On the whole the racing was rather boring and uneventful.  In an attempt to liven up the field and make the 3 hour drive worthwhile Jason, Eric and I took turns relaying attacks hoping to not only have a bit of fun but to force a breakaway on a course that was begging for an escape.  Alas it was not to be.  Perhaps the field, composed almost wholly of Wisconsin riders were unaware of the possibilities when a vitaminwater-Trek rider attacks, or perchance they were all too aware of what happens when we attack...either way none of the countless attempts were joined.  This went on for at least 30mins until we lost Jason to a freak accident:

A rider had attacked and caught off guard while debating depilatory creams Eric, and I missed the move.  Before we could go into chase or bridge mode Jason halted us with a unique if unorthodox method of spoiling the attack.  Sooner than we could challenge his technique, straight out of "Austin Powers" Jason had his Sidi off and was casting it toward the rider.  Sure enough it worked and the Sidi conked the rider on the head.  Unfortunately Jason didn't realize that the faithful shoe was making its return and was struck right on the bridge of the nose.  At least that's how I remember it happening...

In any event the racing continued.  With 3-to-go two riders slipped off the front and the collective field decided to race for third.  Meh.  The final corner on the last lap was a harrowing experience with children bombing inside, riders flinging themselves to the outside, breaks screeching, and of course a whole helluva lot of swearing.  The uphill sprint was almost as congested as I-94 on the return home and with nowhere to go I finished 14th.  C'est la vie.

Some PowerTap data:

Duration: 48mins

Avg speed: 25.1mph

Max speed: 41mph 

NP: 297w (.98 IF)
 

After a nearly 2 hour gap, Eric and I lined up for the heavily stacked P123 race.  Again only a handful of faces were friendly as the field was almost totally composed of Wisconsin racers.  It was a pleasant surprise to find Dave Eckel of Team Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare in the race.  Standing 9'18" Dave provides a giant engine behind whom I spent much of my race. ;)

From the gun the attacks began and per usual the race was full throttle the entire hour.  At one point I found myself in what was looking like a formidable break.  Alas with a Jittery Joe's rider, a few Wheel and Sprocket aces, a Sakonnet U25 rider, and a handful of other beasts this move would go nowhere. 

Anyhow, we continued to race for an hour.  At some point two got off the front and would hold on for the win.  The field sprint was fluid and fast and a nice change from the 3's.  I timed my move well and netted 9th in the field sprint for 11th overall with a who's who of the Wisconsin race scene ahead of me; a result with which I can be rather satisfied.

Some PowerTap data:

Duration: 1:05

Avg speed: 26.1mph

Max speed: 42mph

NP: 271w (.91 IF)

In conclusion I do have a few thoughts about the day's event.  The course was sensational and a real treat on which to race.  Registration was a breeze and the staff was pleasant.  The officials were fantastic as always and we owe them a debt of gratitude for sitting out all day while we play with our bikes.  In contrast the medical provisions were non existent and at a race named for a rider who passed while racing this very course, this seemed downright inexcusable.  A band-aid and handful of paper towels does not a first aid kit make.  I was disgusted at the overwhelming lack of attention paid to what can easily be described as the most important aspect of any race.  I certainly hope the organizers of the race think long and hard about this for their next outing as it really soured the experience for me.