Ah, the Trek 100. Perhaps the only charity ride most racers will ever do in their lives, but a great event nonetheless. Thousands of cyclists with significantly different ability levels, from top Midwest racers to once-a-year riders, all sharing the back roads of Wisconsin in an orchestrated effort to raise money for the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer Fund. This year was the 20th annual Trek 100 Ride for Hope, which took place on June 6th in Waterloo, WI at the Trek Headquarters. Each rider is responsible for raising money based on the distance they plan to ride. Distances range from 19 miles to a full century.
Because of the Wisconsin state road race the next day, Wheaton opted to ride the more modest 36-mile route as a team. The first wave of charity riders rolled out under threatening skies at about 7:45 am. Most riders in this group were aiming for the full 100 miles or the 62 mile route. Wheaton gathered in the lot just before 9 am, and, after muscling down our final mouthfuls of bagels and coffee, hit the road. Leaving in-between the early group and the late group allowed Wheaton plenty of space on the road and the chance to enjoy each other’s company without having to constantly say, “On your left”.
From the first pedal stroke, Dave Eckel team President and Coach of the Cat 3 development squad, decided it was on. We took off out of the parking lot like we were hammering the Stage 12 TTT at the Tour de France. Immediately, my heart rate was about 195 and all I could think about was the RPE scale and how Dave was going to have to modify it 
from 1-10 to 1-11… or even 12. The description would read something like, “Supreme, Maximal, Super Crazy I’m Not Warmed Up At All And We’re Going Way Too Hard Right Now Effort”. About 10 minutes in, Dave pulled off the front and everyone could relax a bit.
Eventually, I stopped feeling sorry for myself and moved to the front with teammate Jon Cook. (The other long-haired child) Once at the front, I immediately realized why Dave was drilling it. There was a non-Wheaton rider, dressed in plain black shorts and a blue jersey off the front of the group. And he was staying away! He kept looking back, and then putting his head down, burying himself trying to open the gap on the team. What an effort! Of course, Cook and I just couldn’t let it go, so we had to pick back up where Dave left off. Finally, we caught the courageous rider, and he was quickly and decidedly shot out the back of our group.
From there, we rode leisurely, stopping at the first feed area and grabbing some snacks. The rest of the ride involved pacelining…kind of, which then evolved to attacking each other and pretty much racing. It was all in good fun, though. And, in true style, Nick Frye edged out Dave for the Waterloo town sprint sign at the end of the ride. Nick did this all while sipping espresso and adjusting his white knee warmers at the same time. What an animal!
Post ride, we all sat around and tanked up on the great Mexican food that was provided. The rain held off pretty much all day, and despite the cold, it was a great day of riding, eating, and team camaraderie. The Trek 100 is always a great ride, and I look forward to it every year. Congrats to Doug Waumbach, Mike Martinsen, Jim Saueressig, John Grisa, Chris Sauer, Jason Kayzor, and Greg Francken for completing the 100 mile course!
Overall, Team Wheaton raised over $5,000 to support the MACC Fund. All of us know familys and friends impacted by cancer and so we feel good to have played a small part in raising some funds to continue the fight.