Tuesday, July 16, 2013

While we are on the subject...

    Our local club helps to sponsor a real live Criterium race every year.  It was notable that, while sending out press releases for the club all year for this event and that activity, it's no surprise that the race drew the most media attention.  While the other events like the annual bike camp for beginner cyclists or Bike Week activities focusing on general bike usage, got some attention and coverage from the press, the Race drew requests for interviews from radio and television. It's not a real surprise, but it is a surprise there was such a small crowd of spectators.  A bit disappointing for the $6K in prize money and some really exciting racing.  Once again they had no category for me (no ancient or dead women entered the race)
 so I was reduced to a spectator 

and forced to enjoy watching everybody else make work of it.

   One notable entry was Chris Gottwald who is notable, not only for setting a new world record for 100 mile track riding, he is more notable for being a really nice guy.  What are the odds, a world record holding professional athlete would give all the money he earns to his favorite charity and celebrate his victory at a picnic with his kids?  It's just nice to know people like him exist.
   The race is a fun afternoon and I am amazed at the speed these guys will attain shoulder to shoulder,
They run the race the wrong way intentionally so the riders 
are not intimidated by the speed limits on the course,
and forced a Beemer driver to lead out the race, probably paying penance
 for some rudeness to cyclists in the past.
Oh yeah, that thing in France is going on again and in the headlines Chris Froome denies being on drugs. (yawn).


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