"Michigan’s 2010 cycling race season is fully underway now that the Killer Gravel Road Race – The Second Annual Barry-Roubaix is in the books. Racers were treated to sunny skies but the morning lows were in the 20’s and by race start the temps only crept to 34 degrees with a 15 mph biting wind out of the southeast. We didn’t see 50 degrees until 3:00 pm, but it was plenty warm once the gun went off. The race had an increase in attendance by over 250%. Nearly 700 racers toed the start line! The route started on a paved park road with all categories starting together... SCARY!!! The local Sheriff provided a neutral roll-out for the first 2.5 miles and provided a controlled start to the day’s fireworks. Within seconds after the neutral start the pace picked up into the start of what BRX is famous for – gravel, dirt roads and steep hills. One of the more challenging early features was the “Mur de Two Track”, which forced many racers off of their bikes in order to traverse the fluffy, sandy sections. This section is more reminiscent of a Superprestige course than any traditional race – paved or unpaved. It may have been the most decisive part of the day...
(Wade, killin' it)
...Myself and Doug Derdowski raced the Expert 30-39 class and both had real positive results and more importantly, a great time. We worked together through the early miles of the race to split up the class and get it to more manageable numbers. We were at the sharp end of the Expert class when we hit the "Two Track", but unfortunately we hit the rear end of the Elites and it split us apart. I had a real lucky clean run through the 1.5 mile sand pit from hell, unfortunately Doug got stuck behind some walkers. This was a bit of a game-changer, but the race goes on. We both worked with small groups from time to time, but when it was time to move on, we moved on. I came in with a group of 5 or 6 and Doug powered it in with one parasite in tow. I ended up 5th on the day and Doug finished off the top ten. The race is an early season killer, but quickly becoming my favorite race of the year. the event is run super smoothly, the vibe is pretty relaxed, and its a true test of what you carried over from the fall. This is the kind of stuff that makes you check yourself all winter long. Good times."
(Doug, makin' it happen)
Sounds like Wade and Doug had thier hands full with this one. This would have been a great pre-cursor ride for our crew that's heading to the Tour of Battenkill, next weekend. I was talking with Mark Hekman of Team Mountain Khakis at a race on Saturday, he said Battenkill is a crazy fun, but crazy painful time...and that, my friends...is what this sport is all about.
'til next time...
