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Tryptophan Cyclocross Madness
Shopping be damned . . . it's still cross season! Luckily the temperature was just right to keep the Old Milwaukee chilled and once the beer arrived it was time for the fun to begin. The course was an approximately half mile loop but it was clearly not UCI regulation. This was truly a renegade event as there were three sets of person-made barriers and two "natural" barrier sections. Obviously this course was only for the truly crazy . . . or the truly cold as there is nothing like lots of barriers sections to keep the toes warm. The first barrier section was the sand volleyball court. That was followed by an optional lap around the iceless ice rink and a quick downhill followed by a quick turn back up the hill. Once up the hill there was a short asphalt section followed by the first set of "unnatural barriers." This was one or two barriers--your choice. One barrier wasn't very wide so many racers opted to skip it and only run over the second barrier. After that it was a slight incline up into a rutted section before a fast open field into the woods. In the woods you had to watch out as the leaves were covering up plenty of sticks and other obstacles. Once out of the woods you reached a three barrier section on a slight uphill before you were onto the sidewalk and back into the woods. The woods section had a gulley followed by three big logs before you were back out into the open. Next up was a barrier at the bottom of a hill run-up and then you were headed back up towards the sand volleyball court. JP took the early lead as he yelled go after he had already reached the sand pit while the rest of us were still contemplating whether we wanted a beer now or later. However, soon the racing started for all. Jerry quickly pushed the pace to show that C Racers don't suck. Travis was certainly up for the challenge as he didn't want to lose at this prestigious event to JP. Scott was hot on their wheels but was a little off the pace as he didn't want to spill any of his Old Milwaukee. Joel started out fast but had to slow down and strike a pose as he thought he heard the click of a camera. Renee was clearly behind by only a bike length although she doesn't have a photo to prove it. Dave was nervously looking over his shoulder as he didn't want anyone to sneak by him at the last second. Jess hung back a little as she couldn't believe she left her warm house just to run and jump over silly obstacles although she knows she'll be doing that every Sunday next season. Suddenly someone called beer lap and everyone sprinted back to the beer trailer. Scott showed us how to open the can with your teeth so you don't have to take off your gloves. That is a skill every cyclist should have. With that beers were cracked open all around. Then Dan arrived and a hue and cry went up for more racing. With that we were off again and we all found out why Dan is the fastest delivery man in the tri-state area. However, after a couple more laps it was time for more Old Milwaukee. After the consumption of a bit more of that great brew we realized that we should really race the course backwards. Run-ups become run-downs and those pesky slightly uphill barriers become much more fun. You know what that lead to . . . . more Old Milwaukee! And that is all I am at liberty to report. If you want to know more then you'll just have to attend next year's 2nd Annual Tryptophan Cyclocross Madness. |
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