YettiCross™

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Houston’s Weekly Cyclocross Event!

Event Details

Dates: Wednesday, September 10th through Wednesday, October 31st
Time: 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: $15.00
Classes: 1/2/3/4/Women/Juniors
Race Distance/Time: 30 Minutes

* You may not pay the entry fee, but you will not be eligible for the awesome participation prizes
* Classes and laps will be adjusted depending on number of participants
* The Time/Distance is adjusted based on the look on people’s faces

Location:
Memorial drive and Memorial Loop drive by the railroad tracks on the Northwest side.  Park along Memorial Loop drive or park across Memorial at the softball fields.
Link to map

Registration:
· Show up and pay your entry fee if you like.  Part of your fee goes towards insurance the other part towards payout
· No USAC license is required.  Please bring a friend to introduce them to bike racing
· Sign the waiver and sign the sign up sheet
· Put yourself into the right category (the promoter can change your category at will)

Course:
· A 1.66 mile loop that is all power baby
· YettiCross Google Earth File
· The course runs through the field along Memorial Drive, a run up by the railroad trestle then up the power line ROW.  Through a fire break and then down along Memorial Park drive.  There are many cyclocross barriers/mud/water traps along the course
· One of Houston’s finest park facilities is being utilized

Other notes:
· Mountain bikes are more than welcome, you will be asked to remove your bar ends
· Wheel pit will be accessible by the start finish area
· Watch out for other park users, especially along the granite path
· No public urination nor foul language, as this is a family event
· The promoter reserves the right to boot anyone who jeopardizes the ability to host the event

Thursday, November 01, 2007

YettiCross // Week 8 Report and General Mayhem

YettiCross // Week 8 – Wrap-up

HOUSTON, TX –

Leaves are falling all around
It’s time I was on my way
Thanks to you I’m much obliged
For such a pleasant stay
But now it’s time for me to go
The autumn moon lights my way
For now I smell the rain
And with it pain
And it’s headed my way
Ah sometimes I grow so tired
But I know I’ve got one thing I got to do…

A bit of melancholy was in the air as the YettiNation prepared for the final night of battle. The Yetti finally was able to release his inner self for those able to catch a glimpse of him streaking through the woods. And who knew that Nacho Libre would appear, prepared to square off against the Jolly Green Giant, trailer park vagrants and other equally villainous characters. Tinker Juarez was ready and willing to handle the “sandbaggers” that tried to lay claim to the YettiCross booty.

We must first tip our collective hats to young Ben Pennington who received the 2007 Heart of the Yetti award. His never ending spirit and can do attitude will make him a tough racer to contend with in the years to come. Well-done Ben on a great series!

In what could be a preview of things to come in the next few years, Catherine Marchak and Caryn Sedillo squared off in the Women’s Class. Diva was clearly prepared to show Mrs. Jester how cross is done and rode away from her on the third lap. Not to be discouraged, Mrs. Jester delivered a bit of a beating to the less fortunate Cs. Marchak was clearly the Queen of YettiCross for 2007.

It was like musical chairs in the whacky group known as C. New people coming in, dudes cat’ing up, women and children, dogs and cats, complete mayhem just the way we like it. After the dust settled Maurice Wilson was victorious, with Jamison Tomlin coming in second, and Scott Minard taking third. All though Tomlin is a new comer to the YettiCross scene, we can see a bright future for this young man as well. You’ve been warned. It was also good to see the Force from the North back up on two wheels in the C class, sporting his casual, yet classy trailer park ensemble. Next week he and his lovely wife are off to the home of the frogs, in search of more cutting edge fashion. If only all cross racers were as fashion forward as Mr. Reeve.

The little crosser that could Tony Dehore pulled on his big girl manties and went for it in the ultra competitive Bs. We at YettiCentral respect this bravado and salute him for his momentary lapse in reason. While Tony was tangling with the always dangerous CapnWTF, there was actual racing at the front. Mr. Jack Gutweiler graced the YettiNation with an appearance in week 8 and did not disappoint. As is the custom with Jack these days, he was at the front mixing it up with his teammate Eugene McCray. It appeared as if it would be a battle down to the wire, when disaster struck and Jack was forced out of the race due to mechanical issue. McCray rode on to win, with Eric Sutton taking second and Matthew Morgan taking third. Noted TeamSmack tough guy Chris Burke did his best to scare the Bs with his Lucha Libre kit and it almost worked as he placed a close fourth. Clearly a crowd favorite as each time he came through they were chanting “Mucha Lucha”! Could there be a career change in the future for Burke?

