Schabobele

Thanks for all the great advice before the race from everybody on the team, and thanks Craig for riding the race with me.

We started with about 30-35 riders and lost quite a few after the first time up the series of hills. After the second time up the hills it was down to four riders: Craig, Tom from OSU, me and another guy whose name I didn't get. At that point nobody was keen on killing themselves driving the pace so we mostly just cruised along. On the last lap, some of the dropped riders had caught back
up with us, so there were about 7-10 of us at that point. I started the first climb at the front of the pack . . . at the top of the first hill I looked back and everybody was really spread out, so I decided to just go for it at that point. Towards the end I missed the 1km sign or it had fallen down so I started to panic a little, but I was happy when I saw the 200m sign!

We left early to see Mitch at the hospital, and we were glad to hear that he was OK. I didn't pick up the toaster trophy . . . but when I do, there'll be a round of toast for everybody on me.

Schabob, 45 miles of Torture. I have heard the rumors of being a demanding course, but ones who have not endured...have no clue. End of the first lap the field of 35 was cut in half. Felt strong for the first 3 laps, but I could hear the legs start to scream on the final lap. Why do I do this to myself again? Lost it on the last set of climbs to the finish. Congrats to Stubna on the win. At the end of the day, Schabob dealt me sore legs, and last but not least, a can of Jittery Joe's Coffee. I guess I have to work tommorrow.

Tough race...tougher than expected. The women rolled out at a slow pace to get a gap from the juniors, who started at the same time. Rounded the first corner and the front of the pack took off up the first climb. That's when I realized I wasn't warmed up enough, nor was I expecting the first climb and increase in pace. Thought I'd catch up in the descend or flat... problem being there was no descend or flat. Just a series of climbs until "the toaster". So the gap widened and it was me, my bike, and the road for 3 1/2 laps. I really didn't have a way to gauge myself. All I knew was that I wasn't about to catch anyone and I didn't think anyone was close enough to catch me. With that in mind, I tried to pace myself, make it a good training ride, and finish.

What a day! 45 miles of pain, sweat, and Gatorade. Thanks to Dave Tingler. Dave was handing out liquid heaven on lap two. The day started out great we headed over the first climb of the day and field was splitting right off the bat. I felt great going over the first couple of climbs. We were heading into the climb, which the finish line was on, and they posted a premium at the top for the first to cross it. I bolted and had it easy so I set up as I was crossing it and some one slipped in on my left to nip me. That was my first lesson learned. Coming up Schabob climb the 25% beast I lost contact due to being under geared. Note to self, “Never go to Schabob with a 23 on the back.” That was my second lesson learned. The rest of the day I was sight seeing and joking with Dave as I crested the Schabob climb. Over all it was a great race and a learning experience all in one. Major props to my teammates finishing first and third, I wish I could have hung on for a possible triple threat, maybe next year.

I lasted 2-laps with the leaders. I rode the rest of the race with David Jepson in "no-mans land" picking up peolpe who were being shipped back to us from the hill. We rode with 4-5 guys that refused to work and then tried to beat us on the final climb. No class!!! Ended up 35th. I was happy just to finish.
Glad to hear Mitch is OK after his crash.
brf

Holy big chainrings, this felt like a mid-season race. The pace on the climb was manageable, but between climbs the pace was blistering. Daniel Houchens (Indiana Hand Center) jumped away from the gun with a teammate and never looked back. A Team Bloomington/Bacardi rider bridged up after the first climb. The remainder of the field chased hard for three laps. Amazingly the break was *gaining* time each lap despite the chase. Even more amazingly the Team Bloomington rider was doing most of the work. He pulled the Indiana Hand center guys around for three laps thinking they were shelled 1/2s.

The 3/4 field started with 80 riders. Each lap it seemed we lost about 20 guys on the climb. The fourth time over the toaster the lead group was down to 8. We were caught quickly by a second group which left us with about 20. Finally the pace let up a little. Just when I was feeling good about my chances, I started cramping. I tried for 8 miles to work things out, but when we hit the 5th climb I knew I was done. Disappointing.

When I got back to the car, Joe told me Mitch had been in a bad crash and was taken to the hospital. Thankfully he is ok. Thanks to Chris Anderson, David Jepson and Joe Bonnell who pulled out of the race to help Mitch.