2010 Wausau24 – 12 Solo – 3rd Place

Posted by joel on August 2, 2010

The [ Wausau24 ] event for 2010 was “inaugural” in name only. For those of you that don’t know, in years past, the event went by “24 / 9″. After changing ownership twice in the past two years, newest management understands the proper way of running this event; start with local support and keep a grass roots feel.

The Wausau24 is a focal point on my schedule every year. I enjoy the venue, atmosphere, course, pretty much everything about it. This year’s course was a deviation over years past in that it was shortened by a about three to five miles. In my opinion, having a slightly shorter course works to a riders advantage in timing water, eating, pitting, etc.

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This year, my goal was to ride 12 hour solo and obtain a podium position. Using the WEMS Series as a training mechanism for mileage and duration, I felt my goal was obtainable considering I placed 2nd and 7th in the WEMS races leading up to the Wausau24.

The race started at 10am and I rode the first three laps and felt Ok. After the third lap, Beth and Gavin showed up and had to hang out in the pits for a while. Most of this pit time was to help Gavin ring the cow bell as riders went by. It is amazing how a little pick-me-up like that helps to motivate during a long race. The riders passing him smiled and thanked him on numerous occasions. One rider gave him a high five as he passed!

As the race progressed I dropped to fourth place for while as I enjoyed family time in the pits. After spending a good part of the afternoon in the pits, Beth and Gavin went home. Though, after hearing the results at the next split I knew it was time to get back to the business at hand. I proceeded to get my 3rd place spot back and maintained it for the remainder of the day.

In late afternoon my dad stopped by to help support me the remainder of the day. Any and all help was much appreciated!

After wrapping up my day with 12 laps (one off the lead), 3rd place, and 132 miles, I felt I had a great day.