WORS ENGLEWOOD OPENER Report

The 2017 Wisconsin Off Road Series started out with a plan, but ended a little flat.  The opening venue took place on the Engelwood Grass Feed Beef Farm in Fall River, WI.  Wasn't quite sure how to prepare for this race since I haven't raced on a farm in many years, and didn't get the chance to pre-ride the course.  I had put in the training through a Peak Week which was leading into this Beef Teaser.  My son, Isaiah, and I left the morning of and traveled to a very well attended race.

When we got to Englewood Farms almost all the parking was filled hours before the race.  The air was chilly, but warmed up by 1 pm for my race.  I was a little late going into my warm-up and wasn't quite confident that it did any good.  Minutes before the race I heard call ups, but was still doing dumb out on the county road.  Once I got to the start gate to mix with the competition, they had already armed their places and reluctantly took a spot in the back.  This by no means is a bad place to be since it had served me well in the past for easy lead out passing.

Scott Nyland made some announcements concerning the $1,000 up for grabs for the winner, and a raffle for a decent bike afterwards.  Race Director Don E. told us to do 4 laps after the long leadout.  The race started with the traditional Gooo... and everyone hit their brakes with attitude.  A racer next to me yelled out "stupid PROs" and the race continued.

It was a long leadout and I moved up mid pack only to get bottle necked in the first cluster of single track.  It's hard to fit 70 riders into Cow Tracks at the same time!  By the end of the first lap I had a feel for the course.  Legs felt good and then it happened.  Hesitation on the beginning of the third lap.  The rocks took me down.  A full suspension would have been the perfect choice for this course!  This was no big deal until the end of the third lap as my body wasn't working well, and lost a handful of time on the last two laps.

Even though the result wasn't what I had expected, it still was one of my best season starts.  The Englewood Opener is a keeper and I consider it one of my favorite courses to date.  Props to teamate Joshua Blum for crushing it on a singlespeed while nursing a flat on his last lap.  Flat or no flat, this guy is fast.

Next race will be Iola Bump and Jump on May 21.