Location:	Baraboo WI
Reporter:	Patrick Haley
Categories:	Mens 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Men's Category 3
Up, up and DEFINITELY AWAY...Casey, Jeff and I made the 3 hour drive to see what all the hills were about.  This was a tough course with 2 major climbs.  They weren't excessively steep, just LONG.  The first was 3 miles into the race, where the field (of 45) immediately split in 2.  Jeff being caught in the second, Casey and I hangin in the first.  I would liken the climb to the "Hospital hill" climb on Tuesdays except twice as long.  Next up was a long set of stepping descents that weren't steep, just long...which people were attacking every two or three minutes after the first climb.  Even on the downhills!!  I had a max mph of 47!!  Nuts.

The second climb was the beast.  It wasn't long, but it twisted to the right then the left and then shot you up into a wide open area at the top, where there were continual attacks...I know I sound like a broken record, but it was RIDICULOUS.  We still were hangin' in there, covering some attacks and really marking Josh Meyer (1st place overall)  But, Sophomore Steve and the other heads were having a good day.  

Casey and I went to the front for the 1st climb on the second lap to control things as there was a guy off the front.  We tried to just keep an eye on things, but Casey had to cover several moves over and over again.  I tried to do what I could, but by the start of the third 15 mile lap, both of us were feeling the efforts.  On the 3rd lap, we were out of position and some riders let a gap open in a cross wind...Casey and I both tried

 

lose it, there was also a crash which forced me over the center line almost into the windshield of an oncoming mini van and Casey had to lock it up.  So, out of position, off the back, crosswind...thankfully the group was neutralized by a tractor and we caught back on...just in time for the climb...that was the end of that.  The lead group of 20 spit us out.  When  the lights go out, they go out.  Casey and I were cooked, I managed to get with a group of four and ride with them into the finish, but Casey was stuck by himself for the twelve or so miles back in...To add insult to injury, Trisin Bentzler, won the overall 4/5's last year showed up and marked the guys we told him about and won the field sprint...the only silver lining being that Josh Meyer didn't seem to get any points either, Jack and Casey were still in 3rd and 2nd...

9 hours of traveling and racing for 21st and 26th place....