Brandon Cowart’s bike finally woke up from a multi week slumber, much to the dismay of the A group. Clearly the extended rest did the bike some good as Cowart displayed good form as he rode on to win the race. Hunter “The Hammer” Grove and first time YettiCross’er Wally Groda duked it out up until the end with The Hammer taking second and Groda taking third.

Congratulations to those YettiCross’ers willing to humiliate themselves in public for the enjoyment of others. First place in the costume division went to Lucha Libre Chris Burke, second went to Andrew Neilson and third to little Ms. Sandbagger Catherine Marchak.

A well earned award was handed out to John Verinoer for the “Nice guys do finish last” award courtesy of “Stay Classy” Fraske.

For those keeping score at home, Yetti, Yetti, & Yetti, LLP is calculating the final series total with kick-ass awards forth coming. We will be in touch with each of the category winners, who will be getting a VO2/LT test courtesy of Source Endurance. Details to follow.

Team Yetti would like to thank Bike Lane for the ultra cool hook-up in week 8! Thank you for taking care of our racers. In addition to this we would like to recognize West End Bicycles for their generosity in delivering outstanding schwag-O-rama for the YettiNation. A special shout out to Keith Gumney for handling the “artistic” requirements that would have crushed lesser men. 

And so it goes that The Yetti and Jester wrapped up the second season of YettiCross. A heaping dose of cross goodness was delivered for eight weeks. Many laughed, many cried, and some even gained a new religion. Although this epic series has come to an end there is still much cyclocross racing to be done, so go forth YettiNation and spread the word!

…ramble on

For those with absolutely nothing better to do: http://www.yetticross.com

Results - 10/31/07

To view the results follow the linko: 10/31/07 - Week 8

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

YettiCross // Week 8 Preview - Trick or Treat!

HOUSTON, TX – All good things as they say must come to an end, but fear not YettiNation as we will be going out in fine Halloween style. And the fine folks at Bikelane are helping us to step it up a notch by adding the following prize money to sweeten the pot:

Bikelane Crazy Cash

A Class

• 1st - $40
  
• 2nd - $30
  
• 3rd - $20
  

B Class

• 1st - $35
  
• 2nd - $25
  
• 3rd - $15
  

C Class

• 1st - $30
  
• 2nd - $20
  
• 3rd - $10
  

Women’s Class

• 1st - $20
  
• 2nd - $15
  

Troy Fraske is kicking in a mighty fine preem for the racer who comes in last place:

“Nice Guys do in fact finish last” - $15

In addition to the mega moola on the line, we will be giving out tons of super sweet schwag thanks to West End Bicycles. And the Yetti’s Treasure Trove of Goodness will also be emptied out for our final hoorah.

How could YettiCross be complete without a good old-fashioned costume contest? Word has it that our very own Yetti has been burning the midnight oil in preparation for this special occasion. Could it be that he will show his inner self? For those kooky racers willing to live a little and have some fun, you will be richly rewarded:

Costume Contest

• 1st - $20
  
• 2nd - $15
  
• 3rd - $10
  

So come on out and help us celebrate our final race in the series!

For more mindless mayhem: http://www.yetticross.com

Thursday, October 25, 2007

YettiCross // Week 7 Report and General Mayhem

HOUSTON, TX – The Yetti and Jester worked a deal with God and provided the ultimate cross weather for the biggest turnout EVER for a YettiCross race.  The City of Houston provided some nice slippery grass clippings on the run up and God provided the ever so slick pine needles for the turns around the trees. All that was left to put in place was some HUGE payout and have the YettiCross More Cowbell ringing fans cheering on the racers as they tested their mettle against the wits of the furball course designer from the woods.

While rumor had it that a marauding party from the west was threatening to invade YettiCross, it never came to pass. Texas King of Cross Will Black was waiting on the runway in North Carolina, prepared to return to Houston to defend her honor. As it turned out the fear of facing the faithful Houstonians and the Lone Wolf from Huntsville kept the evil hoard at bay. Lucky for them as enough bloodshed took place on the battlefield this past Wednesday, they would have just added to the body count.

You could see it in the eyes of the C class as they scanned each other for weakness, this was not going to be your typical Wednesday night at the races. Tony Dehore thought that it would be easy work with the Force from the North out this week, as he was sidelined with an owie. Little did Dehore know that a youth movement was about to take place. Newcomer Jamison Tomlin and Austin Miller (both high school freshman) went toe to toe throughout the race, but in the end Tomlin took Miller in the final 100 meters. Dehore placed a respectable third.

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. While the B class let out a collective sigh of relief as Damen Sistrunk received a field promotion to the As, Keith G. was forced out of the race while leading due to an unexpected rear wheel adjustment courtesy of a fellow racer. Allegedly there is video footage of the altercation, which is forth coming.

