Diane and I ran up to the Pioneer Valley for some fun riding, racing at the Harpoon Brewery, and of course the amazing Halloween events that go down in Shelburne falls.
The Paradise Cross Frenzy takes place on the grounds of the Harpoon Brewery. It's an amazing venue. The course was super fun, with lots of good corners, some off camber and a wicked legit run up. It was a super fun course to race on.
Diane and I were watching the 3/4 race, and just chatting about how much we liked the course. When we over heard another couple discussing the course:
"It's a GAWD DAMNED GRASS CRIT, I tell you."
Diane and I just laughed. There's probably a lot I could say about this exchange. Probably a statement about some of the real grass crits we see from time time to time. Probably a statement about why New England consistently produces the best cyclocross racers in our country.
Adding to an amazing event Chip Baker and the Zanconato Single Speed Trophy Series were kind enough to buy everyone over 21 their first beer after the race. I went with an Oktoberfest in celebration of the final day of Crosstober! Like I said this was truly and amazing and fun event.
Diane got a great start. She also had a mechanical on the first lap that had her in in DFL. She fought back and ended up having another race that she was super happy with...
Beth continued to race very well for someone that doesn't consider herself a racer. Craig and I both had solid rides in the 40+. We would probably both say that while we aren't unhappy with our rides, we're also not 100% satisfied. 364 days until next years hockey tryouts. Already looking forward to getting back next year!
While this race was not the scale or scope of the UCI races we have done in New England, it was another trip to the mother land, and it certainly didn't disappoint. The flavor/tradition/caliber of riders and courses is New England is just amazing. Yeah, I'm a New England fan boy. I still encourage everyone to get up there to race- never disappoints.
Photo Blog Starts now:
 |
| Getting ready to head into town for Halloween- A little ninja and Godzilla! |
 |
| top of the run up- photo credit Matt Zarotny |
 |
| Craig got the hole-shot I filed in behind him... photo Credit Matt Zarotny |
 |
| Got out for a ride on Friday. Pioneer Valley is beautiful... |
 |
| Godzilla, Monkey and Queen of the Mountain.. |
 |
| "So I hear there are no call ups? Just Scrum... Very good."- My wife is the greatest scrum artist in the world... |
 |
| Monkey and Monkey... |
 |
| Lil' Monkey was a Mime for the Halloween Festivities |
 |
| I have many books bound in leather. I am Ron Burgundy... |
 |
| Queen of the Mountain... |
 |
| beetleguise..beetleguise...beetleguise- Matt was awesome and kept kids and adults in laughs... |
respect
fatmarc
No comments:
Post a Comment