Stanley WI (WiSport) Intercon Speed of Light TT. Sunday, July 9th. The entire gang made it up for this one. Pops, Shelli, Haili, Jerry, Andy, Brett, Max, Mark Schroeder and even Trent Ping. It was a good day for Team BBS. The course was very bumpy and a little shorter than last year at just a tad over 13.5 miles. There were basically 4 right hand turns and it was hot and the wind was steady and strong so it wasn’t going to be an easy day. My plan was to go as hard as possible for as long as possible (is there any other plan in a TT?) Most of us rode the entire course for warm-ups which was a good thing for me as I’ve been known to stray off track. They started us a little late as per usual in Stanley and I think I was 4th out of the blocks. A tandem was first, followed by a nice guy I didn’t know and then Gary. I didn’t really know the people behind me but some of them looked fast with their aero helmets, skin suits and TT bikes with the funky wheels. I really didn’t have anyone to chase so I figured I’d run scared and try to not let anyone catch me. The adrenaline must have been flowing because I went off 30 seconds after Pops and caught him at about 2 minutes on my watch. Granted there was an uphill and a headwind and those two aren’t his strengths but I guess I was flying. I continued to punish myself on the entire course as I was barreling down the long straight stretch to the finish I thought I might break the 30 minute barrier but when I crossed the line it was just a little slower than that in something like 30:17. Shelli and Haili were at the line and snapped a photo and then since it was so hot they gave me the camera and headed back to the vehicle to get some water and play. I stayed and got photos of almost every one of the Team BBS riders. (I’ve posted them below so click on the thumb to view them if you’d like!) Everyone did well and no one was disappointed. About half way through I saw Gordy Paulson finish and I asked the timer if my time was still atop the leader board. He checked and said it stood but by only 4 tenths of a second. I was amazed and happy of course! If you don’t know who Gordy Paulson is he’s basically a local time trialing legend. As a matter of fact he and his wife Diane were headed to Pennsylvania that night for Nationals and he ended up winning the 55 year old age category. Not only is he an outstanding rider but also a very quality individual and I do credit him with helping me to get better in the TT discipline. Back at the awards ceremony everyone came away with some sort of top 3 medal in their age category and we all left feeling pretty good about the day. On the way back we stopped at Boston’s restaurant in Eau Claire and ate a hardy meal. Life was good to us today my friend!
