Moronacity

I safely arrived in Houghton for the cyclocross race at the Michigan Tech Trails. I readied myself for the race and pre-rode the course. As the women were lining up for our race, I headed to the port-a-john. By the time I got in, got out, and started heading toward the start line, the women’s race took off. “Hmmm…” I thought. “I don’t have to race, now!”

I know…that’s bad. I didn’t want to race. I had no desire to race. I rode three-and-a-half hours the day before, and my legs were jello. I had no desire to abuse myself in a cyclocross race I was destined to take last place in. The upside to this is that I was able to get some photos of the women racing. I can’t do that while I’m racing.

The women’s cyclocross race is usually quite exciting. While the field is small – about ten riders or so – most of the women are top notch riders who often make podium appearances at the mountain bike events. I am not in that group and often make a solo appearance in the cross races.

The women’s cyclocross race is quite competitive with some of the best racers showing up.

I had fun socializing and walking around the course getting pictures of the guys. The race was quite interesting in more ways than one. First of all, it was the second day of the Keweenaw Cup. Second, the Red Jackets brought a new, rather unique hurdle to cyclocross racing:

Yes, that’s snow. No, it has not snowed in the Upper Peninsula, yet. In fact, the temperature had reached around 70 degrees F – not exactly snowstorm conditions. I was fortunate enough to be involved in the snow obstacle. We had to get a second truckload for the last race.

Yes, that’s a Zamboni. Michigan Tech was kind enough to let us use their Zamboni as a snow source for our cyclocross race. The racers loved the obstacle and it created some wonderful opportunities for crowd pleasing behavior…or inability to control a bike.

The snow was placed at the end of the course, so there was quite a crowd enjoying the riders’ efforts for getting through snow lap after lap. One of the most interesting tactics was that of Blu (his real name) as he approached the finish line. As he attacked the snow, his bike flew up and he went over the handlebar. He got up, seemed a little confused at first, then picked up his bike and ran for the finish line to squeak by with first place.

Blu landing in a soft spot.

After the race, I headed out with some of the same people I rode with in Copper Harbor with. We began our ride with the Dragon Loop. Fortunately for me and my camera, Rob chose to ride over the Dragon Bridge, but he hopped off just before he got to the finish. One of the local and top female riders in the Keweenaw was behind us and rode the whole bridge. I had to comment on a girl riding the bridge better than the guys could.

Rob riding the Dragon Bridge.

We had some great fun just playing around on the Time Trial loop as we all attempted various stunts along the trail. We also headed onto Hairy Toad and Barking Frog for some serious rock action. We followed that up rolling over the dirt jumps.

After the dirt jumps, we rolled around at the trailhead playing on the various ramps. We soon found ourselves lining up to launch ourselves off of the inclining ramps. This was one example of the many accomplishments I had on this breakthrough ride.
• There is a little stunt just after the “dorkscrew” on Time Trial. I rolled up onto some large rocks and rolled back down a little plank bridge. It is a bit difficult, but I was feeling brave and I rode it.
• At the end of the Time Trial loop, there are two big mounds that could be used as jumps, but they are connected with a bridge. I rode that.

Rob riding a stunt on the Time Trail loop. There was a mini version of this at the trail head.

• There is a micro version of a stunt, shown above, that I rode, and I even managed to stay on it. It is only a couple inches off the ground, but I proved I could ride it – several times.
• I not only rode the ramps, but I started jumping off of them.

Di hopping off of some ramps at the MTU trailhead.

I was completely happy after this ride. Even though my body was weak, tight, and sore, I was ecstatic. It was almost like I popped a whole bottle of Prozac. This weekend was simply another example of how wonderful life is when grown adults get together to play on their bikes.