Green Days, the Hy-Vee Triathalon and Father's Day

First order of Business:

UPDATE ON COLLIER: Gerald Johnson reports:

I just received a call from Colliers dad.
Collier is responding to the basic
commands which is what everyone has been
waiting for. What a fathers day present
for John!!!!
They are thinking
about doing his back surgery very soon. They
don't want to take out the
ventilator and then have to put it back in. Its
possible that it could be as
soon as tomorrow.
I will be heading down later
this morning. If I find
additional info I will pass it along.
Please pass along this great
news

This weekend was a crazy one as usual. Lot's going on in the city, mostly the Triathlon. Over 40,000 people reportedly came to DSM this weekend to get their fix of fitness; whether competing or watching, it was pretty cool. More on that in a minute.

Scott and Lane at the finish line in 1st / 2nd

Saturday was the Green Days Crit in Johnston. A short 1 mile course with two 180 degree turns. It was a late afternoon race with nearly perfect weather. I probably wouldn't drive two hours to race in this short race but being as though it was just up the street a few miles it was no problem. The Pro 1/2/3 race only turned out about 8 or 9 racers with A9Y taking the victory. Scott Fairbarin and Lane Anderson gapped the group and took home the win. Scott is riding so strong right now.

Doug Klausen and I corning through turn 2 this weekend

In the Cat 4's race more than 20 racers showed up. The race had some good attacks but nothing stuck. This race was only 30mins +3 laps so I knew it would be pretty fast. Bryan Moritz went off the front three or four times but nothing stuck, then a couple of our A9Y guys went off the front, but again, nothing stuck. Carson Christen did make one attack at about the 14 min mark that stuck for a few laps. I thought this one had legs but it came back to us. Watch out though cuz this guy is getting stronger as the seasons ages. One of these races, his attack will stick and he'll solo off the front. After Carson's attack came back it was very apparent this race was going to come down to a sprint.

On the last lap Scott Robinson made a bold move and attacked. He was able to create a gap, it looked like he was going to make it stick...but then the wheels fell off and we caught him in the second to last turn. I was yelling for him to step on it so he could pull out the win but it didn't happen. Bryan jumped on front and began to pull Chris Hansen and I to the last turn. A small group of us were able to create a small gap going into the last turn. Coming through the last turn, Chris, Jared, Bryan and Myself began to sprint. I started the sprint a second too early instead of waiting for the right time. Chris was able to kick in the afterburners and put a bike length on me. At the last second I pulled up when suddenly Jared came screaming by me for second place. Great job to both of these guys for racing a great race and showing some muscle at the end. Another lesson learned though, sprint through the finish!! Overall, it was a really fun race. I should've known better though because Jared and Chris have been riding very strong and sticking close on sprints. Both of them are clearly going to be strong Cat 3 riders when they go up.

The Hy-Vee Triathlon:

Lots of people waiting for the start of the swim at Gray's Lake

Rob Versteegh and Bruce Reese checking out the events on Sunday

Beautiful morning!! Met up with Tony Nichols, Jed Gammel and Kris Kunze, at 5:15am at Rassy's shop. Put on our "Team Schofield" shirts and rode our mtb bikes over to Gray's Lake to check out the start of the swim. From there we rode over to Caribou Coffee on Ingersoll for some much needed fuel then down to the Grand Hill. What a cool place to hang out and watch the biking portion of this race. Lots of familiar faces racing and cheering. Saw Rob Versteegh hanging out with his backpack of Oakley goodies. Kim West was there with his Devil's costume on running with the bikers, it was very cool to watch. Every single racer that I've spoken too has commented on what a rush of energy that was to have everyone cheering them on. Kim's goal for next year is to "Fill the Hill" and I think he'll be just the guy to see this goal to fruition.

Got to see Master Lou turn in a blazing fast time on the bike leg of the race. His time of 53:10 mins was by far the best time of the day, including the pro's. Nice job Lou, way to step in for Collier and kick some serious tail. I'm sure Collier is going to be proud of your efforts. (Click on Lou's name to read his blog about yesterday's race)

Lou Waugaman coming up the Grand Hill passing people the whole way up!! Nice job.

Watching from the hill was awesome to see JJ Bailey come flying up the hill with total concentration. I'm not sure he even saw anyone, the man is focused! Marco was doing his usual playful banter with us as he cut in on the crowd and guttered all of us. He's luck I didn't pull a Lance on him and let his bars catch my man purse! Then there was Reed Rinderknect, Reed came up that hill like he was being chased by the devil...oh wait...I think he was. He was flying and to boot, he had a smile on his face from ear to ear. Gotta love that guy. I missed some of the other people and I apologize. Kara came flying by me and said, "hi Pete". I didn't even know it was her till I saw the bike!! Sorry bout that Kara...same thing happened with Jeff Bratz. I promise I was still yelling for ya.

Can't wait for next year already. Great job to everyone who organized this event. Very well done. Thanks to Rasmussen Bike Shop for all their efforts this weekend too!! They are truly the best bike shop in town.

Father's Day: After watching the bike leg of the race Ann, Ava and I went to Newton to spend some time with the family. Had a wonderful church service and lunch. It was a truly wonderful, blessed day for us. I'm grateful to have such a wonderful wife and family. Hope all you father's had a great day also.