MFG Cyclocross Series - Race # 4

Gather 'round kids for yet another tale of 'cross racing and 'cross related folk. Each post very similar to previous editions in words and pictures. Yup, let's put that monthly Internet service payment to use, shall we?

This "same yet slightly different" cross report originates from Marymoor Park, smack dab in the middle of Redmond, right here in the lovely state of Washington. This being official Race # 4 of the official MFG Cyclocross series. Not to be confused with official Seattle Cyclocross official Race # 1, held at the very same location. And you though bike racing was easy.

Racer Boy Ian was iffy about racing on this particular Sunday, due to after effects of a bad cold that kept him outta school for three days this week. I skipped my (alleged attempt to sorta) race, so we could sleep in to access Ian's health later in the morning...

Awoke not feeling 100% - but with just a stuffy nose and currently being 4th overall for his division - pushed the go button for race duty. Overall series points are points, no matter what the finishing position. Off we go, mom and sis bagging this edition and remaining at the estate.

I continue to shoot a few zillion pictures per race. Some crappy, some kinda blurry, and the occasional few that look sorta okay.

Some examples in no particular order...

A few of the JL Velo junior boys joke around the staging area, Ian buried back there somewhere. Not shown, dude that helps run Rad Racing who I chatted with, noting his Ramones shirt. I unzipped my jacket to display my Ramones shirt and the rock talk commenced.

There's a lady who knows all that glitters is mud, and she's buying a stairway to nowhere.

The joke would be funnier with running the stairway to nowhere, picturing women racers doing battle. I am however, too lazy to dig though the pile of pics at this point. D-U-M-B, everyone's accusing me.

Actual adult members of JL Velo line up for their attempt at fame and glory.

Part of the course buzzed along the banks of the velodrome, as Ian demonstrates. We heard there were Crashes-O-Plenty earlier on the blue painted stripe to Ian's right. Wet/muddy 'cross tires + painted pavement = road rash. It's all part of that new math the kids are doin'.

Coming soon to a gym near you: Cyclocross Stairmaster. Carry bike up wet slippery steps, watching CNN on a flat screen TV, while fellow gym members heckle you and ring cowbells.

JL Velo teammate Garth, does a little flat track demo for the cheering masses.

You can't go wrong with a name like Team Wedgie. Notice the ample space left over for possible sponsors...

Ian grits his teeth and guns it down the start straight. We talked a bit and changed his strategy for this race. Instead of hanging off the back and slowly passing some people, tried going fast at the start and hanging on as long as possible. He was buzzing pretty good on the first lap, not all that far behind the usual super fast kids, then faded towards the end.

Eventually finished 12th out of 15 kids in his class. Considering he was pretty sick just a few days before, I give him big kudos for going for it and trying a new approach. I always get a kick outta watching him and the other kids race.

Some of the younger kids going at it. With the shades and upturned cycling cap, this little girl is styling. Fantastic experience for these kids, especially the girls. Not to stereotype, but what would be cooler - have this young girl grow into a kick ass 'cross racer - or a cheerleader? I vote 'cross racer. The ballot box is now open.

Course also wandered around the velodrome infield, as well as the surrounding area. Great spot for a 'cross race, pavement parking and real rest rooms included at no extra charge. Call now, operators are standing by.

Ian sets up for one of the many corners, tongue pointing out the correct direction.

Ian's race included all the Junior fields (ages 9 - 17 or so) along with Beginner Men and Women. A motley assortment of adults, kids, pro look racers, sweatshirts, 'cross and mountain bikes - including now semi-famous local dude on the snow rig - seen at stair bottom.

Towards the top is super fast 12 year old Scott, the only racer I saw ride the stair section. Awesome.

Cyclocross racers come in all shapes and sizes.

Teammate Henry's 12th birthday means donuts for all. Mmm....donuts.

JL Velo Racer Dude pierces zoom lens with death stare, while Clark Kent pedals for his life.

Go ahead, comment on his pink kit. I double dog dare you. I get a kick outta seeing the Team Soft Like a Kitten gang in action. The 'cross scene is a cool mix of roadies, mountain biker types, 'cross specialists, hipsters, single speed nut jobs, kids and normal folk. All around fun group of creative and interesting people. Get out there.

Follow the leader.

Carve a corner.

Look into my spokes. You are getting sleepy... You will buy a 'cross bike... You will enter a 'cross race... You will get muddy... You will suffer like a dog... You will like it...

Every face tells a story.

You gotta be a fast dude to rock the neon pink, singlespeed, Speedvagen.

Two pro looking JL Velo types in battle with weirdo helmet guy, along with shirtless dude racing with one bib strap pulled down, Fred Flintstone style. Yabba Dabba Do. Man, I love 'cross.

This now concludes yet another installment of the 'Cross Report; chock full of blurry pics, lame humor, goofy embedded links, and a sappy ending. Good night. Drive safely....