2007 Race Results

Eaglecrest Road Race Results 5-19-07

Race Report, by Janice Sheufelt

Eleven racers lined up for the second Freewheelers road race of the year, under sunny skies and warm temperatures.  This was actually my first ride of the year in shorts and short-fingered cycling gloves, instead of winter riding gear.  Because of DOT race permit issues, we raced the Eaglecrest Road Race again, the same as two weeks ago.  This race was much different however.
We headed out from the Douglas traffic circle to the end of North Douglas.  The pace was high with numerous surges and attacks.  By the time we reached the boat launch, the group was down to eight, with Alan McCabe and Casey Colton a short way off the front.  On the hill to false outer point, John Bursell and Dale McFarlin hit it hard on the hill up to False Outer Point, and bridged up to Alan and Casey, leaving Terry Ward, Doug Woodby, myself and Rob Welton gasping for air.  We never saw the 4 lead riders again, as they rode a fast pace to the Eaglecrest turn.  Dale was able to get a small gap on Alan on the final steep hill of the Eaglecrest climb, and claimed his first road victory of the year.  John faded to third, while Casey impressed us with his 4th place finish in his first Freewheelers race.
Meanwhile, Terry, Doug and I did a three-person team time trial from the end of the road to the Eaglecrest turn; I was very impressed with Rob Welton who chased us the entire way and caught up to us at the start of the climb, before dropping back on the climb after that hard effort.  Doug, Terry and I raced to the top of Eaglecrest, staying all together until the last hill.  Doug and I sprinted as best as we could, for 5th place.
Mike Olsen, who returned to Juneau after being gone for a number of years, persevered and did the entire race, despite a lack of training.  Dave Ringle ended up doing the sport course, also has had a very busy spring with coaching soccer.  Mike Baxter called it a day, but drove to the top of Eaglecrest and cheered us on at the finish line.
Race director Charlie Williams did a great job, with awesome volunteers Joe Sorenson and Andy Gray.  Also, thanks to Jim Sheufelt for obtaining race permits and insurance coverage, and to Rose Welton for taking care of the treasury tasks which occur with every race.
We’ll see you next Friday evening at the Jack and Jill relay.