Rollin in Cedar Falls

Sunday was the last roller race of the season, and the results of the series state championship race were to be finalized. Because of this, there was a great turnout in cedar falls, as three members of the harper cycling team piled into the new team van with ambitions of taking back three state championship medals. Pictured below is Bill Harper making his contribution to the team's effort by removing ice from the windshield at 8:30am that morning.

I was the first to ride. Everyone's times were seemingly above their usual, so I aimed to at least beat my personal record of 5:25. And, that I did, with a 5:18. I recieved a small round of applause because that was the fastest time of the day, at that point. As you can see by the picture, participating in this event puts one 'in a spot of bother'. Unfortunately, Shawn Loomis later showed up and not only bettered my time, but broke the state record with a 5:03. I ended up 2nd in the Cat 4 and overall.

John Sulzberger went next, he was hoping for a sub 6 minute ride, which would have been 20 seconds faster than his personal record. A lofty ambition, however the Cedar Falls rec center had a sauna, so he used it to 'warm-up' without taxing his leg muscles... hmm maybe he was on to something. He grinded out a 6:09, good for second in his category 5 event.

Next was Greg Harper. For his warm-up he elected to turn the rollers around and point them toward the mirror. In this way he was able to stare directly at the coolest bike racer he knows for inspiration, while allowing onlookers a great shot of the melon on his rear.

He stayed consistent with a 5:44, good for second in his Masters 40+ category.

For the State Champs results we took home three medals:

Chad Bishop - Silver - Cat 4

John Sulzberger - Silver - Cat 5

Greg Harper - Bronze - 40+

Bill Ford's name was called as the 'virtual' bronze medal in the cat 4, unfortunately he actually resides and Illinois, a fact of which Ric Paulos is now aware of (after being duped last year), so no medal for Bill. Maybe he will get an Illinois state champ medal this year?

So, all of the pain and suffering was worth it, as you can see from the proud look on teddy's face as he adorns the silver medal I brought home. I got a Gold and a Bronze one of these last year, so this Silver one completes the set.

Our team has now got a great start in the State Championship Team Event, with a couple of more medals to come in future events.

March will begin the outside training, but for this week, I am still rollin along in the basement.