Race Report: Alterra Coffee Bean Classic (WORS #7)

Believe it or not, this is a timely race report! This weekend was full of great racing, good weather, and lots of fun here in Milwaukee.
Saturday began early for me with a 7 AM meeting at work, which lasted until 9:30 or so. On the drive back, I noticed Downer Ave was closed off and there were numerous bikers around. I thought there must be something going on, but decided to head back to the apartment without finding out. My day shifted gears from work to pre-riding the course in Franklin. I met up with Mike from the team and we shot around for a couple laps on the course. I had a mixed first impression of the new course layout, but I warmed to it. I saw a couple problem areas, but nothing major. The reversal of a few sections, primarily the switchback climb, were the biggest things of note. After the pre-ride, Mike mentioned going to superweek in Milwaukee. I was surprised to find the race was going on all day Saturday, but I was able to make it back for the Masters, Cat 3, and Pro races. The Pro Race was pretty cool, especially with a $7000 (Yes, that is 7-0-0-0 US Dollars) Preem! Rock Racing was in full force taking both the win and the $7000 preem.
Sunday came quickly as did anticipation for the race. I was feeling pretty good about the course and very happy that I pre-rode it! At the start my foot slid off the pedal which put me about halfway back in the pack, not where I wanted to be. I did my best to move up in the leadout and saw Edens up in the distance. Once we got to the switchback climb, I caught Edens and stayed with him until the climb starting the 3rd lap. The third lap went by quickly and I felt more powerful than I have in a while. I nailed the final single track section and came out trying to get ready to make the long gravel climb once more. As I emerged from the single track, I realized that the finish stretch was up a grassy climb instead of on the gravel road, a blessing for me! I Stood up and hammered it home for a strong finish. After the race, I set out immediately for a little cool down on the roads which seemed to help a lot.
My final results were some of the best I have had so far! I took fourth in my age group, about 4 minutes behind first place; and 38th overall, about 6 minutes back from first overall!

The only thing that could have made the weekend better was a bigger turnout from the team. The six of us who were there can say the course and weather were awesome! I Hope to see everyone out at Kewaskum in two weeks!

What's been going on

Time flies so fast - over the last 10 or so days there has been a lot happening. In fact this entire month has been busy.
Last week, I spent about a week up in Door County just relaxing and enjoying time away from work. Overall, the weather was good and the rain did not spoil many plans for the week. I was able to take Heather out for a mountain bike ride in Peninsula State Park and a few other trips around the area too. The only sad thing is that the week started just the same way as it finished... me driving (quickly) from Door County directly to work in Milwaukee.
The good thing about being back in Milwaukee is that I am back to getting a lot of riding in. Today, I trekked about an hour South to the Kettle Moraine Forest for some much needed time on the mountain bike. This was my first time out in the kettles and I must say the riding was great. There was a good mix of climbing, descents, and technical terrain throughout the park. I would recommend that anyone who has never been to the kettles gives it a try; it is not as close as the reforestation camp was in Green Bay, but the drive is well worth it!
This weekend, I have an even shorter trip planned to Franklin for some more WORS racing action!

It's Been A While

Yes, it has been quite some time from my last post. Life has been pretty busy with work, riding, and trying to relax. I ended up not racing at Eau Claire and instead decided to celebrate the 4th with family and friends. This week I am heading up North for a week to get away and take a break from work. But have no fear, at least two of my bikes are coming with! Maybe I'll get in a little early morning training going on!
Back in a week!