Wednesday July 12, 2006 Hales Corner Superweek Race #4 Whitnal Park Road Race

Well back to Whitnall Park. This was my first race ever last year. I was dropped on lap 7 and a few laps later pulled from the course. Redemption was in order and I certainly was not going to be dropped today. I forgot how great this course was. I rode the race as if I owned the course. I tried several break away attempts but each was pulled back. This was one of the faster races we have had this year as we were near 24.5 mph ave. There were multiple surges and an equal amount of calms. I found it tough to stay at the front, both because my legs were a bit tired from all the racing and because the points race was heated up and everyone wanted to finish the series on top. The final corner I took deep on the inside, which may have slow my momentum, but I figured it would give me more open road up the hill. I still had good power and was probably in 20-25th at the base of the hill. I was able to motor passed many guys before the line. It was a bit hairy at the line as me and another guy collided hard 10 feet from the line in a full 30 mph sprint. I listened for the sounds of crashing metal and heard none. I took 11th and felt good that at 20-30 pounds heavier than most my opponents I was able to get up the hill and still have a decent finish. I ended up 10th in the series and was able to give TW lots of good exposure. I am looking forward to doing Holy Hill on Monday and Cedarburg on Tuesday. Then Kenosha, Cudahy and Whitefish Bay next weekend. I'll be a spectator at Waukesha as last year there was more burnt flesh on the course than at the Phillips Family 4th of July picnic. I will also go and check out the Pro race tomorrow night in Milwaukee.