Sunflower State Games Time Trial

The skies threatened as we drove away from Leavenworth this morning.  As we entered Topeka the skies erupted in hard rain and lightening.  We had some trepidation as the race today was a team time trial.  A time trial is on special bicycles with aerobars, aero wheels, and aero helmets.  The distance is 20 kilometer or 12.4 miles.  Teams of three riders would compete against other teams to get the best time on the course.  All teams would have a two minute split between them. 

Fortunately we had Erica Haas with us.  She is the Air Force Weather Officer at Fort Leavenworth.  Erica assured us that the skies would clear and we would have good weather.  She was correct! 

Mark Ramsden, Kris Howell and Phil Griffith took second in the Eddie Mercx division with a time of 30:27.  This is an interesting category inspired by the greatest Cyclist who ever lived.  Eddie Mercx won the world hour record on a conventional road bike without the benefit of aerobars or time trial helmets. 

The category 4/5 men were next.  Carl Fischer, Spencer Wallace and Art Mathisen won this category with a time of 29:34.  Doug Harding, Sean Smith and Brendan Sheehan took second with a time of 30:25.

Our vaunted ladies squad rode next.  They were all on time trial bicycles by Specialized.  This category was won by Erica Haas, Ann Parthemore, and Shawn Morelli with a time of 31:34. 

In the mixed category Jeremiah, and Mary Still with Matt Doolan took second place with a time of 35:46.  All three of these riders were on conventional road bikes. 

One of our sponsors, Dave Spangler owner of Marfields Restaurant, joined us at the race.  He wanted to see the team he was sponsoring in action.  Everyone of our teams placed in their respective categories.  Dave joked that he would continue the sponsorship for one more year!