Dairyland Tour

GeeVs has taken up road-racing. For a PauPs who's kind of sort of always dreamed about doing it, but never hutspahed himself up to it, these are proud, and envious, times. But mostly it's just awesome! This past weekend M and I headed over to Wisconsin to catch a couple of her races in the Tour of America's Dairyland. Before we got there she competed in two road races, on Wed. and Thurs. and placed 10th both days. On Friday's criterium she crashed out on the last lap, when she got tangled up with other racers who were being lapped. 

On Saturday's Downer Classic criterium, racing near the lake and the university in Milwaukee, she placed 26th out of 48 finishers (59 started) - she went out a bit soon to take the lead for the second last lap, but couldn't hold it. 

The start

Coming into a corner

Cornering with the group

Exiting the corner

Out front

On Sunday's East Tosa Gran Prix criterium, in Wauwatosa (a community just outside of Milwaukee) she raced better tactically, staying in the pack at 5th to 8th wheel, rather spending time and energy our front. The result was a little better, 21st.

Up the hill to the start - finish

Digging deep in the sprint

Overall, having raced in only 5 of the 11 races, she placed 26th overall, out of a field of 55. Not bad for having only raced in 5 criteriums total, in her life. There is a lot to learn, and the only way to learn is to race more. Which can be a challenge if you're a women who wants to race road, in Manitoba. 

All in all it was a fine experience. We enjoyed Wisconsin hospitality - these are the sorts of Americans that a person could get used to - and the food. And we watched some people riding their bikes like they meant it. Pretty sweet. 

Debriefing after the race

What Would Jesus Drive? If he was in Minneapolis, it would be this.