This was my first big race and what a great venue to have it. 1000 feet of climbing per lap at Mt. Morris, Wi and some fine singletrack meant good time ahead. The mass start had me worried though, 105 racers all fighting for position with no call-ups means alot of elbows and a few crashes for sure. The 17-18 Age Group Cat 1 riders got called up first then the rest of the field had to fight our way to the line. I pulled up to the starting gate about mid-pack and that was with some fanagaling. So about 10th row somewhere between 50 and 60 racers back, I started. The race funnels into an area about 3 feet wide in the first 100 yards which I ended up running through, back on the bike and climbing I made some headway and started racing. The first and second laps went fine, picking people off left and right. Starting the third lap I hear top 20 so I put the throttle down and go, passing 2 more riders. Coming into the 4th lap I realized I pushed it too hard too early and was running out of gas. I was passed by 2 guys the last lap in my age group, knocking me off the podium and into 7th place in my age group and 20th overall. It was good race and nice learning experience as well. I qualified for Nationals as well as fellow SKC Racers JP Brocket and Karen Brocket. Karen took a win in her age group and JP was 10th. 22 hours in the car and 1.5 on the bike, not a good ratio but a lot of fun.
