It took 3 years, but the bike messengers of Middle Earth finally destroyed the chainring (aka "my precious") that threatened to end life as we know it.
Surviving perilous climbs, slippery descents, crashing waves, driving rain and hail (yes, hail), four vicious Nazguls, a sadistic race organizer, and a shitload of insane out-of-town drivers, 41 cyclists took up the challenge to deliver the evil chainring to Mt. Doom (the State Capitol, where else?).
Leading the way were Jon Kendziera (Madison, 1st overall) and Tim Hayes ("Super Rookie," Mpls, 1st out-of-town), with a time of 3:09 (minus 69 bonus minutes). John Braun (Madison) was 3rd overall with a time of 3:30 (minus 73 bonus minutes). Mike Morell (Chicago) took 2nd place out-of-town, and John Brown (Stevens Point) took 3rd place out of town.
Julie Eisenhardt (DC) won the crown of 1st female with a time of 3:33 (minus 24 bonus minutes); Lesley Reynolds (Madison) took 2nd female, and April Williamson (Madison) took 3rd female.
Finally, the newly anointed "Lard of the Chainrings" (DFL) is Matt Olson of Madison. All finishers are below:
1. Jon Kendziera--Madison--2 hours
2. Tim Hayes--Minneapolis--2 hours
3. John Braun--Madison--2:16
4. Mike Morell--Chicago--2:32
5. Kevin Walsh--Madison--2:47
6. John Brown--Stevens Point--2:49
7. Chris Anderson--Minneapolis--3:02
8. Geoff Jara-Almonte and Scott Eisenhardt--Madison--3:08
10. Julie Eisenhardt--DC--3:09
11. Matt Gall and Mark Sundlin--Madison--3:12
12. Jason Sanchez--Milwaukee--3:13
14. Lesley Reynolds--Madison--3:27
15. Todd Anderson--Madison--3:30
The riders missing just one checkpoint were: Chris W.S., Ben Hunter, Ian Mevis, Rick Cathcart, April Williamson, Sam Ozer, Jonny Hunter, and Matt Olson (all from Madison).
John Braun (Madison) won stands, and Kevin Wehr (Sacramento) took skids. And mad props to J.B. for doing all this AND GRADUATING that day!
The next day, the Madison bike polo team of Kevin Walsh and the Hunter Brothers proved unstoppable! Keep an eye on these guys! They're fucking insane!
Jason Sanchez won the Jonny Cycles raffle. Lucky double-zeroes.
$75 each was raised for the Bicycle Messenger Emergency Fund and for Freewheel Community Bicycle Workshop.
Breakfast from the Catacombs kicked fucking ass!
Many thanks to all the sponsors: Jonny Cycles, Scram Couriers, Under the Weather, Chrome, Kryptonite, Surly, Planet Bike, Revolution Cycles, Budget Bicycle Center, Just Coffee, and the Catacombs Coffee House.
Many, many, many, many thanks to all the volunteers who made this event possible:
Jillian and Kevin above all else, Jeff at Revolution, Mike at Just Coffee, Don Vasha for the brew, Ben, Jonny, Laura, Tim and Mary and everyone else at the Catacombs, Jackie, Debby, Paul and Mary, Matt, Victoria, Kerry, Sarah, Sandy, and the rest of the Freewheel crew. You all are amazing!
Throwing in the towel,
Peter