Chippewa valley firecracker

Eau Claire, WI
Sunday July 11, 2010
by: Tom Kapanke

It’s been a couple weeks since the firecracker in Eau Claire. I had to post a report cause it is one of my fave’s. The weeks before the race did not allow much time for riding. In fact, the only riding I was able to accomplish was commuting to work. Didn’t matter to me. I have a new singlespeed I haven’t raced yet, and i just love Lowes Creek in Eau Claire. It was going to be fast and that had me a little concerned.
The lead out was just as I thought it would be. Head down, tuck in, seeing spots, givin ‘er. There is just so much flat open double track before the sweet single. It’s real nice to string everyone out but trying to hang on is tough. Once into the single track, said singlespeed just flowed through effortlessly. Not much traffic to speak of. Little here and there, but there is plenty of short double track sections to sneak by. Oh this course is fun! The first lap went by quick and I was feeling very good. Thought I was sitting around 4th or 5th but there were single speeders closing I knew.
Second lap was much like the first. I felt pretty smooth, but the punchy little climbs started my calves tightening.
Third lap was getting hot. I felt a rider behind me and knew before I even looked, Twin 6 rider David Thomas. It was only a matter of time. I tried taking a few little chances in the singletrack to gap a little, but it was futile. Still felt great, but the lack of training and water was really taking a toll. Both calves and quads started to cramp bad on every little climb. Probably went too hard too soon, but it was too late to worry bout that. There’s one wood chipped climb about 3/4 through a lap. That was it for me. David tried a little encouragement as he passed saying third place was right in front of us, but I couldn’t respond.
I watched him as he passed the rider 50 yards in front of us for third place. Very impressive finish on a course where you’re always on the gas and very little places to recover. I rolled in 5th place at 1 hr. 51 min. Cool with that.
Gotta give my guys Troy Mieves and Jim Chapman props. They have so much to do with the design and work that goes into a successful race like this one.
It’s pretty rad to see all the METAL on some of the areas coolest people. Thanks T6.
Next up, the 24-9.

Tom Kapanke