Cory and I ventured down to Wrentham on Saturday for the last CX race of the season, the Ice Weasels Cometh (at White Barn Farm). The last race of any season is certainly bittersweet – a joyous celebration of the end tinged with sadness that will linger a bit until next year. But enough maudlin crap. On to the details.
On the ride down we talked about the weather, racing in the snow, and the desire to have fun and avoid any stupid last race of the season injuries. The course was great – it wound around the farm with some twisty turns, a few power sections, a swift downhill and run-up along the train tracks, and two sets of barriers. One was hoppable (though not for me), and the other set was positioned perfectly for the gallery of hecklers. The atmosphere was similar to an outdoor college party – fun and festive with free beer (thanks Harpoon).
The course with one of the few grassy spots
Incredibly there were nearly 100 racers registered for the Cat 4 race. Not sure how many showed, but there were plenty of racers towing the line at 10 am. We were staged according to crossresults.com, and I was in the third row. Good start on a long straightaway, and I didn’t really go all out on the first two laps; or at least that’s my excuse. Stayed in the top 15-20, losing spots when I bobbled, regaining when others bobbled or crashed. I didn’t go down and was only off my bike at the barriers and the run-up, which I view as a small victory. Need to work on my bunny-hop for next year as I lost time on one rider as he successfully hopped the barriers in front of me on each lap. Finished up in 16th and had a great time. Though this was nothing compared to Cory’s race.
I think its pretty safe to say Cory was the fan favorite of the cat 3 race. You know how at the Tour de France sometimes a guy will totally drop out of the top of the field so he can go for stage wins? It was kind of like that. I heckled him on the first two laps for being too far back in the field, and he responded with shouts of “my teammate is being mean to me” or “I’m the New York state champion” as he slowly slid back into a DFL position. And this is where the fun began as he proceeded to take a beer hand-up on each of the remaining laps to the roar of the crowd.
The first was a can of Miller High Life which he grabbed and then shook up to spray at the crowd as if it were champagne.
Now that's livin the High Life
On the second he managed both a donut and beer handup. A tremendous performance and a total commitment to having fun.
A donut AND a beer
All photos courtesy of James Scott. Full gallery @: http://tinyurl.com/yd6bkuy
A big thanks to Colin Reuter (of crossresults.com fame) for putting on a terrific race. It was a great way to end the season. We’ll be back next year, maybe on the single speed – or a mountain bike!
I really enjoyed my first cx season and can’t wait for next year. Thanks to all the race promoters for their hard work and thanks to our fellow racers as well. Both groups truly make New England ‘cross great. And a special shout out from our team to our friend Rosey for the weekly cx practice. It was a huge help. Happy Holidays.
5 Responses to “The Ice Weasels Cometh”
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I’m Speechless. This is my coach!
I think this is what it feels like to discover your dad’s porno stash. Dissapointed? Nausea? Humor? A whirlwhind of emotions!
Cheers to Threshold!
One of the most enjoyable days on the bike for me this year. When you spend all season focused on training, eating, racing…sometimes it is nice to lighten up, fall off the back and be heckled. We do this for fun after all
And, I didn’t crash for the third race in a row!
soooooooooooooooo Cool, guys.
Chapeau fo Sho!
This event was such a blast – great job Cory and Ken – it was “brass monkeys” cold!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vdend3dhOlk
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