Chequamegon

After missing last year’s Chequamegon Fat Tire Fest, and the Birke, pre-Birke, North End Classic, Seeley Pre-Fat, etc... well, just say it’s been a while since we’ve been to the Hayward area.

The Fat Tire Fest is generally the kickoff for Fall for us, and the end of the serious riding season. After having a great time at the event, maybe we’ll look for some ways to extend our season.

Saturday, Short and Fat. Or as my buddy Tom says, “Short and Smart”. Frost at the start! Knocked it off pretty well seeing as I hadn’t ridden for 10 days or so and really haven’t been mountain biking much at all. No big incidents, though I could have taken out a guy that stopped in the smack middle of a narrow single track section around mile 13. Don’t worry buddy, there’s only me and 700 others behind me hell bent for the finish. 113^th overall (of 850), 6^th in age class. It pays to get older.

I didn’t hold out great hopes for Sunday, the bike orienteering Rough Stuff Rendezvous. I hadn’t seen the course or the maps for a couple of years. So I relaxed, enjoyed myself, tried to be efficient, picked the optimal route and did very well. Only really blew the third control, rode right by my turnoff and had to double back, losing 3 or 4 minutes. Rode along with eventual winner John Manders for a couple of controls, very nice. I’d do this every weekend if I could! 6^th overall, first in class and some nice swag.

Barb doing the Klunker Toss. Those Schwinn Varsity's are HEAVY.

And if you're wondering why I don't do the Critierium instead of the Rendezvous...