How Heather Stelljes won Chequamegon 40 Single Speed

If you know anything about the Birkie Trails on the course of the Chequemegon Fat Tire race, you know there are quite a few hills to get over!  While the hills are lung-busting-leg burners, the start is always the worst part of this race because I get crushed by those with gears! It's like a little kid chasing after the ice cream truck! But once my tires hit the grass in Rosie's field, I found my groove and was able to focus on wise climbing form, aero descents,  trying to find wheels to ride, and making sure I'm getting the Honey Stingers down the hatch for energy.  I kept pretty consistent power throughout the race and was able to keep closing gaps on other ladies. I missed some of my usual single speed queens out there on the course this year, but felt really strong the whole ride thanks to Coach Corey (I get free coaching in exchange for daily supper!). There's a lot of hike-a-bike on the Firetower climb, and I hope to one year actually run it instead of a odd walk-jog, but after gasping for air there, I'm just counting down the Birkie hills, because after those grassy climbs, it feels all-down hill (it's not, but it's helpful to think there's only a handful of climbs yet. Though I'm pretty stoked to win single speed, I was really thrilled to be within the top 15 overall women. I'm so very thankful to Corey for the preparation plan and to Isaac for giving the bike the ol' once over before the race. It's such a beautiful place and a very special race to be a part of each year.