PSYCLOFEST AND MIDDLE PARK MADNESS

A stellar week-end of racing for BikeTech in Bettendorf for the last two races in the DICE series. Thanks go to all the DICE team and supporters for putting on such a great series - lots of prize money - swag - and hot coffee! These folks put on absolutely great races with super sweet courses. PsycloFest is one Not to miss with its killer run up - like no other. A 2 mile course which is one of the 'best X courses ever.'

PsycloFest was cold and windy Saturday - Note race official Scott well prepared for the cold this time - always a pleasure when he is officiating. The Women's open lined up behind the Cat 3/4s.

The run -up or in Kat's case the walk -up - trying to keep pace with Team Skin women. The race started off with the women going at the same time as the Men 3/4. Robin off and way leaving Kat, Jean, Sandy and Deb to follow. Kept pace with Jean and Sandy for first couple of laps - then made the mistake of getting out front too long and then the two took over - Jean took off and I'm trying to stay with Sandy. Jean took 2nd and Sandy 3rd. Not to be. Always good competition and lots of fun to race with them - Kat held on for 4th.

And they're Off - Masters 50+ Landon, John, Richard and Blue getting ready to roll.

Paul aka BLUE digging deep up the psycho run up that gives PsycloFest its character. What an effort and did Blue put it out there - lap after lap.

Landon and John on the run-up - Way to race hard guys - some stiff competition had John finishing 3rd and Landon 4th?

Carl cresting the run up - fighting the sickness - he had a solid race in the 123s. Read his race report here.

Steve racing as strong as ever shows us how the run up is done.

More pictures from PsycloFest here.

Middle Park Madness found the weather on Sunday much warmer with sun and temps close to 50. Took the ear flaps off and down to one layer plus a jersey. Kat lined up for the Women's open which included Amanda back home for the holiday. So there goes 1st place and Robin Williams will take 2nd. Always good to see the hometown Elite racers. - look for them at Jingle giving the Elite UCI racers the challenge - Rock on Amanda and Robin! That left Kat to duke it out with some women from the Cutters. Goal - stay with Cara who has been racing strong this first year out.

View of the run-up looking down - you can see the approach off of a flat fast section to the barrier. This was painful since Kat doesn't run or jump.

The run-up from behind - steep and Cara gets a gap on this Kat. Steve B. at the top cheering me on. Cara could climb and Kat's goal was to stay as close a possible each lap.Mission accomplished - sticking close and getting some recovery on the fun and fast down-hills.

Great hard effort by Cara as Kat kept the pressure on - Cara took 4th place and Kat takes 5th. We'll be meeting up again at Jingle Cross . Thanks to Kris who took the pictures of Kat since her best training Partner was not able to make it for the day. He was missed by all!!

So that left the Masters 50+ field to be dominated by Landon - off to a strong start and the lead which he kept the entire race for the win - Way to keep the pressure on.

Blue also raced the Master 50s and in great fine form as usual with cheers and smiles all around. Working up a good thirst.


Nothing like a bit of a brew to hydrate with - race on - Blue shows how it is done.Landon at the top of the run up- no brew for him as he had his own hydration system strapped to his back.


Richard heading to the start/finish area - this sloping downhill was fast with a couple of dips that you could catch some air on. Steve in the 123's race worked hard in a group of 3 or 4 who kept jockeying for position every lap. He kept up the pace and finished strong.

More pictures from Middle Park here.

See you all at Jingle Cross this week-end - get out there - you can still preregister. Flyer here.