I have posted 136 pictures to wooljersey (Thank You again, Morgon) This year we had a pretty big contingent and were able to meet a number of CR members from Europe as well. With some late entrys there were 2400 riders , some 900 more than last year (900 equals the events total number of entrys 3 years ago.) I believe a great time was had by all (riders and non riders alike) This year the addition of the Pro race changed things a little , with more press present for Sunday and lots of tents in the square.The start which had always been a mass type was changed to groups of 300 starting 15 minutes apart beginning at 8:30 AM.We lined up at 7:30 and rolled out with the first group . This year with 3 months of training behind me I felt very strong on the flat and gentle grades but still slowed on the hills .After the Restoro (feeding station at 50km or so) I was slowed by a tweaked rear wheel (this was the same wheel that had been damaged in shipment to the event 3 years ago and though it seemed to straighten up OK, the rim slowly gave up the ghost as it took a pounding on the washboard sections and the couple times I did flat track turns on the dirt downhills) Also someone please remind my why I took the non topic brake pads off the Universal 68s and reinstalled 30 year old petrified original short Universal brake pads in their place.The squealing on the fast downhills was incredible (and Ken thought that was his Mafacs!) The whole 75km contingent rode with me at one part or another and as I say every year its riding with the people that is the most fun and this year was not different as I had many conversations along the way even if it was "I dont speak Italian" I think Dave Martinez summed it up perfectly when he said "I didnt want it to end"
BOB FREITAS
raining in MILL VALLEY, CA USA
http://www.wooljersey.com/