Yankee...............

On the weekend we headed out early to the western side of Michigan for the Yankee Springs Time Trial. It was the usual suspects, Jay (driving), Kim (crabby and sleeping), Pak (pretending he was awake) and for the first time Adam McClounie. Adam is a long time cyclist that runs the Bike Sabbath Winter Ride Challenge Series in Windsor.

This is my second time riding Yankee. The first was at last year’s time trial. I didn’t remember much about the course other than I didn’t ride all that well but had fun nonetheless.

I was seriously considering racing the Paris to Ancaster instead of Yankee but figured I should get more time in the single track on the new bike. The first of the Ontario Cups is only a week away. Yankee is all single-track and well, the Paris to Ancaster not so much.We arrived at the venue really early, too early and waited in the van trying to stay warm. It was cold but the skies were clear which from inside the van made it appear warmer than it actually was. The day was already shaping up to be better than last year!

I pre-registered the day before the race which is unusual for me to commit. Normally I’d rather wait until I get to the venue just in case plans change and for some reason can’t make it. By registering late it put me near the back of the expert men and expert women’s fields. In a time trial sometimes this can work for you but more often than not it can work against you depending on how well everyone is moving up front. Like I already said Yankee is all single-track so safe passes can be an issue but Yankee is a 36km race so there should be plenty of trail to string the riders out.

At the start we left two at a time in 15 second intervals. The beginning of the course is smooth and flowy. I like! This lasted about ten or so minutes which gave me some time to get the legs warmed up. From there some small climbs started popping up and the ground became a little sandier. By half way I had passed some of the other women and was closing in on what I expected to be the leaders. It was Katerina Machacova (Fraser Bikes) and Tara Jansen (Farm Team Racing). They were moving at a nice pace and I eased in behind and rode for bit. The expert guys were pretty good about letting us through and when they weren’t Katerina made sure they heard about it. :o) On one occasion Katerina and another rider came together as the trail narrowed and we all bit it. We were all ok. I got up readjusted the brake lever, fixed the chain and got going again. About three quarters through the first lap I passed Katerina, and she grabbed on. We rode pretty much that way for the remainder of the race until I botched a climb and she moved in front. Shortly afterwards I passed her back and that’s how we crossed the finish line.  Women's top 3 - Sue Stephens (Bells/Quiring) 1st, Katerina Machacova 2nd (Fraser Bikes), Erin Disterhaft (Team Billy's) 3rd.  (Full results)
It was a good race to start the season off with. The new bike feels good and it is so much fun to ride. I was surprised to see Scott Quiring at the race. He was out on his custom motor assisted bicycle! Funny he didn’t offer a motor on my frame?!

After a small mechanical, my team-mate John Meyers pulled off a strong 7th. Pak had a good race with his new ride. This was Kim’s first race back after being injured by a drunk driver (last year). She is stronger than ever. Adam flatted on his first lap, however changed it quick enough to have a respectable finish.

Before heading home, we made our way to the Bell’s Brewery General Store, had lunch and a couple of beers at the Eccentric Café. Delicious!! We stopped by the general store to pick up a case of Oberon for next weekend and some Bell’s swag. Good times!

The race was well organized and the trail was in great shape. Props to the MMBA Western Chapter. Of course, a small payout would be nice for the top finishers.

Paris to Ancaster or Yankee Springs?? See you at Yankee next year!!!!!

Cheers,

Sue