Chillfest 2

It was just plain cold at the Grand Geneva Resort for WORS 'Treadfest 2.' The second year for this event and the second year of deep chill. It didn't rain on the Elite racers this year and their race being later in the day they surely considered the conditions perfect.

A beautiful setting, this picture was taken during the final race. The course challenging mind and body the entire way, with some changes from last year. That ten foot drop appearing straight down and a straight up on the other side... fantastic. Just peddle into it, take the G's and fly up the other side. An exclusive course not open to the public. Built by racers for racers.

The overall citizen results showed the course a couple minutes longer than last year and I finished over a minute faster. Marked improvement though I only finished 10th out of a field of 18. The citizen Clydesdale 35+ category the largest field of racers so far this year, with many accomplished WORS competitors. I have buried those I was chasing last year in the series competition and have two reachable challenges before me. Fifth in the series, the difference between me and the gentleman in fourth is 20lbs. Still heavier than I was last year losing a pound a week isn't enough. Hope to get to 240 (245 on the WORS scale) by my birthday, mid-July.

The cold means nothing after the start. The opening climbs, with an intimidating downhill in between spread out the field. Weaving through two or three crashes in the opening sections of single track I entering one section and noticed a rustling in the bushes. Vaguely made out a racer. I'm still wondering how he got so deep into the bushes.

Was discouraged by the clock after my first lap, not realizing it was ten minutes off. A 31 minute first lap followed by a 34+ minute lap. Nothing to challenge me in the second lap. No Clydes to chase in front of me and no one challenging from behind. Only a few women racers, starting three(?) minutes behind, actually passed me. Hopefully that wont happen in future races.

I couldn't find the rock garden though I got some video shots of the Sport leaders on the bench and the Elite start. For photos I tried the scenic setting on the camera rather than the sport setting to keep the flash from going off in the forested sections.

A wedding will keep me from the first WEMS race of the season. Wednesday night races begin tomorrow at Crystal Ridge.

Treadfest Start

Iola Start