Reports

Schabobele - February 19, 2005

Sat  Feb 19 05 Mentor, KY:  Representing the PJRT in the Pro 1-2-3 race were Crecelius, Everett, Fahey and Spanbauer - (2004 winner).    Blue skies and sunny, about 36 degrees at the start of the race:  pretty nice racing weather.  At registration there were printouts of the course profile that allowed study of elevation gain per lap and grade (25%) on what they have named "the Toaster".  This and a mean face is now painted on the road (see www.godzulla.com).

New to the race was a $30 Texas Roadhouse gift certificate and $20 cash prime on the FIRST LAP given to the first rider over the Toaster.  Hope you got a good warmup.  Half way into lap one, it was single file as far as eyes could see, front and behind, splitting the field permanently into two groups. 

By the time I settled into the front group Jake Rytlewski, the winner, had 1m 10sec on the field. TRH chased hard for 2 to 3 laps while trying to save Attkisson and Keith, but were unable to bring back Rytlewski.  With 3 laps to go,
attrition took its toll with many riders quitting. 

Crecelius and Everett maintained their positions in the dwindling front group while Spanbauer, suffering from illness, was dropped and finished in a chase group.  Fahey was in the next chase group.  The pace of the race intensified with a lap to go and one rider broke clear of the front group for good but still finished 2nd to Rytlewski.  On the finishing climb, a rider attacked and got clear for 3rd place.  Keith (TRH) came around Crecelius for 4th, Bill took
5th, Everett ended up 11th or so, I ended up about 20th, Fahey ended up maybe 25th or so. The winner averaged 21.4 mph for 3 hrs and 8minutes.
SJS