Familar Faces
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The only thing I can count on at this time of the year is the fact that I’ll get a good cold virus before the weather changes. Never the less since our mtb race was canceled I made my debut for the season at a road race being promoted by none other than my
local shop sponsor. (T.O.P.) With mild temps and a fairly sunny day the race saw a large number of participants which makes for a fast day. In these parts of the woods there is always the chance to see friends and I’m glad to call this guy one of mine. Now remind me why I went……
We lined up at the start and I received some instructions on the “yellow line rule” from 
Gary Bywaters (USA Cycling official) who likes to single out the mountain bikers purley for fun. Its really funny that someone actually caught this moment on camera. Gary was really just having fun and all the riders from this area have a great amount of respect for him.
Just a little info on Gary here “The Month of Mud series was started 19 years ago by Gary Bywaters as a grassroots, end-of-season finale and a way to introduce riders to different trails around the area. Bywaters still officiates each race, and Chris Huffman secures the venues and sets the courses. ”
After getting the attention thrown on me he proceeded with the start of the Cat 1,2,3 and 40+. The race set out and I could see there was a group looking to show how their winter training went. Clearly not in the mindset or health to be a contender and being outside my element of thrashing through the woods I played cat and mouse with the group for 3 or 4 laps by being chased and getting chased before calling it over and pulling off to heckle the others. After the race I hung out catching up with a few of the roadies that I will only run into over the next couple of weeks before we each go our separate ways, them to the roads & I to the dirt. My good friend Timmy Lyons was there and he did a great job (his name will pop up from time to time in my posts so remember this one) and I’ll also mention my pal Gunnar along with his lovely bride Betsy and the family dog Jackie. (Gunnar took 1st in the 40+ & 7th overall, Betsy gliding to a victory for the women’s division and show why she’s apart of this team- Congrats to both of them on fine finishes sunday).
Several people have commented that my racing style has reminded them of Gunnars. Now before you confuse that comparision as being of our skills let me explain, its not. Gunnar always and I mean always races to have fun and can be seen doing almost anything like racing a single-speed last year at this very road race. He’s always smiling and I’ve witnessed him finishing a mtb race in West Virginia riding a flat and wearing that smile. That’s where the comparison comes from and that’s where it stops. I will never have the raw talent and skills this man possess but we do share the passion. Whether I’m winning, struggling, losing or just watching I’m there for fun and that’s why I went Sunday & why I’ll keep going ….. for fun!
stork
