Hanson Hills Challenge Recap

As I was awaking from my slumber I could hear the rain pouring on the roof. The sound was so intense that I could hear it over my window air conditioner. I thought right then....just stay in bed. Instead I got up and checked the weather while waiting to hear back from Nate and Matt. Knowing Matt was pre-registered I figured he would go regardless. The weather looked like it would clear, so I loaded up in the rain. I put The D.U.F.F. inside the suburban and started the journey north. 

It was raining the whole way to Grand Rapids. I pulled off the highway and we loaded 2 more bikes in the suburban before continuing the long jaunt to Grayling. The rain let up as we got north of Grand Rapids and we traveled along the edge of the dry line the whole way to Kalkaska. The trip up was uneventful, which is always good. We rolled into Hanson Hills just after 9am and started to get the lay of the land. 

First indicator, the area looked like Cannonsburg Ski area, just a bit longer and taller. The temps were in the mid 50's and the sky was super grey, but no rain was falling. Matt took off at 10, so Nate and I wandered around a bit while we waited for him to finish. 

Final descent to the finish area

Then it was our turn. I lined up with 6 other guys to start my 2 laps. I was feeling pretty relaxed and my plan was to jump on JC's wheel and see what happened. It was time to go and the group started toward the first climb. Pace was as expected, quick. I am not a fast starter so I just found my place toward the back and counted as we hit the single track. I was in 5th. So far so good....but a long way to go. 

The first climb is not as bad as I thought it would be...until it was. I stalled on the last steep section and had to walk the rest. JC rolled past putting me into 6th place. I jumped in behind him and figured I would hold on as long as I could. He was having a rough go today. Some adverse effects from some cold medicine. That helped me hold on! I rode on his wheel the whole first lap. I could feel that I was stronger on the climbs but I wanted to make sure I was actually feeling stronger, and not blow up only to get dumped on the second lap.

Photo by Jack Kunnen

JC and I passed the line together at the end of the first lap. He moved over and I took the lead. Once we hit the first climb I started to open a gap. I got to that same little kicker and had to get off. When I looked back I could see him coming, but I had no interest in waiting. I forged ahead with all I had. I kept looking over my shoulder, fully expecting to see JC coming, but nobody ever did. I rode alone for all but about a mile of that second lap. Climbing hills with what little power I had left. Then the wind started to pick up. I was trying to see the sky but it didn't look dark. The wind got gustier and then the rain started. A sprinkle at first. So I put down what power I had left to get to the finish. I saw the last climb and I was slowly making my way to the top when the skies opened. I bombed down a descent and then over the last rise before breaking out to the finish area. Head down, mashing the pedals and the rain just pouring. Not a warm rain, cold. I rounded the last corner and could hear the awesome troop of girl scouts cheering me on, so I stood and mashed to the finish line.

Not really caring where I finished at this point I rode right to the truck and we got the bikes inside. I changed and headed to check my finish. 5th place on a very tough course and a rival defeated (even if by medicine) made for a very good day on the bike for me. The ride home was long, but the day was well worth the trip. Nate finished 1st in his class, Matt took a solid 2nd in his class, and I cracked the top 5 for the first time in a long time. 

I did move into top 5 in CPS points as well. I know that will change, but if I can keep up the top finishes I might just be ok!