Friends of Granogue,
Thanks for coming out to support our event in what were EPIC conditions, to say the least. In the weeks leading up to the event, many folks asked us about the weather. My comment was, it always rains just a little bit before Granogue. Well, this year we got a little more than a little.
I need to thank everyone who volunteered to work the event, as many of the races ended up taking double the time they usually do, and most folks who thought they signed up for an hour or two at a marshall station ended up with a Gillian's Island style 3 hour tour... Thank you all.
In all the years that we have done the race, we have never faced full sucky conditions as we did yesterday. We tried to make some decisions regarding the course that deteriorated during the day, to make the racing as fun, as possible. In some cases it worked out fine, in others... Well we certainly learn and get better.
At the end of the day I was warmed by the smiles on faces, even from some of those that threatened to punch me seconds before, The money we were able to help raise for Hera, and frankly that so many of you get the vibe of our race...that so many of you are excited to celebrate the memory of Andrew with us.... It was awesome.
We are also happy to support what we are calling the "granogue bike shop stimulus plan" as we are certain sales on disc brake pads, derailleurs, chains, and bottom brackets at Mid Atlantic Bike Shops will be through the roof this week!
We came home to a number of emails in our boxes asking about results, pictures and what not. Here are some links for your pleasure:
results : http://www.masuperseries.com/ (expect shortly)
photos: http://www.dennisbike.com/
VIDEO: http://www.cyclingdirt.org/
I also need to point out that the pro men's and pro women's winners were the folks behind our registration tent. I'm not saying that there's a direct link between working the race and winning, but I will take volunteers!
thanks again to the Dupont's for allowing us to play in their front yard and all the programs that helped to make this race happen.
Best to you, see you in October for the cross race!
respect
fatmarc vanderbacon
Lauri (women's pro champion)
Tom (world's oldest junior)
3 comments:
THANK YOU so much for holding this event once again. Best. Race. Ever. Conditions were perfect for a race.
It's hard to be mad at YOU for rain and mud. But you're not kidding, I actually did hear "punch him in the face" more than once on the course! (And not just from me.)
I was happy to take the opportunity to ride Granogue... I finished the Sport ride against better judgment. Next time if the mud is like that, I'll let HERA keep my money and just convert my race to a volunteer day.
Mark
I have never heard so many grown men cry over something that should appear to be obvious , rain +dirt=mud. I was doing the expert class and was shocked that these people would not get it, I mean come on, obviously this is not your 1st time riding.
I did not finish but still had a blast for the 2 laps that I completed. Thank you, thank you thank you , for having it , and as always look forward to Granogue Cross in the fall.
Sean Mealey
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