob Burke. He's an absolute beast on the bike! I got a front row seat to his display of power both before and after the "elastic snapped"...right Paul! Nothing like me gauging his distance from the brake lights of the cars ahead on the second 20K stretch. By the time I got close to the 40K, he had already hit the nitrous switch and disappeared into the horizon. However, he was kind enough to leave me a glow stick with my name on it at the aid station. |
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| Reed, Doug and I headed over to see Charles "Big Diesel" Gerlach last Thursday night for dinner at his place. The team got him a ROTY jersey that he's proudly wearing in the picture above. He's looking good and his spirits are high. I can't wait to see him back throwing it down against the clock. |
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| "HAPPY SWEET SIXTEEN!" |
Illinois State Time Trial Championship will be put on once again by Northbranch Cycling Saturday, September 1st. The following day the Big Ring Flyers will be hosting the Return to Cherry Valley II Sunday, September 2nd.
Previous Illinois State TT Results
Previous Double Bong TT Results
ILLINOIS/WISCONSIN:
"CLICK" on RACE for FLYER INFO
August 12th
August 26st
September 2nd
Big Ring Flyers, Return to Cherry Valley II 20K TT
September 8th
September 9th
PYOC, 4-Person 60K TTT
September 15th
BA
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