Reforestation Ramble.

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The separation was achieve within 6 miles. I kept looking down at my garmin as the mph’s went up until I began to taste the acidic blood in the back of my throat. I briefly pondered what a big ring would do to the group as I signaled for someone to give me a hand but the train of forty riders seemed content. With a 12 mile lap that consisted of scorching ski trail and brief stints of single track it appeared to be more than a physical challenge. The 36:16 was plenty on the flats. The mental side was almost as draining as Marko and I crossed the line in first and second for the seventh consecutive time in 2008. With that said it was one of the most grueling and strategic races yet. The longer course format seems to work well for us as we tend to get stronger as the race goes on. We pulled our fair share of work as our group of six stuck together until the last three miles. I was antsy all race but had a hard time committing to attacks knowing what was around the next bend. Marko appeared to be possessed in the single track as he would briefly gap us before TJ closed. I warned the group that he’ll sneak away if you don’t keep it pinned and the way he was riding the flats I’m sure he could have if he wanted. Entering our last lap I went to the back, fed, observed. The players were apparent as they seemed to be doing the brunt of the work. By the time I reached the single track I was sitting in second and ready to attack or be attacked. We popped out for a brief moment and Marko came around as I went to his left and blocked trail. TJ went up the right as I clogged him in the turn. This was getting tactical. I could see the entrance to the next stretch up trail and signaled Marko in as he was riding it way fast all day. It was obvious what we were doing as TJ blasted the left trying to sneak between us. I prevented a LaLonde sandwich by pinning him into the woods before the entrance. Racing! Marko set off with me in tow as our passes were sure to be heard. “Pro lead back, left, left, left.” The lapped traffic was more than obliged to give us room. Thank you. Gaging TJ’s gap off his passing requests it was apparent that he came to race. I went to the front once we were out of the single track, closed my eyes, and drilled it. I briefly glanced over my shoulder and saw TJ bridging. It was 27 gears versus one through the bogged down wood chips. I was cross eyed as we lost our chaser. We went into the final portion of single track with me riding like a first timer  pin balling off trees and sliding roots. I had to recover for the final stretch. Out and through one last mud pit with Marko in tow. I kept it steady as he creeped on my left. We were approaching a sport rider and the finish line when Marko went. I dove into the inside to the right of the sport rider which forced Marko to the left creating a wheel length gap. I’m starting to feel like a cat with nine lives only I loose one every time I sprint the mustache to the line. Chalk another 1-2 for the GF29 squad!

Next up is the Wisconsin single speed state championships at Levis Mound. Epic riding, racing and folks.