Well, I was feeling pretty good about my racing so far after two solid finishes. I knew that Winfield would be a test because of the two-step climb on the backstretch of the course, but I hoped that I could make it through 30 minutes and 3 laps. It was an absolutely gorgeous day to be racing a bike - 80 degrees, light breeze, plenty of sun. My warm-up went ok and so I wasn't too nervous.
Kim was joined by my Aunt Rita. Aunt Rita is without doubt the reason I got into cycling. Thanks to her, I rode my first "real" bike, her Miyata 1000 that she rode from West Chicago to the race. Her stories of centuries and RAGBRAI fueled my imagination and soon I had my Schwinn Traveler. It was great to have fans, especially one that was so instrumental to my early love of this sport.
Over 60 of us lined up to race this pleasant Sunday morning. They staged us and to get the timing back on track, we weren't given a warm-up lap. Just as well. I lined up in the second row. After instructions, off we went.
So, with my bike and wheels loaded we set off for home, but decided to detour and hit our Wheel Fast sponsor, Two Brothers Brewing. They opened their new restaurant Two Brothers Tap House recently and it was good to grab a great meal after the race and support Wheel Fast Racing's beer sponsor. We took home a growler of The Bitter End to drink later. I had the mac & cheese with ham and a pint of Bitter End while Kim had the Veggie Delight with sweet potato fries along with a pint of their cask-conditioned ale. The food has always been great, the service friendly, and beer without a doubt is fabulous! So,