Mike J., Carey, Kat, and Paul started in the early morning hours for Kent Park - the spring classic that Conn and his Too Bee team puts on. A good hard race with the killer climb at the finish. Stopping at the rest stop just south of Cedar Rapids, we met and re-introduced ourselves to fellow Bike Tech team mate Mr. Bill Allen - fancy meeting at a place like this.
So the pre-race meeting began with Paul, Mike, Bill, Carey and Sweet Amy .
With the weather cooperating - cool dry conditions it was a fast race with the 100+ riders participating. This is a6 lap - 4 mile circuit with a short steep climb through the parking lot at the top with a sharp left and onto the backside of the course which is relatively flat to rolling with 3 big downhills and climbs to bring you back to the top. Then a downhill to this flat section between the ponds/lakes then back to the short and steep section.
First racers off after the start hammering up the short steep climb at the beginning of the race. The race finishes on this up-hill. It is hard to walk up this - makes riding it seem easier?
Mike J on his new Salsa road rocket - maiden voyage - served him well as he had a great race - much sleeker and faster than last year - both Mike AND the bike.
The short steep climb on every lap - this finish is a grind. Bill Allen coming up with Richard right behind him.
With the weather cooperating - cool dry conditions it was a fast race with the 100+ riders participating. This is a6 lap - 4 mile circuit with a short steep climb through the parking lot at the top with a sharp left and onto the backside of the course which is relatively flat to rolling with 3 big downhills and climbs to bring you back to the top. Then a downhill to this flat section between the ponds/lakes then back to the short and steep section.
First racers off after the start hammering up the short steep climb at the beginning of the race. The race finishes on this up-hill. It is hard to walk up this - makes riding it seem easier?
Mike J on his new Salsa road rocket - maiden voyage - served him well as he had a great race - much sleeker and faster than last year - both Mike AND the bike.
The short steep climb on every lap - this finish is a grind. Bill Allen coming up with Richard right behind him.
Kat in the women's group getting reeled in by Kelli from PRC. The PRC women showed up in full force and put on a team effort with some great results. 
Kat and Carey happy to be done - thanks Carey for a great race - well done. The women's group started with the men's 5 in a free for all - what? It's started? Anne M., Andrea, Jane, and Robin established the lead and kept it going. Kat and Carey eventually got together for some laps and then as the race progressed - we fell in with a couple of other PRC women. Finished with one ahead (Emily?) and one behind me with Carey following. A good hard effort in which I wasn't last, but wanted to finish it up with a bit better placement. Next time.
Caught up with Kevin sporting the BikeTech colors - well done Kevin - way to race hard - with Mike and Kat.
Hmmm...Mr. Allen no doubt pondering the pre-race planning session at the road side rest stop earlier. Mike - refueling. Look for further race reports here by other folks soon.
In all - BikeTech was well represented with 7 racers - Mike, Bill, Paul, Landon, Richard, Carey and Kat going for the team. Well done. Now get ready for Finchford. Preregister if you want a free T-Shirt commemorating the event. Detail link on this blog.
You too can stand a-top the Finchford stones like John - minus the snow - one would hope.
As always had a great time. Thanks KAT for another great write up. Great job by all of the Bike Tech'ers.
ReplyDeletegood job folks!
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