Hayward, WI 9/15-9/16, 2012
Every year when the weather starts to turn cold, most cyclists think it’s time to pack things up and call it a season. But for those special few that get in, they start to get excited because they know the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival is just around the corner.
This year was different however as warm temperatures greeted some 2500+ lucky riders ready to take on the challenge of either the 40 miles or 16 mile point to point races.
The morning was chilly, but few riders had long sleeves or even vest on as the sun began to warm the earth and nervous legs warmed up. When the gun finally went off at 10am and the traditional parade down Main Street got underway, riders started trying to move up. The tension began to build as it does every year and once the 4 ATVs pulled off, the attacks came fast and heavy. But the strong wind kept the group together and nervous. A few small pile ups were reported, but most of the field made it through and into Rosie’s field.
To go along with the warm weather, the course was remarkably dry except for a few deep puddles that riders have come to expect regardless of weather or pre-race conditions. The dry conditions made the traditional separations in Rosie’s field all the more intense as a large group of about 30 broke away from the main group. Included in this group were Bryan Fosler and Joseph Maloney.
Joe Maloney Chequamegon 2012
As the miles ticked by and the legs grew tired, that group split into many with riders all over the front end of the course. By the end of the 40 miles epic, the team had a lot to be proud of. We put 6 riders in the top 100, and 2 in the top 25. Bryan Fosler put in an amazing ride for 20th, getting a spot on the overall podium and Joe just squeaked in in 25th.
Full results available at http://www.itiming.com/
Sunday’s events featured the Cable Crit Cross. A hybrid between a short track race and a Cyclocross race. Riders qualify and are separated into a final and a semi-final. Joe Maloney took top honors in both qualifying and the men’s final.
Full report is available at http://www.skinnyski.com/
From left to right: Mike Wenzel, Joe Maloney, Tyson Hausdoerffer, Kevin Pomasl, Bryan Fosler, Dave Eckel, Tim Racette.