August 15, 2022

Time Trial Results - August 15, 2022

By the Skin of their Teeth....

...and the hair of their chinny-chin--chin - That's the margin of separation in time and points between Jack Wright and Eric Hansen tonight. Jack beats Eric by 0.4 seconds tonight, gaining some points on Eric in the points contest. (When I tell you to keep pedaling all the way across the line, there's a reason!! - 'nuff said-) Jack and Eric are in a "battle royal" for 3rd place in the now very popular Men 65+ category, with Eric leading Jack by JUST 2 points going into the last 2 weeks (Eric= 32 points, Jack= 34 points). Another 3rd place finish by Jack next week, and he'll replace another one of his 5th place finishes with a 3rd, and gain another 2 points. Eric has to have a 3rd place finish himself just to barely stay ahead of Jack. It's possible they'll be tied, or close to tied, on August 29th entering the last TT of the year. Stand back, because there will be fireworks for a spot on the podium!

We had a few people AWOL tonight, and for good reason. Culminating races last weekend included Ore to Shore, Michigan Titanium Triathlon, and the State Time Trial Championships. I have no report on Ore to Shore, but I know Shane and Heather Wiersma, possibly Michelle Perna too, are recovering from that epic MTB race. Ed Gilde, being a true Ironman, competed in the Michigan Titanium at the Olympic distance, I believe, and still came out tonight! However, Dave Hietikko's story is quite amazing, in that he won his age division at the State TT Championships by just 40 seconds. Even more amazing was that he had a fast enough time to have placed 3rd in the regular Men's Cat 1/2 AND beat all the times of the rest of the Men's Master categories (age 35+ and up). It's a well deserved feat, and Dave owes his success to the Ada Time Trials - Builder of Champions!

Speaking of Champions, Tom Burke, former State Men's overall TT Champion, finally put his mark on the Ada Time Trials with a record setting performance tonight in the Cyclocross category with an excellent 36:02 time, eclipsing Chris Ostberg's 2019 time by 14 seconds. After the ride tonight, Tom admitted "..it was not easy. I was hoping to break 36 minutes, averaging about 25 mph, but all I could do was about 24.5 mph". I looked at his rig before he left, and truly he had the right sized 32mm knobby tires, just like he would do for normal CX racing. Combine that with chip seal pave', and he had anything but a smooth ride. A very well deserved result!!

REMINDER: We will be having our Year-end Celebration at Vitales Pizza at 7:30 on August 29th. FREE PIZZA for anyone who rode or volunteered at the TTs. Bring a significant other if you like. 

Time Trial Results 

Points Contest thru 8-15-2022