Ken's story: USAC Masters Road National Championships

BaseCamp athlete Ken Carl shared his experience at the 2025 USAC Masters Road National Championships in Wisconsin.

A perfect day of blue skies, mellow vibes and good folks. National Championship day. In my 69 years I have been deeply grateful to have watched, been a moto, and a race director for many National Championships.

Today was the first time I was a racer. Today was my championship race day.

Positive anxious. Positive good.

Driving in with Cindy, I listened to my favorite music mix titled "Good Days." Van Morrison's song, "There will be days like these," flowed my mood. My favorite lyrics:

When you don't need an answer

there'll be days like this

When you don't meet a chancer

there'll be days like this

When all the parts of the puzzle

start to look like they fit

Then I must remember

there'll be days like this

While Cindy was pinning my race numbers on, a most wonderful surprise! Coach Kathy Watts was here! Wow. That sent my spirit meter jumping.

My kit was BaseCamp solid green. Including the kit green socks and a green helmet.

Ten minutes before start, the butterflies were also jumping. Both Kathy and Cindy had to remind me to put on my helmet.

During the call up, I heard several familiar names. As Kathy said, this would not be easy.

I was well prepared physical and outlook. The race would be 5 laps.

Having reconned the course, I knew the first lap would establish the selection.

It was ripping fast opening on the only truly long stretch of flat road. The hilly back side began the selection. I was not to be selected, yet I was not totally rejected.

Made most of the first 9.x mile lap with the peloton. As fellow BaseCamper Peter Chargin reminded me, "You're living the dream that many envy."

As I watched the peloton power away, I dug in. This was my championship race until the officials called me off.

Lap 2, still in the enclosure. Lap three, the heat was rising, I was still racing. Heart rate and spirit rate still strong. Later I was to learn that everyone behind me was pulled from the course. Last racer racing. Focused, pushing speed where I could. Had a nice laugh with the course marshal at the top of the hardest climb exclaiming how this damn hill gets steeper each lap. Lap 4 my energy flagged a bit. My plan was to taper back a touch and finish strong on lap 5. At the end of lap 4, the officials waved me out.

Not unexpected, of course not desired. Darn I really wanted to finish the entire distance.

Not finishing does not equal failing. I was in the game, lived completely the moment.

My championship race day indeed.

Thank you, each and every one for sharing your best thoughts, positive energy. They helped me ride, thrive and not just survive.

Ride with a smile and looking forward to our next challenge.