Jul 29, 2026
Race Report Ingolf at 12-hour Mid-West Time Trial in Ohio (Part 2/4) And … here we go … first time racing in a Velomobile as HPV (Human powered Vehicle) and first time 4 month after surgery on left leg and hip. I was scared and excited at the same time. Scared because it was the first time since surgery and zero race experience on an HPV. We took off and I tried to control myself to not try overdoing it. I knew that after start there would come a sharp left curve followed by a stop sign with right turn. I was hesitant passing the other racers first because of the right turn on stop sign. Why? For those not been in an HPV … its much heavier than regular race bikes and the long nose require you to move forward enough to see any potential traffic. Taking off again requires much more power to get back to speed. That’s the disadvantage besides any elevation rise. I waited a moment and … decided to start passing the other racers except one … he was too fast and I was afraid having him directly behind when it came to the right turn on that stop sign since I did not want to block him. After the right turn I kept the first racer in view for a while. Cool thing I had drinking bottles placed in proper reach. Also, in a few cases (my apologies) I did try using horn in gentle greeting way a few times. After that right turn it was a longer stretch with minor elevation gain … nothing for regular bikes but a bit harder for the Velo. When next right turn came up it was easy watching traffic from behind so I could move towards left side of my lane, turn signal on and get into the turn with proper speed. Kept focus on maintaining speed and prepared for next sharp right turn. Cool thing … distance between major turns was about 2 miles. Except the 3rd right turn was followed by a sharp left. Crazy was on that right turn the road was a bit rough with minor road damage on inside the right turn. Had to slow down a bit and it was followed by a left turn so no issue with that. A few miles to prepare for next right turn. Focus was on staying clean on the road and not hitting too much dirt plus accelerate on any descents and use that for the following rise. Kept an eye on speed and was pleased to see that I was able to keep it at a good level. However crazy thing that scared me a bit was when coming by the one house with white fences where two dogs start running next to me. Why scared? I used helmet and no race-hood, so dogs heads are and my face level. When they start running, I instantly used the horn. Prepared to do that on every lap to keep them clear from my HPV and it worked ok … they most likely know cars and my horn is as noisy as some car horns as well. It did its job.
Jul 28, 2026
Race Report Ingolf at 12-hour Mid-West Time Trial in Ohio (Part 1/4) Due to my broken hip/leg and surgery I could not do racing since end of March. I had twice a week tough physical therapy sessions and start training on stationary trainer as soon as possible (2.5 month ago). Scheduled races had to be dropped, and I noticed Mid-West TT Race as an option. So, I did two prep rides over 6-8 hours on my HPV (Human Powered vehicle – model Velomobile) to check if there is a chance to do 12 hours. Signed up and drove up to Ohio for the race. Had a test ride on the race route on Friday to see what to watch out for (turns, road conditions even and minor rides of elevation. Start Saturday morning I was not sure what to expect. Was very thankful for Giovanni and Katarina to bring me coffee from the hotel since I slept in the car. Goal before the race … 200 miles or somehow near that. After the test ride on Friday, I was dreaming for one lap per hour (one lap had about 19.8 miles). If I could do it was unclear because the two longer rides at home have been average speed about 18-18.5 mph in true flat land. Packed my Velomobile with plenty of drinking supply and some food. Also made sure I loaded a few tubes for front and rear wheel (different size 20” front and 28” rear), an electric and a regular pump. For lights I had one spare battery added as well since I was not sure how long a battery might provide power for headlight (solid headlight), rear lights, turn signals and the horn (in case of forewarning or greeting others). Attached the bib number on tail of the Velomobile and tested if reading was ok. When I got in the Velo, I placed my cane on left side in case I had to get out on the track. To mention … since I am racing completely self-supported since end of 2024, I have good ideas what I need in an ultra-distance race. That helped me a lot to prep water and nutrition supply. I did not want to start in front of the 12-hour racers, so I stayed a bit middle / end of the start group. Garmin 1040 was all set and as backup my watch as well. Also funny as is I turned on a longer mix of ‘Pop Rock from the 80th’ and had a fresh battery on my helmet that should last 13-14 hours while phone got connected to a backup battery to last long enough with one battery placed as a spare.
