POST RACE 2005

Another one in the books! Same old-same old? A year like all the others? I say not. Every year I say this whole thing runs itself, and all the procedures were set before I got here. Well, throw that out the window because with all the changes and new aspects this was by far the toughest race I have ever directed. It seems we started from scratch with a lot of issues and I have a newfound respect for all directors who have dealt with start up.

Why you ask? How can that be? This race has been run over 10 years now, and many of the "old fatkats" are still with us today. Involved every year since its inception ( which was before WORS) is Brett Edgerle, Rob Boldt and Dan Luman. These guys, along with others, have starting this thing and remain involved to this day. These are the guys I go to when I need some old school advice and deserve a "atta boy". Then Cliff Henning. Cliff is our trail guru and is responsible for designing the new changes in the course. He also single handedly cut the grass in the park all summer long. When anyone told me " nice course" they were talking to Cliff. (I did have a little to do with it tho...).

And how about that raffle. Free use of a car! Are you kidding me! Plus a bike and a rack and more. You must thank Rob Boldt for that. He is a wiz at rounding up sponsors and donated a ton of stuff from his own shop (BikenSki). Thanks Rob, you added to this event a ton! As some of you could tell, I have a blast doing the awards and raffle. (Directors Note: If anyone needs help with awards at their event, I would be happy to do so, however, would need complete creative control).

Other core members include Brian Krajanik, Steve Manthey, Karl Hendricks, Rich Uttech and Doc Ries. These guys are at every meeting and have specific duties toward the race (Karl is the smokin man!). Then, to all the volunteers who show up and help out, thanks a ton! We could not do this with out you! There is way to many of you to mention but I must throw one name out, thanks to Connie Holcomb for running the kids race. It is very helpful to not have to worry about a specific issue all weekend, and that is just what she did! It was also good to see a few new faces this year!

Then there is Team Wisconsin. I cant say enough about Jeremy and crew. How about that raking job they did on Saturday? It was flippin sweet! ( I was told the girls did a better job on the Quarry side, sorry guys). They also stand watch over the kids in Cit Youth and again, that's just is one more thing off my mind. I hope our affiliation with Team Wisconsin continues for a long time. I consider them part of our team, and personal friends.

This year we implemented a lot of changes and it did make this year a little tougher on me. Our "spectator central" was a huge success. Thanks to all who helped me make that a reality. This is one aspect that I promise to grow. We do need to grow our sport and that starts with trying to reach the public. Bigger and better next year! I have had many Pro's comment that our event has a "NORBA National" feel to it. And how about those cheerleaders! (That was my idea!!)  We have already started planning for next year and I promise bigger and better. How, you ask? You will have to find out next year.

Congrats to Tristan Schouten for taking home the money. And by over a minute! Its been a while since a local won our race and he picked the right time to do so. Also congrats to Sara Kylander-Johnson for winning the girls money. She sure had to work for it and did an excellent job! However, when you guys (and gals) cash those checks please keep in mind that it is because of Wigwam that those check don't bounce. If fact, we were as a club deciding to cut that purse due to all the added expense spectator central was gong to be and Wigwam was having none of that. They specifically kicked in the cash to hand to you riders. Send them a email, write them a letter, let them know we all appreciate what they do for us. And buy their socks. Say hi to Donna at DonnaFischer@wigwam.com

That's about it. Thank you to all involved, our sponsors, the riders, the bands, the gorilla, all that helped out that I didn't know or see, to "The Don" who helped me out a ton after the race, the two VP riders, the girls in registration, the fence crew, the City of Sheboygan, the South High JV Cheerleaders, the Muddy Cup (those chocolate\carmel things were awesome), and to anyone else I forgot to mention. See you at the banquet!

Thus concludes the Wigwam\Ultimax MTB Challenge for 2005.

D A N O                                                 HOMEPAGE