Since I got to see the Chequamegon from the sidelines this year, I decided to post Scott's race recap that he sent to our Team Manager, Chris Shaw. I'll post more later, but Scott had quite the eventful day and Trek had a great showing. Read on.......

The Chequamegon Fat Tire 40 is the race to do in the Midwest. For many people, it is the only race they do all season. The festive atmosphere begins on Friday and runs all the way through the weekend. Ken Derico even brings in the big Trek trailer full of demo bikes for everyone to gawk at (and ride when the weather permits) and get a sneak peak at what to expect for the upcoming season. It’s basically a big party with a bike race going on at the same time.

Since Sara is ready to have the baby at any moment, we decided to head down the morning of the race. We pulled in to our usual spot and met up with Chris Shaw and the boys. It was an overcast day and a little chilly, although nothing like last year’s sub 32 degree morning temps. All the usual suspects and many more out of towners showed up for the big show and appeared ready to go. This race always attracts some big names and this year did not disappoint: Jonathan Page and Trek Factory riders Ross Schnell and Lea Davidson showed up to give the local heroes a run for their money.

The worst part about the Chequamegon is the start because there are so many racers in such a small area. One would think that this amount of congestion would chill racers out a bit, but for some reason just the opposite happens. We were 30 seconds into the race when I heard a tremendously loud grinding noise, rubber screeching, yelling, etc. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I see Aric Harland’s cross bike come flying at me. My unsuccessful bunny hop attempt over his bike left me bruised, bloodied and confused. I quickly remounted only to realize my front tire burped about 15 pounds of pressure out. I drilled it and almost fell again attempting the left hand corner onto to Highway 77 since my front tire was almost flat. I wanted to get to Rosie’s Field before stopping, but I lost the rest of the air once I hit 77 and had to stop. I couldn’t get my air to work and began running down the road pushing my bike and yelling for a pump, co2, etc. A kind Duluthian stopped to help but his air wouldn’t work either so I began running and hollering again. Thankfully the course is littered with people that live in the area and as I was running and hollering for air, a spectator that lives on 77 said he had a floor pump in his garage. Next I find myself sprinting down this gentleman’s driveway to get to his pump. Of course, I couldn’t get the bead to seat right away and once I did I noticed a small hole in my tire. Thankfully the sealant kept the air in and my race was once again underway. As I re-entered the course I looked left for riders and I can honestly say I didn’t see any. However, looking up the road all I could see was a plethora of jerseys. I must have been darn near dead last and fully aware that my hopes for a good finish were long gone.

Thoughts of dropping out popped into my head for a moment, but I realized that I’d have to ride all the way to Telemark anyway so I might as well finish. It was surprisingly easy to pass people on the Birkie trial and gravel roads, but extremely difficult on the four-wheeler trail. I’m also thankful that Sara waited, and waited and waited for me, because without the water bottle hand-up I would have been in big trouble. Thanks Sara! Needless to say, it was a 40 mile time trial for the entire race and I was smoked by the end. It was a bummer that I didn’t have a result to show for such an effort, but that’s how racing goes sometimes.

Lea rode like the rock star she is and won the race handedly. Mike Simonson had another crash but was able to work his way up to 11th which is quite impressive. Jesrin ended up 20th in the 40 but managed to WIN the Sunday Funday crit. Ross and Zach Vestal both finished around the top 30 and it sounded like they had a good time.

Thankfully the bone-chilling, pounding rain held off until 2:00 or so, but it did put a damper on the festivities. Sara and I got to hang out at the Trek tents and chat. It was fun meeting Ross, Lea and Zach and hearing about some of their adventures this past season. My only win(s) on the day came in the form of a Rummycube game against Chief, Doug and Bob and trouncing Doug in a game of Ms. Packman!

A big thanks goes out to Gary Crandall and his crew for putting together such an organized event. Once again, thanks to Trek for their support and for the HUGE donation to the single track trail construction project that is underway from Hayward to OO! Trek goes out of its way to give back to the cycling community and I am thankful!

Jesrin and I will be heading to St. Cloud for the last MNSCS race of the year this weekend as long as Sara doesn't go into labor within the next 12 hours or so.