DK

My, my. I knew there was a reason I chose to sit out this year's Dirty Kanza. No one was expecting the all time highs in both temp and winds for this event. I had decided instead to do some filming of the race. I could spend all day watching bike videos and I thought some of you would enjoy seeing your beautiful mugs on camera. I do have to admit though, I didn't quite get the footage I was hoping for and it was no easy easy task keeping the camera still on those roads. You were riding on them, you know what I mean. Who knows when it will be done, but be on the lookout in the coming weeks. 

As for the race, A lead group of strongmen including Mike Marchand, Troy Krause, Dan Hughes, Cornbread, and Joe Fox built an early lead and ensured the top 3 would no doubt be coming from this group. Local diesel Mike Wise dangled just a minute back from this group for far too long and had to battle the wind on his own. He did make contact however, but lost the group when he got his first of two flats. More punctures splintered up the lead group has eventually it was down to Dan, Cornbread, and Troy at the halfway point. Mike Marchand, a victim of multiple punctures, eventually fought his way back to the lead coming out of Alma. When I finally made contact with him again he was coming into the Emporia city limits and had seen his last gravel for the day. He couldn't have been happier. He crossed the line in first place in about 14 and a half hours. Troy Krause came across a mere 30 minutes later and Cory followed suit making it an all Nebraska podium. Joe Fox from KC made it in just after Cory for a solid fourth. Maybe next year a Kansan or two will crack the top 3, come on fella's! Huge congrats to all the finishers. Of the 85 that started only 15 finished! It was an epic day for the DK. 

And just a reminder, mtb race in Emporia on July 19th. All the info can be found at crampalexanderrace.blogspot.com.