Podium Sweep -- 2009 Sunflower State Games

In years past this race has been hit or miss.

Despite USAC's presence, this year's race was definitely a hit. Race Commissioner Chad Lamer did a great job of stringing together the best sections MacLennan Park's singletrack to create a five-mile race course filled with twisty descents, steep climbs and hairpin switchbacks. This is probably the most underrated trail in the state of Kansas. The tough climbs and tight switchbacks give it a decidedly east-coast feel.

The Bad Goats descended upon the Sunflower State Games mountain bike race in force. Aaron Apel, Josh Patterson, Joshua Stamper, and John Waller lined up for the Men's Expert race. Andrew Slater lined up for the Men's Sport race.

Waller secured the hole shot, leading the expert men's paintrain for four laps en route to defending his Sunflower State Games champion title. Stamper followed suit, grinding it out in 34:18 to take second. Patterson rounded out the podium in third. Following a disappointing flat while descending through a rock garden on his first lap, Apel was forced to call it a day. Last but not least, it was with sandbag like authority that Mr. Slater held down the sport class.

Complete Results

Next Stop: Mark your calendars for Heartland Racing's Rapture in Misery, August 15 at Crowder State Park.

River Trail MTB Time Trial

Lifted from Stamper's blog:

A Gentlemens Race: Unsupported and Unsanctioned

You all have someone in your family that golfs (you just don't talk about them). Well, on any given Saturday morning a group of guys get together to golf and everybody in the group throws down 20 bucks. The Golf Pro puts the money in an envelope and holds on to it during the round. At the end of the round the winner get the money(and is usually required to buy everyone a drink).

The Format: Time Trial ~8k loop
Locale: River Trails in Manhattan (google map: hofman lane, 66502)
When: Saturday July 11th, 2009
Registration is at 6:30 pm with the first contestant rolling out from the dirt jumps at 7 sharp.
Five dollars gets you a start time.
You can race any class you want, but only one pays, OPEN.
1st gets 50% of the pot, 2nd gets 35%, and 3rd gets 15%. everyone else gets a good time.
Cheaters will be shot.
Fixies race for free!

Something wicked this way comes.