The last race in the USAC Tailwind series took our band back to Stony Creek where it seems like there is some sort of race going n every other day there. By the end of August some racers are worn down from the long training regiments and traveling for races. Others are in break mode to recharge for CX. Whatever the reason everyone has their story.
But the Stony XC always brings so many summer stories to a close. For some it's the determining factor of the season series because their are still points up for grabs and positions are not final yet. For others who may have their series locked up, it gives them a chance to CAT up and see how they measure up. Then there are those who are just looking for a good result to justify all the work they have put in to this point. And of course you still have those who just go to ride, I mean, race their bikes and drink beer after. But whatever the reason, the simple fact is there is always some sort of reason to do this race.
Block was there to lock in his overall series standing. He just had to show up to collect what he needed. Diesel was looking for a podium spot to help him in the overall series. He wouldn't finish top 3 overall but a solid finish for the day could keep him in the top 10 for the series. Dub9 was there to battle it out for 2nd overall in his series and A-Train was just looking to have a complete race and get himself back on the podium.
Expert racers were fired off the line by class as usual and as the hours passed storied unfolded. Diesel was the first Motor to cross the line and he managed to grab a podium finish for the day as planned. Surprisingly, A-Train was the next Motorer to cross the line which also gave him a podium finish for the day in his class. Dub9 came across shortly after A-Train and scooped up the last podium spot in their class making them 3 for 3 in the Expert Category. After four laps that equaled a distance of ~28 miles, Diesel rode a 2:12:09, A-Train did a 2:15:36 and Dub9 did a 2:19:56. (Side note: Since Dub9's main competition was a no show, he laid back to help A-Train and Diesel with a couple strong pulls in some critical areas of the course sacrificing his own race result)
A-Train in the hunt with Diesel as his Wingman
Diesel Smelling Blood
Powder with his eyes on the big picture
Block went off with his class in the afternoon. After two laps of pain and gain he came thru at 1:20:31 which was good enough for a podium finish making the Motor Club 4 for 4 on podiums for the day! But before the award ceremony there was some ruckus on the crowd as a rider was complaining that his time was incorrect and that he should be ahead of Block. Since the Big Fella was more concerned about his overall in the series which he had clinched by showing up, Block let the guy have the podium spot and didn't bother to argue the result. He was already going to receive his award for a podium in the overall series and he had also podium-ed in every other race he did in the series so no need to be greedy. That's class however we are still counting it as a podium finish for Block.
So the four man team team walked away from the race with three (four really) medals for the race that day and two series plaques for the summer. Not bad for a team that is only three years old. So ends the USAC Tailwinds series in what the team would consider their best season yet. There is still more racing and training to do for 2013 but this chapter is in the books.
The Motor Club would also like to say congratz to:
John Osgood for taking the win in Expert 30-39 for the day. Eye of the Tiger!
Brad Lako for his series win and Top 10 finish in first Elite race.
JTP for getting married and also for the baby that's on the way....and for making it thru the season with all the crap we've given you
And of course we have to say thank you to Twin Six for the great gear again this year. Without you guys nothing we wear would ever match and people would point and laugh at us. You guys make looking good in pictures a lot easier for us.
Now if we could just find a bike shop to sponsor us . . . . .
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