First off, thanks to Donna Fischer and everyone at Wigwam. Lots of people ask how we can do the things we do with the race and they are the answer. Without them we would be at half speed. We hope everyone enjoys their pair of socks and realize how superior their products are. Also, it was great to see the local shops attend, it added to the atmosphere for sure and I hope we all can build on it. Thanks to Harley from Wolfs Cycle, Tony from Bike & Ski, Josh from Backdoor Bike Shop, and Jim and Bill from Bicycleworks. Again, thanks to you all for helping and attending.

Thanks to all the riders, without you guys we would be home cutting the grass or watching TV. We (almost) have just as much fun doing the race as you guys riding it  and that's the truth. As far as help and volunteers, I was amazed on how everyone came out of the woodwork to get the job done. To be honest, this race thing kinda runs itself, so to speak. Some of these workers just show up on raceday and start doing what they do without any influence from me whatsoever. This thing has been going for 10 years now, and I have only been (direcly) involved for three, and every year the same guys and gals show up and do the same functions they have been doing for many years and I credit that to long time promoter Brett Edgerle. He had this ship running very smoothly for many years and it just kinda keeps going that way. To be honest, I have just returned from the banquet and Director Meetings, and even though our race is known to one of the best organized, I have great respect for the directors  who builds a race at a new venue, from scratch. Guys and Gals like that are the real heroes and work harder than I do.

Thanks to Tinker for showing up again. His presence make the day just a little cooler. He is a great ambassador to our sport, and as his presence has always been somewhat of a issue with the club and even some other riders. And while his age (sorry Tinker) has him a step or two behind the young guys, his performance was stellar. As I write this was informed he won the 24\solo in Moab against pro riders half his age. Unbelievable. It was very obvious he came on strong later in our race.

While all you riders and racers wonder what you are going to do this fall, we are already working on next year. Each years it gets a little tougher to try to make the weekend bigger and better but I am sure we will do just that. Our 2004 race will be on Oct 10th, and will also be a NORBA American Mountain Bike Challenge (AMBC) race. The 2004 NORBA\WORS partnership will make Wisconsin racing again the best in the country. We cant wait.

Congrats to all the local riders who did well in the race and there was a bunch. From expert to citizen, we again had a good showing from our local riders. Thank you all. I cannot begin to name all who makes this go as the number of names would be in the 50 or 60 range, but thanks to all the "old" helpers who show up every year to do what it is you do, and a special thanks to all the first timers ( you know who you are) who had there first taste of "race running". I will change one thing next year, I wont limit myself to one area as I did, so I can get around and see more. I never got to cross the road all day.

I won't forget our "contractors" who do such a good job this year. The Moose Lodge for all the food. The Boy Scouts Troop 801 for parking the cars. The Sheboygan Coast Guard for hanging out in the quarry, just in case. I wonder if they are getting bored as no one has ever went over the edge during the race (knock on wood). And the Red Cross who always does a excellent job fixing up all the riders boo-boo's. And way to go on saving the life of one heart attack victim! He is a lucky man to have fallen 30 yards from you guys.

In closing, see you all on the trails and at the races next year. Happy Holidays to all!

Dano and all the Fat Kats.