Today is Chequamegon.  It is a 40 mile MTB race from Hayward Wisconsin to Telemark Resort near Cable Wisconsin.  It is on the Birkie trail some, logging roads some and snow mobile trails some.  The race is really open and very fast, for a MTB race.

I’ve won the race three times and have been on the podium numerous other times.  It is one of my favorite events.  The course really doesn’t suit my abilities so much now, but I’d never skip the race if I can help it.  Last year, I did the race just 3 1/2 months after breaking my hip.  I finished 14th, which, now that I think about it, was a little crazy.  But at the time, it seemed normal.

I hope to go okay today, but I don’t really have any idea how I’m going to ride.  I think I did the right training, but the last few days I haven’t felt very good riding.  Kind of out of sorts physically, but nothing to pin point.  But I usually go better on race days than I think I might, so I’m hoping for the best.

It is going to be in the 40’s at the start and the highs in the mid 60’s later on in the day, so it is pretty great MTB weather.

Katie made an awesome dinner last night.  3 chickens, corn, potatoes, salad, etc.  It was a feast. She is a great cook.

We usually always have a podium finisher staying at the Kruse compound.  I think that Evelyn Dong is going to be the safe bet here.  She has the credentials to do really well here.  Like I said above, I’m a big question mark.  If I’m having a great day, then, I could be an outside shot.  If not, then I’ll just enjoy the race along with 3000 other riders.

Okay, I need to pack up the bikes in the van and head down to Hayward.  We usually ride out the start 5-7 miles and then back.  It is a good warm-up and a way to keep the nerves in check. Live results starting around noon tomorrow can be found here.

The Kansas guys at packet pickup with Gary Crandall, Mr. Chequamegon himself.

Gary and I last night.

Mick set up a big screen for the ITU finals yesterday afternoon. They moved the race up 4 hours because of potential storms.

Nearly everyone in Dennis’ neighborhood was there watching and cheering for Gwen Jorgensen.

Gwen smeared everyone in the ITU race yesterday, making it a clean sweep on the season. Unprecedented.  So, she is probably super busy today so I thought I’d sneak in this pre-wedding photo from last fall in today.

Katie’s chicken after we were done with it.

I picked up some of this yesterday. Itsthenerve. I don’t think I’ll drink it down today, but I’m going to carry it in my pocket just in case.

Fun activities at registration.