Eden,
I volunteer for the Elkhorn Classic and I love it and look forward to that weekend every year. This race is such a classic race for all levels! I usually drive lead car, sometimes do support. I felt the women were pretty conservative this year compared to the previous year.
Last year, I saw three women, all cat 1-2, I believe, sprint up Dooley Mtn. since I was the lead car. I cried with tears because they were so strong! They rode with huge hearts! One rider had a flat about 3 miles from the finish (for those of you who don't know, the finish of the 100 mile race is at the summit of a mountain!). I radioed support immediately, they got the wheel changed and she CAUGHT UP with the other two women before the end of the race. The vertical is 6% all the way. I was proud of her for the fight she showed. She took third but only seconds from the lead. What a come-back!
For your group this year, I watched a rider breakaway on the first big hill and no one caught her after that.
But for all of you women....I can't find the words to describe how impressive you all are, riding those two long races, doing the TT and then the scary crit. All of you earn trophies in my mind.
And I will talk to the organizer about keeping womens cats in this race. He should not drop it!

I look forward to 2007 and I will cheer you on! Good luck in your rides.

Pat