While Melting Mann signaled the end of winter, Barry-Roubaix means it’s time to bring on Spring! On Saturday, March 28th, thousands of cyclists lined the streets of Hastings, Michigan as far as the eye could see. Conditions leading up to the race favored cyclists; with hard packed roads and no mud or ice. The temperature, a brisk 13 degrees at the start, was a friendly reminder that you never can quite predict the end of March weather in Michigan.
Dreams of personal bests, podium finishes and just plain finishing filled WSI racers’ minds. For Katie Bridges, this was her first Barry-Roubaix experience, and Devin Winton and Kathy Roche-Wallace opted to tackle the challenge on a single speed. For Kathy, completing the 62 mile chall
enge on an old Bontrager single speed, even to her, sounded crazy and stirred up pre-race jitters. She was comforted by the words of her father (and biggest fan) who passed away last year: My darling daughter, stay on top of your pedals. Devin struggled mentally to stay engaged but was determined to keep up in the single speed category with riders half his age. In his “old age” he is quite pleased with 15th.
As the race carried on, riders were taunted by the infamous climbs of the three sisters, and the last hill that quickly reminded riders, such as 220 lb. Eric Cook, of the power of gravity. Minor problems such as rocks in cassettes and frozen water bottles were the biggest 
challenges of the day for most. Great conditions had many cyclists opting for road bikes. This decision proved to be rewarding for some, helping David Goff secure a spot on the podium coming in 2nd in his AG. For Charles Elder, however, the race was cut short just under 4 miles. After changing one flat, he hopped back on only to discover the front tire was flat as well. Fellow racer, and WSI alumni, Jack Miner, passed by and left a t
ube but it turned out to not be a fit. While Charles flatted on the course, some were lucky enough to make it home first before discovering a flat.
Barry-Roubaix is a spring cycling must for riders and spectators alike. It is a well run, great all around event and a great way to kick off the 2015 cycling season! Special thanks to Jack Miner for securing the team an awesome squatting ground and tent set-up, and April and JJ for playing the role of “team photographer” for the day.
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Check out below to see how WSI riders faired this year:
Team competition
WSI/Team Active: 28th out of 36 teams
24 Mile Chiller
David Goff, 1:15, 2nd in AG
Dave Cobeen, 1:24
Peggy Haas, 1:26, 4th in AG
Katie Bridges, 1:54
36 Mile Thriller
Scott Bridges, 2:00, 6th in AG
Dan Frayer, 2:05
Eric Cook, 2:09
Devin Winton, 2:07
Kellie Kramer, 2:12, 4th in AG
Andy Weeks, 2:13
Dwight Denisiuk, 2:14
Keith Wilkinson, 2:16
Stacy Rainey, 2:15
Kevin Bridges, 2:21
Paddi Thornburg, 2:28
David Goff Sr., 2:33
Jana Turpin, 2:44
Charles Elder, DNF, double flat
62 Mile Killer
Kathy Roche-Wallace, 4:02