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Hudson Mills Metro Park

Dexter, Michigan, Sunday November 30, 2003

By Jer Walker

In years past, Hudson Mills had been known for it's long stretches of pavement and longish lap times. It was the sort of course that would always drag out the hibernating road racer to test their legs against the more technically savvy 'cross riders. Things took a 180 degree turn as the Tailwind course designers put together a brand new course in another part of the park that took the wind of those road racing sails. The 2003 course featured short lap times of six and a half minutes while forcing the racers to battle with five sand pits in three different sections. Keeping things tame was the gratuitous amounts of pavement and the flat sections of two track and grass. Conditions were pleasant for late November with temps in the mid 40's. The sun was shining, but the 18+mph winds kept things cooler. those same winds also mad the paved sections no rest for the weary.

The Elite Men were surprised by the sparse turnout of only ten riders. Series leader Jon Card (Tailwind.net/Cane Creek) and teammates Jeff Weinert and Jer Walker were all looking to butt heads for the win. Coming over from the west side of the state was the always challenging Russ Tiles (Slingshot Bicycles). Also present were series mainstays Nate Griffith (Ford/Giant Bikes) and Mike Wissink (Wheels In Motion).

A small field didn't really change the rider's attitudes as it was war right out of the gate. Weinert and Tiles both were challenging for the hole-shot. It would be critical to be the first rider to the sand. Once through the sand, a small group of three containing Tiles, Weinert, and Card had formed. Walker bridged up to the trio, but once they hit the pavement, things slowed down enough in the massive head wind to allow Griffith and Wissink to bridge. On towards the second section of sand which required riders to make a 180 degree turn in the middle of it. The original trio made it through safely while Walker bobbled, losing contact with the group. Griffith and Wissink stayed with Walker and they tried one more time to bridge to the lead group.

Just as they were getting close, they entered the only section of barriers on the course. Weinert bunny-hopped and left the remaining field behind. He would march on to victory with a minute in hand. The battle for second was heated all the way to the end with both Card and Tiles making solo efforts to get away. Neither could stick and it came down to the final in which Tiles won the sprint. Walker waited until the end and was able to shake off Wissink to take fourth.

The series wraps up with the State Championship at Lower Huron Metro Park. Weinert's victory forces a showdown between Card and himself. Whoever finishes in front of who will take the overall title. Never before has Michigan seen such a tight battle for the overall.

Results

Elite Men
 
1 Jeff Weinert (Tailwind.Net/Canecrk)      58.39
2 Russ Tiles (Slingshot)                    1.01
3 Jon Card (Tailwind.Net/Canecrk)           1.03
4 Jer Walker (Tailwind.Net/Canecrk)         2.09
5 Michael Wissink (Wheels In Motion)        2.39
6 Robert Foshag (Giant Revolution)          4.53
7 Mark Wolowiec (Flying Rhino Cc)           4.55
8 Graham Howard (Ada Bike/Marceco)         11.28
DNF Nathan Griffith (Ford/Giant Bikes)
DNF Scott Templar (Lingshot) 

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