We have now completed 20 weeks of solid racing. That's five months of making new friends, cheering on family, cursing mechanical failures, and exploring the limits of your determination. What emerges from this peculiar cauldron of hard work, adrenalin, and spurts of humility is an athlete.
An athlete with an understanding of sportsmanship: Just observe, on any given night, the victor and the vanquished swapping stories about what went down on the race course. Consider also how we look out for one another on the course when a crash or injury happens. People, without second thought, put the needs of the fallen ahead of their own.
An athlete with an understanding of stewardship: See any litter from us, the biggest user group, at Coulson? I didn't think so. This is not because I clean up regularly - which I do - but the refuse I collect never seems to be from riders in the series. It is usually from illegal dumpers too cheap to visit the dump or kids hanging out for a party. Another point on this front is the trail system: The only people who perform any maintenance on this trail system are involved with the race series. (Think about that when you buy a bike, too. What other shop is providing you not only with great hardware, but a fantastic venue to ride in?) We treasure the nature we have and work hard to make it enjoyable for our entire riding community.
An athlete with an understanding of commitment and dedication: Check out how many riders have joined us for ten or more races. These are the gals and guys with a passion for their recreation. When we are looking to develop some facet of our lives, we learn that results can only come from perseverance and hard work. Several of our riders have been with us since they were small children. Thanks to their consistency and hard work, these riders are now in the position to become champions. (You all know who you are...congratulations.) Diligence like this is said to have gone the way of the dodo for our youth, but I can quickly point out several examples to the contrary.
Before I get too weepy here, let's get on with the actual race report:
That's it folks! That's all she wrote. The cards have been laid on the table. The cream has risen to the top. The fat lady has sung.
This Wednesday lay witness to one of the most intense cycling battles to ever fall upon the good hills of Coulson. Even our most stoic, experienced riders reported feeling some pre-race butterflies at the thought of the hammerfest that was soon to come. And those relishing the thought of an epic race course battle were left satisfied and thoroughly exhausted.
The complete results are posted below.
And don't forget to join next Wednesday, September 16th, at Shoeless Joe's in Bradford for our annual social and awards banquet. We'll be handing out medals and some prizes for the top three places in each category.
Thanks go out to each at every one of you for making this another successful season of racing. Thanks especially to those who volunteered their time to marshall the roadway, help with set up and tear down, participate in some trail maintenance, and see riders off from the start line. Our race program can only succeed with the help and participation of each of every one of you! Thanks, thanks, thanks.
If anyone has any suggestions on how we can make 2010 even more successful, then please drop me an email with your feedback, comments, or recommendations. Everything we are doing today came from someone's suggestion yesterday. This is your series, so let me know what you like and dislike.
All the best and we'll see you in spring 2010! |
