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Post race thoughts and thanks.

Another year here and gone, the weekend went by so fast. Perfect weather and course conditions made this one the best in a long time. I write this on Wednesday nite and I feel like I still have not caught up on my sleep yet. The whole weekend seems one big blur but I do remember getting to the park at about 5:15am on Sunday, and walking down to the quarry. Its was just starting to get light and the steam was rolling off the water. The geese were everywhere and I just took some time to relax a little. Kinda like the calm before the storm.

This event is really why we are a club. Yes, we ride. And yes, we contribute to other causes. But 70 percent of what we do points to this race or events that affect this race. I have it so easy compared to the other race directors. Most of the stuff runs itself and the mechanics of most of the race issues have been in place for years. Way before I got here. A majority of race issues are handled by the "core" members. These guys come to all the meetings every month and know what they need to do every year. For the most part I just watch.

It has been policy never to name anyone because you always forget that there are so many people involved to help pull this off. So I just want to thank all the club members who do the things they do. You guys made me look good. But you made the club look good also.

I will, however, name two, lets say, organizations who helped out a ton this year. First off, I want to thank the Holcomb family. From marking, to fencing, to running the kids race, you guys were great. And that video was way cool! And, I would like to thank Team Wisconsin for coming in this year. Sweeping the entire course on Saturday, Helping the kids in Cit Youth, and then clean up. You guys are the coolest team by far! And I have to mention our new folk hero, Karl, who's antics on the equalizer are now being heard around the world. Karl, thanks for all the help and I invite you to stand on the hill next year.

The racing was awesome this year. From Cit to Elite. Everybody was just flying around the course. Congrats to Doug Swanson for taking home the win and cash. And to 2004 series champ Brian Matter. He ran a pretty smart race by doing just what he needed to do. We had tons of local riders on the podium and that most likely due to the 700 laps they put in all summer. Congrats to all medal winners.

And now Wigwam, these people are the reason we do the things we can do. All you Elite who took home cash, thank Wigwam. Everyone who grabbed 5 bucks from Crazy Karl, thank Wigwam. When you put on your new socks for the first time, thank Wigwam. And go out and get a few more pair because those socks are the best you can buy. I wear nothing but Wigwam. Every day. Soon we will meet with them to discuss 2005 and they have indicated that it will be bigger and better, so mark Oct. 9th, 2005 on your calendar! We will again be a national AMBC race.

Thanks to Bicycleworks LLC, the local shop in Sheboygan Falls, for the Sprint preem. They do are great job, and are getting better at it every year. Stop in and thank them someday. Thanks to Bike N Ski, local shop in Sheboygan, for all the raffle stuff and for letting us meet there every month. Thanks to Wolf's Cycle and Fitness, also in Sheboygan, for the raffle stuff and for helping out in the finish line. Stop in and thanks Harley for all he does. Thanks to PCW for the raffle stuff. Rob Boldt and this organization does more for local cycling than anyone. Bar none.

And our venders. Thanks to Boy Scout Troop 801 for the car parking. As usual they do such a good job I never have to think about it. Thanks to the Moose Lodge for all the food. Again, these guys and gals come in and do what they do. I never give the issue a second thought.

Next year will be my third year as race director, and it seems to get easier every year. But you must remember, I only organize things. Its the club and its members and the volunteers who get it done. Then I get all the glory. So please push most of the glory to those guys and gals, (and I will take what's left).

Thanks to Don and WORS who treat their directors like one of there own. Don helps out with many behind the scene issues that most don't ever see.

Typing this letter puts the official "close" to the 2004 race for me. And in a week or two will start planning for 2005. I cant wait!

See ya at the banquet!

D A N O and all the Fat Kats.