Our cross contingent went on a field trip to Columbus, aka Cap City today, with lots of racing, and top results for our two of our hardest workin' members, Streamers (Jeni) in Woman's C, and Newman (Mike O) in the master's B. If you don't know these two, their enthusiasm and race attitude are a big part of the backbone of our team. We carpooled up to the north, set up our tents and jumped right into our warmup laps. Get well soon to our mate SkiMonkey (Lou), who was on injured reserve with a stomach virus. Pre-race food for we weary travelers, included Twix bars, rice krispie treats, copious amounts of diet coke, a few bananas, some GU, and a fair number of PB&Js, amongst other things.
We raced on a Frisbee golf course, that started in the holler next to the creek, took us through a windy slippery grassy stretch, over a couple of barriers, then a few switchbacks to the first run-up. About 95 percent of the racers ran up the rocky hill (that we named "the Escalator") toting their bikes; however a stalwart few MTB crew (including our man Wrench(Geoff)) rode that sucker all the way up, hard core! See video!!) The course then ascended another 8 or 10 times (I lost count, started making my Christmas list so I didn't have to think about it); to end up at various ridges above the starting area, then down a rocky hill with some big air at the end, then to some grassy switchbacks and a fast downhill. We all looked out for the local ground hog; and McD bumped over the local wildlife's back door a couple times, remarking that his voice was noticeably higher at the finish, LOL. The end of the course was a big rocky downhill you rode to the left, hitting a switchback, then spinning like crazy to come round to the flat, and do it all again.
All our 7 Hills crew ended up w/ top 20 results, with big smiles and more cowbell all around. The Herald (Dan) and Wrench were top ten, Gumby (Scott B), McD (my man), and McK (Mark) finishing top 20 in the Men's Cs. (Twas an open race this week, so all ages were included in the C races.)
Jeni and yours truly were 1st and 3d in the women's Cs. I did my best and blocked at the start. The Kippy philosophy "if you can't be fast, be opportunistic." Ha! Streamers got a good 500 meter run out, and stayed away. Her nearest competition dropped her chain on the the first set of barriers, but then caught up with me on the hill, guess that'll learn me to get in her way again. Ah, well, I guess it helped cause Jeni got 'er done! (Our team dog, Robin, joined us for the podium picture. Too much fun!)
Master's and Men's Open Bs all started together, with Newman taking 1st, and the Herald 4th.
Men's A's also featured Newman and the Herald (his THIRD race of the day, talk about whoo-hoo), racing for more fun, not so much results. The Herald stayed top 20 for this race, as well.
Our new pals Bridget Donovan and her hubby James joined our carpool caravan, with Bridget taking 2d in the Women's A's, and James doing well in the men's Bs, then also racing the men's A's with The Herald.
We headed to Ruby Tuesdays for some burgers and telling some more stories, then were treated to a beautiful sunset on the ride home. A fine field trip all in all; nice organization and good schwag for the prizes.
Louisville Grand Prix of Cyclocross next weekend, fun to race, fun to watch. Contact Jeni and Geoff if you want to crash in their hotel floor space.
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