Todd, Wendy, Jeff, John, and Emma Kate got together on Friday afternoon to conduct a little course recon. We all rode out about three miles from the finish line and rode the course back in order to dial in the new finish area.
Later Friday night we all met at Peepeo’s Tavern for a pre-race dinner and to sort out start line logistics. I must say that Peepeo’s was a great recommendation by Todd and will more than likely become our place of choice for pre- Iceman dinners from here on out.
Saturday morning arrived along with some super cold temps. We all met at the school house (our Iceman HQ) and caravanned to Kalkaska for the start. Once at the start we pretty much spent our time trying to get our clothing choices figured out. For some of us this was easy as our other clothes were 27 miles away and not readily accessible (oh well).
We all took off in our respective waves, with Emma Kate leading the way next up was Jimmie, then Jeff and Melissa took to the course. John followed with Todd and Wendy ending the day for Mom and Pop racing in wave 32.
Everyone pretty much agreed that the course was fast in areas and slow in others but overall was pretty good considering it warmed up and turned much of the single track to mud the consistency of peanut butter.
Mom and Pop made had an excellent showing with Jimmie pounding out a first place finish in the Men’s 37 category. Wendy took second in the Women’s Single Speed class. Todd pedaled his way to 34th in the Men’s under 39 Single Speed group. Jeff finished 37th in the over 40 Clydesdale class. Emma Kate, Melissa, Ryan, and Katherine each took 7th place in Women’s MYC 12-18, Women’ 30-34, Slush Cup Men 10 and under, and Slush Cup Women 10 and under. While I’m giving props to our racers I need to thank my mom for cooking, my wife for shuttling me around and cooking, and Sarah for helping move kids around, they are a huge part of our racing effort.
All in all it was a great showing by our little team. Everyone enjoyed themselves and had a great time.
After we watched and cheered the pro race on at the finish it was off to the School House to prepare the rest of the food and beverages for the after party. Roughly 40 of our friends showed up and shared in a pasta dinner and home made chicken noodle soup. We shared stories about our individual races over some ice cold Original Gravity Amber and IPA. We even talked about next season and began plans for filling out our 2011 roster.
Once again it was a great ending to a great race and an even greater season.
Again, I want to thank Brad at the Original Gravity Brewing Company, Tom and Vicki at the Zilke Vegetable Farm, Jimmie at Midwest Wheelsmith and our “Moms and Pops” for all of their support, without them Mom and Pop racing would not exist.
Watch for our 2011 roster and sponsor announcements in the near future!!!
