Thursday, October 15, 2009

Thursday Anticipation

There is only one thing that should be on our minds this week:


Everything is coming together nicely. The hill has been mowed and the basic contours of the course have been decided. It will be a little longer than what we have seen this year. But at roughly 3 kms, it comes in at just about the average length a cx course is supposed to be. We will hit the hill three times per lap--twice at the beginning of each lap and one more time after we spend some time playing in the sand, ripping around some trees, and riding through some picnic shelters. There will be plenty of barriers, with the A race set to enjoy a 6 pack. Johnny S, Jonny G, and I, along with a bunch of ABES, will be marking the course on Saturday morning. There will be a cross clinic at 1:30 pm. Feel free to come out a day early to familiarize yourself with the course.

Johnny S has been working hard at promoting the race in and around Altona. 1200 flyers have been sent out to kids, ads are playing on the radio, etc. We had 99 participants at Menno Cross. But there is a good chance that this will be first cx race in MB to crack the 100 mark.

The Secretary will be running the sound system and shooting the video. The soundtrack has been set: Skynyrd, Allmans, Drive-By Truckers, .38 Special, Molly Hatchet, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Black Oak Arkansas, Two Dollar Pistols, and more. The farmer sausage has been smoked and Mayor Mel is ready to grill them to perfection. The Southern Cross IPA is chilling in the cooler. And the big glasses are waiting for the winners to hoist them. There are 60 cowbells waiting for the kids to ring them at the B and A races. And the Duker will be there to show off his own kid. Charlene will hawking hats. And much, much more.

Did I mention that no licenses are required for this one? The FGBC prefers to eliminate all potential excuses. Juan? Weasel? Poosher? Rachel, Lori, and others will be rocking the C race--their first ever bike races. And rumour has it Swatty will be dressed up in his finest ABES colours while rocking the B race.

The forecast calls for good times. Not to mention some sunnier and warmer weather than we have seen in a while. Do not miss this one.

10 comments:

El Presidente said...

Not that this adds any incentive but El Duque and I will be tending the bar at the post race festivites. So if being served beverages by two tall, balding, nearsighted dudes turns your crank then consider it an incentive.

And yes, little Johnny S. has worked his tail off promoting this race. Cheers to JS and come on down. It should, make that, it WILL be a fantastic day.

Brad the Impaler said...

I am happy to say that I will be able to end my weekend away early enough to be there. So bring your A game (B game?) Cousin Adam.

With no disrespect to the great races we've already had and the people who worked so hard to host them, this ought to be one of the highlights of the season.

It'll only be topped by the season ending beer challenge throwdown and soiree.

The Dark Lord said...

That is good news Brad. Glad to hear you got it all sorted out.

I trust you and Adam will be able to sort out some stakes that fittingly capture the intesity of your little sub-rivalry. I hear there will be Southern Cross IPA on hand after the race.

Brad the Impaler said...

Well there should be a pint on the line for sure.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Anyone got room in their car for another and their World Finest Bicycle? I'm down to leave Sunday morning, or whenever.

El Presidente said...

If "rocking" the B race includes slowly wheeling around the course while wheezing and near collapse then yes, I WILL be rocking the B race! Only because my lovely wife has already claimed the C race.

More importantly I will be serving those sweet Southern Cross IPA's to any and all who wish to purchase them (over 18, I check ID's).

Gianni said...

@Thomas - yes, I have room. E-mail me to sort out timelines -
ihall at winnipeg dot ca.

Probably have room for one more if someone else is looking for a ride.

team jonny said...

season debut & finale.... here i come!

Anonymous said...

You and me, sir president. You and me.