Woodhaven/Provincials Report

Cross-training. For the FGBC that involves ultimate frisbee where, in the guise of the Living Legends, we have made it a bit of a habit to win the Monday B Division championships. That is where we get our good hands, hone our hucking technique, and generally cultivate awesomeness. It is also where we have learned how to step it up when all the marbles, as they say, are on the line. The provincial cyclocross championships took place yesterday at Woodhaven Park. And there were marbles. In the end, the sweetest jersey in the world found itself on the podium four times. It can hardly be considered a coincidence that two of those podium dwellers (Jonny G and me) were part of this year's Monday B Champion Living Legends squad. Another one (LeAnn) spent a year playing with the Legends. In that time, we were able to teach her what it takes to reach the podium. Had she stuck around a little longer, she might have acquired the extra edge that is required to win gold. As it is, she had to settle for silver. Not bad for a Fraggle.



The Cricket is not a Living Legend. But if you hang around with champions long enough, the mojo is bound to rub off. On those cold winter Tuesday Nights a few years back, when it was just Craig, Jonny G and I who were brave enough to venture out for a ride, we would distract him from how cold he was by regaling him stories that recounted all the great exploits of the Legends over the years. All this in an attempt to lay the initial groundwork of a long-term plan whose goal was to transform our quiet little friend into a champion. It worked. He took home the gold medal in the Elite race.



As for the race itself, it was another highlight in a season full of highlights. There was mud and sand. There was a hockey rink ride-through featuring grass so soft it felt like you were riding on a wet sponge. There were some challenging climbs. And, of course, there was the whorl. Good times. Thanks to KK and Dave B for the photos. More photos, and some video of the whorl, are available at the Training Co-op.



That mud was deep. And cold.



And apparently also disorienting.



The Fraggle and Michelle finally had an opportunity to go head-to-head. The Fraggle took the early lead, but Michelle prevailed in the end.



Unger and the Impaler found themselves side-by-side for a time. Whereupon Unger shared some stories from his glory days with the Legends.



Need. More. Oxygen.



Fortunately the Cricket has some hops. Those barriers were almost knee-high for him.



Jonny dominated the Whorl on his way to a bronze medal.