uncharted territory

Thats were it sent many misceners on this past Saturday morning. The Michigan Scene in whole asked for a event equal or greater than last years and what they got was the work of 3 stages wrapped into 1. The day left many questioning there fitness or solidifying the work done all winter. the day went off without too much of a hicup, nothing new to TOKV cars, casual cyclist, smokers throwin frisbee golf, and Skulls. just another day in metro park for us sceners.

written by MCG and edited by TMS

The Pro 1/2 race was super EXCITING to watch. Even with 100 miles to race a solid break of 8 consisting of State champions and other misc HIGHLY talented sceners, Dan Klein-WSC (breakaway specialist!), Tom Kachelmeyer-Giant, quiet and FAST Greg Christian-Turn, Peter Schilling-Priority Health, college upstart John Zaccone-South Lyon, Kyle Lake-WMCR, Rob Foshag-Saturn of Toledo, and Bart Carlson-WMCR escaped on the VERY FIRST LAP and and quickly had 30+ seconds on the chasers in one lap. A chase group of Cone Azalia winner/2005 state road champion Jeff Koch-Bissell, 2007 state criterium champion Derek Graham-Bissell, and up and comer Brendan Benson-SC/Essex Brass formed and from that point the race quickly became a chess match on wheels.

At one point there were 6 very distinct groups chasing each other on the course, all working very well together. At about the 75th mile the race changed DRASTICALLY. Suddenly guys who were looking strong just 1-2 laps before were now found sitting at the side of the road. Those still riding had that blank stare of SEVERE BONK. You could almost see the lights going out as racer after racer packed it in. Only 38 of the sixty starts completed the full distance. At the head of the race the lead break disintegrated and the miles took their toll.

Suddenly 2007 State TIME TRIAL champion Greg Christian came roaring through the finish area solo. Everyone watching just shook their heads and thought "what the heck is he doing, DUH, (he is State TT champ folks!) he's still got FOUR laps to go!!! INSANE!!! Well, Greg must have known what he was doing. Behind the chasers started to explode. The only other rider remaining from the original break was Dan Klein. He was joined by Jeff Koch and Derek Graham, both of Bissell. The Bissell racers quickly put the squeeze on Dan and Jeff Koch was then off the front chasing Greg Christian. I was riding in the support vehicle making our way through the middle of the Pro1/2 pack when we passed Greg going the opposite way riding a flat. A quick turn-around and some serious RALLYE car driving by my nephew (in a mini-van no less!) to make our way through the rowing team traffic and we caught Greg at the top of "Snot" hill. He'd been riding a flat rear wheel for about 4 miles! In a chaotic wheel change the likes of which you'll NEVER see in the Tour de France (they make it look so easy on TV!) and Scott Gifford, my nephew Nick and myself got Greg back on the road.

At this point the only chaser in sight was Jeff Koch. Greg maintained his advantage over Jeff on the final lap to take a BRILLIANT win! Jeff Koch of Bissell took a well fought second and in an exciting two-up sprint Derek Graham nipped Dan Klein for 3rd! That was an exciting sprint. Derek lead it out, Dan pulled ahead with about 100 meter and Derek just notched it up (or Dan's leg gave out! ) and took the sprint!

In other fields, the action was not as exciting but stil worth a look!
masters 35+ had the lucas oil trio, David stone, Mark Swatrzdruber , Chris Moscara and Hagggerty's TINKER Prechtl droppin the hammer on MR paintrain DC Cameron who was sportin some very intresting Specialized togs.



masters 45+ haggerty's Dave Hofstra , got the win over david Linden of FRCC


Cat3 ers Wolverine Alan Smith won this one over west gangster lupe martinez of Leadout racing. Alan has been looking good all spring. all that training with the godfathers is payin off. Nice ride. PAKHU was 34th in well fought battle


Cat4 had Allin Antonuch from the edge of the trail cyclery won it over Willow TT winner JIMI THE KID Jimmmenia .
women 1/2/3 boastet one of the biggest field in kensington history, kristy keelly came out on top with a win for the PH CHIX, beating out some Bissel babes
CAT 5 was huge. wen U got a 37th place and Ted TOO TALL Welsh got 33rd

Notes from the valley of kensington

SIMONSTER ridin a 29er is that legal?
Thomas Kachkelmeyer ridin in the break and then getting in the top 10 for a Miscene best 1/2 finish
Haggerty boys postin alotta wins in the Masters groups.
DNFin for mixing fields? come on its TOKV
Greg Christian droppin the entire field en route to a solid win SCARY
Ben Renkema NOT top 10in
Wayne Tompkins droppin back to 3's for 08
Lathrup with fewer riders at the start than ever b4.
Miscene MTB standout Brent Stienberg bumpin up to 4's
Whitney Krohl the only girl in the 1/2/3 filed NOT sponsored by BISSEL, Haggerty, Giant MI, or PH weird???