Jeff Sechelsih who has been working closely with YettiLabs, took advantage of the additional power delivered from a soon to be released revolutionary racing aid. Thanks to this aid, Jeff powered his way to a well-fought victory in the B class. The always strong Holt Harlan placed second, with Matt Morgan taking third.

With Mitch Comardo out this week preparing for the upcoming USGP event, David Boyd stepped into see if he could tame the Lone Wolf Nate Winkleman. Mysteriously, some might say miraculously Boyd and Wink appeared to have swapped bikes on each lap, all the while holding off the on coming pack of A racers. While back in the pack, Hunter “The Hammer” Grove delivered the hammer to the unsuspecting Leonard Gremillion. From what we can gather, The Hammer displayed some not so crafty MTB moves, which put them both on the ground. In and amazing display of sportsmanship Troy Frashe stopped to insure both riders were all right (there is a lesson in there somewhere). Troy if you make it out to the last event, your race entry is on us. Way to stay classy Frashe.

Back at the front, Boyd nipped Wink at the finish as it appeared that he was forced to stop just shy of the line to check his tire pressure. Craig Fitzgerald rode well and placed third.

Catherine Marchah had her hands full with Bikelane’s Patti Plagmann. From what we can gather, Catherine experienced the devious 10 foot tall barriers from hell which caused her no ends of grief. Patti put in a solid effort for the win and was seen mixing it up with several of the B class.

Thank you to the amazing folks at Bike Barn for their wonderful support last night and throughout the entire series! The YettiNation is eternally grateful.

And so another race is now in the record books, with one more to come as we will be wrapping up the series on Halloween. Stay tuned for details!

For more mischief, mayhem, and all around nonsense – http://www.yetticross.com

Results - 10/24/07

To view the results follow the linko: 10/24/07 - Week 7

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

More cow bell at YettiCross

HOUSTON, TX - In an effort to make YettiCross inclusive of all people, there will be a “test” event for spectators (yes you people standing around). Tonights event will feature prototype cowbells for you people standing around instead of suffering. YettiLabs was only able to produce 10 of these so they will be on a first come first serve basis. At the end of the event we will need these back for final product analysis so we may produce the final product. Please feel free to bring your TeamSmack cowbell if you would like to participate in the ringing in of the cowbells

YettiCross is a proud supporter of the “More Cowbell coalition”

Monday, October 22, 2007

YettiCross // Week 7 Preview – Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday!

HOUSTON, TX – Crazy Yetti is stacking them deep and selling them cheap! Not to be out done by the sultan of sales Mattress Mack, we’ve decided that every single dollar paid for race entry will be paid out in prize money. That’s right, more moola for the masses! There will be at a minimum $400 clams on the line this coming Wednesday up for grabs. So drag along your teammate, co-worker, or just about anybody with a bike! It’s just our way of giving back to those who helped make YettiCross what it is.

In addition the good folks at Bike Barn are hooking up the YettiNation with sweet schwag and FREE beer for week 7. Free beer is good beer.

Calm down YettiNation there will still be a week 8 with plenty of red hot racing, with tons of Halloween mischief in store for you. So stay tuned and don’t touch that dial.

And finally a quote from the esteemed philosopher Bart Simpson:

“Remember, you can always find East by staring directly at the sun.”

Friday, October 19, 2007

Imagery Known as YettiCross

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Race Report - Week 6 (10/17/07)

HOUSTON, TX – Yes Virginia, there is a YettiClause, as he dispensed goodness and joy to the YettiCross Nation with near perfect weather and a course loved by all. Our ever-growing group of spectators again enjoyed searing hot racing action. In fact our very own King of Clean Tony Phongsy became a spectator this week as his bike rested comfortably at home. He was seen enthusiastically ringing the bell for the final lap for those willing to step into the ring of battle. We hope that his bike is well rested for this upcoming weekends cross action.

Chris “Please Cat me up” Trevelise again came down from Austin and put it to the H-Town boys in the C Class. Could it be karma kicking in as he was seen discussing the finer points of driving with Houston’s finest? Newcomer Maurie Wilson rode a solid race and finished second, with West End Bicycles Scott Minard taking third. A much more contrite Tony Dehore was quoted after the race “

Veni, vedi, vici, is how Damen Sistrunk described his race this past Wednesday, as he was seen mid pack in the A Class. And this was after a 15 second start gap no less. We hope he enjoys his field promotion to the big leagues as it’s coming in Week 7. Jeff Sechelsih put in a strong effort taking second place. Holt Harlan broke out the shiny new Yeti Arc-X rig and it delivered him a third place podium spot.