Jul 27, 2026
Mid-West Time Trial Championship 12 hours 4 month after left hip/leg surgery I decided to do a test race ... Since I am not completely stable walking and still work on improving stability and balance without the cane I decide to go for three instead of two wheels to be safe so I started with my HPV (Human Powered Vehicle). Will do a bit of a race report from my first experience ... Did official 229.7 miles in 12 hours which was the second longest distance across all age groups, bike types and gender. Will provide a bit of race report later this week. It was a good test and training race for me. Longest ride based on time and distance since I broke left hip/leg and had to have surgery at end of March. Getting it done last Saturday was a tough mental fight specifically after 8 hours to make sure I keep going. Ohhhh ... those thinking the miles are a bit low ... yes ... I am aware of it, but this is my first attempt, and I must see what’s doable and focus on recovery. Was joking after the race that it's interesting for me being still a bit crippled to get through the 12 hours ok and pushing for acceptable distance in 12 hours. Big thanks to Joe Lawhorn and his wife Heather Lawhorn for a great organized race. Hope to see you at either another race or even back in Ohio in the future. Also was thankful for Giovanni Prosperi and his wife Katarina Greer to be at this race. Thanks for your emotional support and the help before and after the race. Anyone looking for a good cycling coach .... contact Giovanni ... He was coaching me for almost 2 years, and I was very thankful for his help.
Jul 08, 2026
3 Month after broken hip/leg and surgery I tried to stay a bit more quiet due to RAAM and Race Around Poland going on … RAAM is completed while RAP is still going. Unfortunate I could not participate in RAP this year as planned … Just watching the posts and progress of those racers. However, I was able to switch from walking on crutches to a cane. That was a major accomplishment in my recovery. Also, I am for a while on the stationary trainer I finally was able to use my velomobile since I can store the cane in it. The pictures from some longer distance rides are only from my last 2 weekends. I try mixing stationary trainer rides and rides in the velomobile because both require different seating and different muscles in my legs/hip. I try to get ready for regular upright race bikes in parallel to prepare riding longer in the velomobile. Power levels are still low and it will take weeks / month to rebuild my strength … Its to be expected when over 60 years. So I know I still must remain patient. Hopefully I can drop the cane sometime soon so I could get on a regular race bike. Once I try it may be the backup bike first before I start using a TT bike or my regular allrounder. Nevertheless ... still a very long way ahead to get walking the regular way and being into ultra distance racing again.
Jun 02, 2026
2 month after my injury and 8.5 weeks after surgery I finally had a weekend with two century rides on my stationary trainer. On stationary trainer now since about 2 weeks. Did actually do first century on Memorial Day weekend and was not sure last weekend if I could do two or not. Plan was an easy century on Saturday and easy ride on Sunday. Felt ok on Sunday too so I extended the riding time a bit. Lets be realistic ... I am far from being in good condition. Still walking on crutches so limited to stationary trainer since I need to be able to walk to ride on the road. Also speed and times show its lame riding (at least not a typical ride over 100 miles many others would do). But it's only to rebuild a bit endurance and get my muscles building up again. So nothing really special but a big step forward in recovery. Have a few tough medical sessions this week and eins hopefully getting medical procedures the next 3 weeks. After that I hope it's normalizing. Until the blood circulation gets partial fixed I am not allowed being in a car over 2 hours or being on an airplane .... 2 hours is mainly to get my leg up to reduce swelling. Will be ok ... I am positive about it. Many know I dislike stationary trainer rides. However it's my only chance for the moment. Also started my walking on crutches to do it barefoot again to prepare for the next steps in recovery. Hope that all pays back soon and that I can be on the road riding by end of the month again.
