Here’s the short story in Tim’s own words. Look for a more complete report coming soon to the “Team Locker Room” in the Forum.

Colorado State Championships:
12 degrees out. 12″ of new snow. Nervous all week. Pretty good start.
Settled into 3rd position. Moved to 2nd. Made a fast run through the
barriers, as this was the smart passing moment on such a slick track
and into the lead mid race…..turned up the effort from hurting to
misery..and just kept it there. Mantra to self for the 4+ laps off the front
“stay in the present” uttered repeatedly as every lapse of focus led to
drifting off the foot wide packed snow singletrack and into the
unconsolidated snow, mixed with a few “no pain” motivational
reminders…picked up recent viewing of Rocky IV, and cheers from various
friends who I couldn’t see as I both was blurry eyed from cold and efforts
and unable to look away from my front tire. The clincher was when I
listened to the announcers debate whether I was eligible for the State
Title, (listening intently off the front of the race at full throttle)and
heard Dave Towle say, Oh- Tim Kelley of Fitzgerald’s Bicycles has been
racing consistently all fall, and moved here long ago…..he’ll get the
title if he can hold onto this lead. Done deal..trophy and State Champ
jacket on the line…and there was a podium today…an actual podium…the
only one I’d ever been on was The Tour podium in Paris (prologue 2003, but
clearly snuck onto it the day before the race).

Shocking…but I’m the Colorado State Champion 35+ IV.

I am now, IN LOVE, with Cyclocross. Beer, Barriers, Crowds…Cowbells. I’m
strongly considering mt. bike racing!!
>
> Undefeated in the snow this year ;-

Check out more photos HERE