Woodstock, IL

The Prairie State Cycling Series started August 20th and went through the 27th.  8 Races over 10 Days.

All around Chicago in small suburbs to host the exciting crit races that over took the streets for the afternoon.  The first 3 races were fun and fast as Colavita dominated with team tactics to get Erica Allar on the top of the podium.  The second day, Lake Bluff, was the tough NCC race and I went for a solo attack that later got sucked up with a lap to go and not much left for the sprint.  The third race in Crystal Lake was much more positive with an 8th place finish in the group sprint.

Big thanks to Jim Michler for all his support during the series

That evening after Sunday’s race at Crystal Lake I flew out to Salt Lake City for the Scott Meeting, our sponsors big dealer and rep event of the year.  It was 2 days of lux hotel, test riding road and mountain bikes, and meeting other athletes and dealers.  It was great to connect with our sponsor and give back for all the support they have provided us.  Deer Valley, Utah was a beautiful spot in the mountains with amazing riding and beautiful views.

Scott week!!!

Fellow Scott athlete Lesley Paterson

View from the top

Wednesday morning I flew back to Chicago and drove straight to the next race, the road race in Willow Springs.  I broke away with 2 other riders but we got swept back by Tibco and it came down to the final finishing stretch.  The next days race in Beverly was more exciting as I unfortunately missed the 3 person break but after a couple mechanical near crashes managed to break off and stay away for 4th.  The next couple races I kept on the offensive and was aggressive by attacking and looking to break.  A couple managed to get out but were pulled back in and had to sprint in the group finish.

Then the last day it all came together.  It was a crazy race as about 15 minutes in a dog went walking right into the middle of the race, it freaked out and froze in the street which was unfortunately right in front of me and I barely stayed up while going over the poor pooch.  I really hope it’s ok.  After that I went to the pit so I could get back into the race and had to chase back on as the pack was split up.  Then once back on the front, a lap later, I went on the attack and got away with Morgan Brown.  We stuck it all the way to the end, finished with over a minute gap.  I attacked her with a lap to go, knowing she’s a stronger sprinter, but wasn’t able to gap and as the final stretch came she turned on the speed and I couldn’t match.  We put in a lot of work together and even though I wanted the first place, I respect her taking the win.

Finished 10th overall in the General Classification of the omnium,

Breakaway with Morgan Brown

Downers Grove Podium

Pic with Tina Pic, an amazing cyclist 🙂

It was a great series and I had a lot of fun staying with friends and meeting new ones in Chicago.  Great place to race and I definitely hope to come back next year for more crit racing.

Saw the Bean, got my postcard, and tried some deep dish pizza … chicago trip = success

Now I’m in Denver, on a sort of lay-over before I head to Salt Lake City on Saturday for a couple races.  In Cedar City for the Cedar City Grand Prix Crit on Aug 4th, and then a circuit race in Salt Lake City on Aug 6th, that will be in conjunction with the men’s Tour of Utah race.