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STory:

The morning of the race was chilly. As I drove to the race alone, I was thinking if I finished just before the truck that was picking up the sign signs from the course I would be happy.  When I arrived, I kept my mind distracted from the race by focusing and tasking on the steps it was taking to get me to the start line.  My nervousness was high.  Waiting in the long line with my fellow wave-mates was relaxing for me. It was my first.  And I was scared, but curious.  When the final wave, my wave, lined up I followed what everyone else was doing.  We were spreading out and positioning ourselves.  What was the correct position, I had no idea.  I heard my first gun, and I had no idea if that euphoria was going to last.  As the group was leaving Fond du Lac, I observed the hierarchy of the group take place. I learned quickly that I had to get into the group’s rhythm.  I was lucky, because I was able to align myself with those that pushed me just beyond my abilities.  About halfway to Oshkosh, I heard someone yell out, “Hey we are doing 24mph, this group is not supposed to be riding this fast”.  The euphoria peaked high up to that point and then slowly diminished over the rest of the race.

I had goose pumps during the whole ride, but during the first stretch to the park in Oshkosh I rode in a line.  I was six inches from the rider in front and another rider was six inches off my rear tire. That, first time, electricity was an unexplainable feeling.  Those that feel it will remember it and likely chase this indescribable sensation and push for the next higher level of excitement in higher achievement of life’s challenges to come.   When I explain this to others, I tell them that not even NASCAR drivers know what a “draft” is, until they staple their ass to the hood of the car and feel “draft” pull around their body and feel their physical contribution to the “draft” for the benefit of the line of fellow riders.  I lost this group riding line after Oshkosh due to a well needed bathroom stop.  I know I will never forget that first stretch and it’s euphoria.

For the rest of the race, I rode in and out of 2 or 3 person teams but mostly on my own.  Riding in a line takes a lot of practice and great teamwork to maintain.  I struggled during the 60 to 75 mile stretch.  But I finished strong.  During the last 10 miles I climbed hills very well and past 18 or more other riders. My previous long training rides that year paid off.  In the flats re- entering Fond du Lac, I even slowed to tell one struggling fellow rider to not slow down and finish strong.  I told him to rest behind me and pass me when he was rested and ready to ride hard to the finish line.   He did and we did.   Just past the finish line I put my head down and fought back visual tears.  The emotions that built during the ride finally caught up with me.  I stopped for my free beer and I left as if it was just another day not knowing if this is a beginning or an end.

I finished 2.5 hours faster than I planned (before the clock turns off) or ever rode in that distance before.

Lawrence J teeling I