Made it home Sunday night from the country north of Wisco, Michigan’s UP. Saturday came really fast. Before I knew I was at the starting line with Hayes team member Russell who secured a posh starting line position for yours truly and RFMC (Really Fast Michigan Clyde) J. Taylor.
On the gun we take off for the 48 mile course. The lead out was a couple miles of asphalt that pegged 30 plus mph before being dumped into the double track. The group was riding well and the shenanigans were to a minimum. Right after around the 42 miles to go mark I’m pretty certain that I just hunkered in at auto-pilot as most of my memory of the course was a blur until we got to the first set of big climbs. There we followed some double track up some steady climbs near huge power lines. The steps that were in these climbs were relentless with never a true end in sight as each time you’d crest one of the hills you’d descent slightly before climbing again. And once you thought that it was done came a dismount for a hike a bike section called ‘misery hill’.
You could see the racers about a half mile in front of you just trudging up the steep incline. A real calf buster. After that Russell and I still stayed together and kept bridging up to other riders when possible.
After Misery Hill there were some slight downhills before again dumping the racers onto the asphalt for some fast downhill time that led into a sharp left hand turn.
The Gold and Purple was represent’n!!! I scored a quick feed at that turn and prepared for another set of climbs that were right around the 30 mile marker. This time at least we’re climbing on the asphalt. 4 step ups later we’re back in business racing on dirt. From that point on all you hear is ”it’s all down hill from here’. To some degree it was true but still had a few punchy climbs, long deep sand traps, and enough mulch to cover Racine’s beach. Here’s a look at the course profile.
Russell and I were able to stick together for the entire race and it couldn’t have worked out any better. At one point we had a guy catch up to us and actually say, “Hey I thought that you guys were racing a tandem.” I thought that it was pretty funny. Funny enough to make his effort pay and we turned it up a little after that.
The last 1/2 mile of the course was on asphalt that led to a gravel finish. I had visions of leading out Russell for a spectacular sprint finish right to the end. We started moving for a jump and that’s when I realized that I wouldn’t be able to hang onto those big ol’ 29er wheels that he was turning. I was standing it up in my top gear with an all out effort with no success. We came in respectively at number 74 and 75.
The low down looks like this. 48 miles traveled in 3:04:17 and 5,000 + feet of earth climbed at an average pace of 15.6 mph. Total cost: 3,900 plus calories. My legs, food, bike, back, and water all held together. There were times when I was certain that it wouldn’t hold up but things seemed to work themselves out. Overall I consider it a success.
Afterwards I had time to pose with the RFMC who turned a low 3:20ish time. Nice work Jim!!
The race was a good time and the course was definitely scenic. It’s on the list of ones not to miss. When things started to settle down I was approached and asked to rawk the O2S #1 plate for a promo pic. How could I resist.