Nate Winkelman brought his “A Game” for the main event as he again pushed the pace with his wicked fast fad 29er. It was a classic YettiCross between Wink and Mitch “The Mauler” Comardo, as they duked it out for top honors. In the end Wink had just a bit more in the tank and took The Mauler down on the last lap. Leonard Gremillion had one of his best efforts of the season placing a respectable third. Word on the street has it that Brandon Cowart’s bike suffers from the rare disease Automysophobia which is a fear of getting dirty. May we have a moment of silence for this crippling killer.

The epic battle between Lisa Gibson and Catherine Marchah did not materialize this week, as Catherine was taking a well-deserved break after her outstanding ride in Mexico at the Chupacabra race. Lisa gladly accepted the first place schwag this past week.

Team YettiCross would again like to recognize all those who help make this series such a pleasure to produce. Without y’all the poor Yetti would be lost. Thank you for helping him to retain some semblance of sanity.

For more race info, shenanigans, and general mayhem, please visit our humble web site, courtesy of the recent Nobel Prize winning Al Gore. Thanks for inventing the internet Al, we at YettiCross salute you! 

www.yetticross.com

Results - 10/17/07

To view the results follow the linko: 10/10/07 - Week 6

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Tri on The Run Delivers for Week 6

The good folks over at Tri on The Run love cyclocross and have donated the prizes for week 6! And as always FREE beer, what more could a person ask for? We would like to thank Alessandro de Souza for helping to make the connection.

Stop on by and visit them next time you are out looking for sweet gear:

www.triontherun.com

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Results - 10/10/07

To view the results follow the linko: 10/10/07 - Week 5

Race Report - Week 5 (10/10/07)

YettiCross // Week 5 Report

HOUSTON, TX - YettiCross ushered in the first of cross weather to hit H-Town Wednesday night and the crossers came out in droves. HPD’s mounted patrol even made an appearance to enjoy the antics and were seen chuckling as they wondered why anyone would want to get off a perfectly good bike. The ever-growing group of spectators watched as 40+ racers vied for top honors. Yetti The Punisher was foiled again in his attempt to make people run up the hill. Keith G. was quoted as saying “The Yetti can’t build a run-up strong enough to thwart my mad cross skills.” Some say that an angry Yetti is a vengeful Yetti, good luck next week Keith!

The C class was keeping the racing action tight with tactics and mind games that would have made a TdF Team Director proud. In the end the Tony Dehore was able to sprint away from the field and take the win, with Ben Pennington taking second, and the young gun Austin Miller taking third. Word has it that a rabid EPO crazed butch cougar chased Tony off and on throughout the race. If you’ve seen this cougar, please call TSU, as it’s been loose for quite some time. Friends don’t let friends play with nasty smelly cougars.

Can anybody stop Damen Sistrunk? Again he proceeded to lay down the wood and was seen crossing swords with the A-team. Could there be an upgrade for Mr. Sistrunk in the very near future? Keith “My life will change next Wednesday” G. and Chris Burke slugged it out for most of the race fighting for second place. It was cat and mouse the whole way as they swapped spots trying to pound each other into submission. In the end Gumby dropped Burke at the line to take second place. Burke stated, “Keith played with me the whole way, almost like a toddler playing with a toy.”

The crème de la crème of Houston racing descended upon the event known as YettiCross. Kevin Kremke, Mitch Comardo, Nate Winkelman, and Brandon Cowart went toe-to-toe battling it out for the right to be called King of YettiCross. Mitch “The Mauler” Comardo showed the group why he sits on top of the point standings as he drove the pace and gapped the group. Wink rode a solid race on the passing fad 29’er and took second, while Cowart took third.

Will Black was quoted recently saying, “Tell Meeeeeeeeeeeech that if he isn’t lapping the A race he is dogging it.” Allegedly Mr. Black will be returning for some undetermined cross action Texas style, I’m sure the Houston A-Team looks forward to his return.

In the battle for Queen of YettiCross, Lisa Gibson and Catherine Marchah went head to head for this dubious honor. In the end Catherine’s summer long “peperval” sessions paid off as she hauled in the win.

Team YettiCross is eternally grateful for all the people who help out, the understanding racers, the sponsors, the City of Houston, and all who show up and make YettiCross the community that it is. Thank you!

For more news, results, photos, and general mayhem: http://www.yetticross.com

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Northwest Cyclery shows the love on week 5

HOUSTON, TX - YettiCross Week 5

Thanks to Dary and our good friends over at Northwest Cyclery, we will not be dry tonight as suds will be flowing freely! And they’ve even kicked in tonight’s schwag. Life is good for YettiCross’ers. So come on out and enjoy the semi-cross weather.

If you get a chance stop on by there shop and show some love: http://northwestcyclery.com/

Note: The Yetti has “allegedly” fixed the barriers for tonight’s event, be prepared for mucho mayhem.