Firehouse 50 Road Race and Time Trial

​firehouse50.org/​         

Grand View WI:
For 39 years the Grand View Volunteer Fire Department, in conjunction with their
Annual Homecoming Picnic weekend, has put on the Firehouse 50.
This scenic 50 mile bicycle road race and individual time trial, takes place on black top roads winding through the pristine Chequamegon National Forest around Lake Namakagon and Lake Owen. 

Although I knew I would lack the time trial (TT) power (focus shifted to LONG mountain bike events) of years past, I still had to attend this great race. For one, the course is fantastic! Smooth, winding, and hilly. Nice. 
Secondly, Jon Lester would be racing the TT! I knew this would be good. This man has fully dedicated himself to this discipline. I knew he would win, and I had to be there to experience it.
And WIN he did. The only thing that prevented him from taking the course record was the strong winds, driving rain, and slick roads, not to mention missing an unmarked right turn.
Job done Lester, job done. But no, he still had work to do. 
An hour later, he completes the road race, after a grueling 50 mile TT. 
I am drinking cheap beer and eating Cheese-its while he was out for more!

Individual Time Trial (52 total):
Jon Lester: 1st in division, 1st overall - 27.4 mph average
Jeff Abitz: 4th in division, 7th overall  

Brent Williams started the road race but flatted in the first two miles.
​So, he took a ride in fire truck back the parking lot, changed his tube and proceded to tear up the course solo, passing several racers along the way. 

- Jabitz