Extra Time in Wausau

MIddle of Wisco
WORS #3 Big Ring Classic Sunday June 07, 2009
by: John Gatto

Early Saturday departure. Fight through holiday traffic, not to mention the endless construction choking Chicagoland. Pre-rode in the mid afternoon sun in the dry dusty conditions. Off to the hotel for an evening of Stanley Cup Finals n pizza. Go Blackhawks. Next morning off to the course to get the juniors off in their respective categories. Hid in the shade until race time.

After the anthem, the cage was open and the animals were sent off into the wilderness. The course was dusty, open, rocky, loose, up, down, twisty, turny, fire road, double track, single track, quite brutal. The pre-ride didn’t reveal this. During the 2nd lap on a single track to single track crossover, someone blew threw the course tape. About nine or so riders went through not realizing the mistake. A little extra course time was the result. Uphill, then a quick realization of a new large rock form caused a quick turn around and backtrack. By the time I got back to the downed marker, a course official was putting it back up asking how many were off course. “A lot.” Was my response not knowing for sure. But the chase to regain position was on. It was still early so no need to panic.

Chased till the end. Almost made it back to where I got out of line. But today there were no cutbacks.  6th age 23rd overall Men’s Elite WORS #3.