12 hours of Blue Mound & WEMS series Recap

Going into the final WEMS race of the year I was in 2nd place in the overall series points, 2 points behind Kraig. I had figured out that I needed to place 2nd or better at Blue Mound and finish ahead of Kraig and I would win the series. The Trek Store put up some money for the Single Speed class so I thought there might be a large turn out.

We arrived in Madison around 1:00pm on Friday and met up with Wade (sarah's brother). Kraig, Wade and I headed out to Blue Mound State Park to pre-ride a lap and set up our EZ-up. Wade lives in Madison and has ridden at Blue Mound before so he was a big help during the pre-ride. Blue Mound is a technical course with many jagged rocks. After our pre-ride we went out for dinner and picked up some groceries.

We arrived at the course around 6am on Saturday and finished setting up our pit area. Four riders entered the 12 hour solo SS class. Bill Schneider (Stud), Eric Nelson (defending series champion), Kraigness, and myself. My plan was to ride my pace and see how the race unfolded. Many things can happen in a 12 hour race, ecspecialy at this venue. I got a flat my first lap near the end of the lap so I jogged in and switched bikes. The Trek guys helped Sarah repair the flat, thanks! I rode in 4th the first 4 laps. Lap 5 I moved into 2nd place while Kraig and Eric were in the pits. I had another flat this lap near the end again and was able to jog in again. Wade had arrived and helped wrench on my bikes the rest of the day. Eric passed me on lap 6 and I was again in 3rd. I stayed in 3rd through my 8th lap. I came in at 6:33pm and saw that Eric had stopped and Kraig had stopped earlier after having a bad crash. All I had to do was bang out 1 more lap and I would get 2nd in the race and win the series. I took off in the dark and rode with Lee Unwin for the first part of the lap. I finished the lap around 7:39! I did it. I got a nice medal and a $50.00 certificate to the Trek Store for taking 2nd in the race. I also get a very nice plaque and $50.00 cash for winning the series.

I wanna thank everyone who helped me out this year. Sarah and melissa!! Kraig Anderson, Scott Cave, Wade McGuire, Jeff Kerkove, Trek, Hollywood Cycles, Gatorade, Old Dutch, Coke, and anyone else along the way.

I still might do a cross race or something this year, we'll see. Otherwise my next race will be the 24 Hous in the Old Pueblo, Feb. 2006.

I will post a few pictures as well.