WORS #11.

After the culmination of adrenalin ending last weekend at the Chequamegon forty the idea of traveling to another race was arduous. One egg/spinach sandwich and two cups of coffee later we were heading towards Iola Wisconsin for the tater bake open. For the first time all year Marko and I had a "plan" for the race. Of course we always have a plan but it seems loosely knitted around the competition and conditions. With a dry track on front of us we figured we'd go for it off the line and attempt to catch everyone off guard.

Lap 1:
Gooooooooooooo! I grabbed the holeshot as the 36:19 propelled me up the opening climb out of harms way. Around the ski jumps and down into the bowl is all it took to put gaps between the top ten. I was climbing good as the effects from last weeks event clearly diminished. Midway through the lap on one of the only significant grades I notice Landon to my right and Marko to my left. Catching me off guard I soon realize that this could be a TBS trifecta but I thought to soon as the next stretch proved to string it out. By the end of lap one Marko and I settled comfortably into first and second while I battled with my own mentality. Fast, hard, recover, fast, fast, faster.

Lap 2:
This was our second time on this course in 07 so it was becoming familiar as we looped through our feed zone with a 30 second lead. This is a great race course not only because of terrain but also because there are sections where you can view your competitors and the gaps. We kept the pace steady and hammered the climbs as we encountered a couple lapped riders. Towards the end of the lap I noticed Cole House sneaking up. He appeared to driven as he was gaining on us all the way through the lap.

Lap3: By the climb in the back Cole made contact as I started to pick up the pace going through the switchback singletrack. We endured the constant pace for a mile until Cole popped off the back. Relief crossed me as I traveled towards lap four with Marko in tow.

Lap 4: Much of the same. Recovery lap on the flats. Kept the intensity high on the climbs.

Lap 5: The gaps opened again as we road an uneventful last lap. Lapped riders became my motivation as did Marko on my wheel. A couple hard efforts later and we found ourselves crossing the line as one with Marko taking his first ever WORS elite victory!

This one kindled a new flame. I'm getting excited to dial in the superfly for the grand finale and then Iceman.

Comments

[Eric]

Hey Jesse,

You don't know me, I read your blog from time to time. Say if someone wants some advice about a 29r bike purchase, suggestions etc. is there an email I can reach ya at. If not, heres mine, thanks. I appreciate it. eroche33@hotmail.com

[Super Fly]

Nice Job!