YettiCross

Tuesday, October 30, 2007
YettiCross // Week 8 Preview - Trick or Treat!

Halloween YettiCross Style
Originally uploaded by Paul S.
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!
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!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
More cow bell at YettiCross

More cow bell at YettiCross
Originally uploaded by Paul S.
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.”
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Race Report - Week 6 (10/17/07)

YettiCross - Week 6
Originally uploaded by Paul S.
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! 
Race Report - Week 5 (10/10/07)

YettiCross™ - Week 5 // 2007
Originally uploaded by Paul S.
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!
 
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Northwest Cyclery shows the love on week 5

Northwest Cyclery
Originally uploaded by Paul S.
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/
Race Report - Week 4 (10/03/07)

Mitch Comardo leading the way
Originally uploaded by Paul S.
YettiCross opened up its 4th week of intense lung busting competition under the smallest of small hint of real cyclocross weather. The temperature backed off from near triple digits to a more pleasing 93. Fields of crossers with bikes raring under the bridle, lined up to test their ability to survive the nearly infamous YettiCross course. A bit of rain earlier in the week turned the zipp through the dip into a cesspool of squalor and its subsequent deletion from the course neutered its ability to claim any victims this week. The rain did help calm the ruts of speed robbing despair and allowed lap times to decrease. With the decreased lap the racers were treated to more chances to experience the wonderful urban setting of Memorial Park.

The A Team shot off like a group being chased by a rabid cougar hopped up on EPO. It was fierce at the front as Mitch “Pepe” Comardo, Brandon “The Kingpin” Cowart, Hunter “Hammer” Groove sliced and diced for the first three laps. Mitch and Brandon pulled away only to encounter a rouge bandit racer who proceeded to drive the pace. The two valiant CX’ers hung with this interloper and finally dropped him like a bad habit. In the end Mitch took the win, with Brandon second, and the young gun Hunter taking third. After the race both Mitch and Brandon searched for the bandit to “thank” him for putting the wood to them. Sadly, he was nowhere to be found.

In the B race we had a down home Texas style shootout. While Damen Sistrunk controlled first place throughout the race, the battle for second was intense. Holt Harlan, Chris Burke, and Kevin Highfield stayed together and the pace was unrelenting. With three laps to go Holt pulled away from the two and secured second place. Chris shifted gears and had a bit more in the tank to take third.

Who can stop the Force from the North Henry Reeve as he continued to dominate the C group with another win. Noted TeamSmack Philanthropist Bill Moritz took second place in his first YettiCross race of the season. Hanging on for third was Tony Dehore.

Team YettiCross would like to recognize Mr. Bill for his kind donation of FREE beer to the event. In addition we would like to thank our event sponsors: Bike Barn, West End Bicycles, Source Endurance, and Extreme Technology.
Noted TeamSmack Philanthropist Donates Beer for Week 4

YettiCross supports the finer things in life.
Originally uploaded by Paul S.
HOUSTON, TX - Noted TeamSmack philanthropist Mr. Bill stepped forward for the fourth week of racing with an unbelievable act of kindness. As he spied the vast amount of events, charities and other worth while en devours, he selected YettiCross™ as the recipient of a well timed delivery of beer. His generosity so touched The Yetti that a tear trickled down his face. This was quickly brushed off like sweat during a Pepeverals session. The big fella was quoted as saying, “That damn Bill beat me by a minute in Huntsville....” At this point the interview was over as The Yetti stormed off in a huff, but I’m sure he wanted to thank Mr. Bill from the bottom of his heart.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Race Report - Week 3 (09/26/07)

YettiCross - Week 3
Originally uploaded by Paul S.
The institution that is YettiCross kicked off the third week with expanded categories and more moola for the people. Not to be left in the bushes The Yetti delivered a new and improved course O’pain. The off camber right turn run up was moved to mid-hill to ensure the racers could experience the true meaning of dismount. While good in theory, riders were still able to ride up the hill. New levels of hell will be delivered in week 4 because of this.

The straightaway’s of misery were broken up with new turns and features to keep the racers guessing at the best line. Bikes were muddied while trying to find the perfect line and instead to be greeted by the bottomless mud experience.

Racing action was fierce with the classes taking off at 5 second intervals, the early chases led to broken motors as the “it’s not quite cross season yet” heat took its toll. Another unnamed source/racer commented how much they liked cyclocross “when the race is over”. We aim to please!

Mitch Camardo threw down some smoking laps which would have made the ghost of Will Black proud. In fact Mitch gapped the field by almost two minutes (paging Wink, Troy, and Hunter). The chasers were many with new comer Greg Bauer taking 2nd, followed by Super Dave Boyd in 3rd.

The “probably going to get upgraded next week” Alessandro de Souza B winner was mixing it up with the As. Damen Sistrunk rode a solid race and held off the ever growing pack of Bs to take 2nd place, with Holt Harlan taking 3rd.

The C action was a tight knit lead group slugging it out for the top spot. Tony DeOre was heard commenting - “I think my tire is flat” as he let young Austin Miller get away for the win. The force from the North Henry Reeve took 2nd, with Tony DeOre taking 3rd.
Race Report - 09/19/07
The racing action that is YettiCross enjoyed cooler weather and grew by leaps and bounds in their second race of the series. With 19 racers and a $95 payout on the line the racers lined up with money and pride at stake. In addition to this Kelly “The Yetti” Strader modeled the finest in Texas cross racing attire, the first, ever pearl snap jersey.  Soon to be all the rage at the discount rack at Neimen Marcus. This fine kit took the lead for the first four corners, than went down in a cloud of dust. Fortunately the shirt survived the impact, but a brake lever did not. There is a lesson in there somewhere.
Meanwhile back at the racing action, the lead pack stayed together on a much drier Memorial Park course.  Lap times were significantly faster. With the added zip though the dip, last weeks leader Troy Fraske fell victim to the vicious YettiCross course as he rolled his tubular.  It was a tough bit of luck for the Series Leader as he was with the lead pack with just a few laps to go.
Nathen Winkleman arrived after the start of the race with the pack a full 3 minutes ahead of him. He worked his way up from dead last to take 4th overall in the A/B class. No small feat considering the pace that the lead group was dishing out.
In the end young Hunter Grove took the win, with Super Dave Boyd coming in 2nd. Hunter rode one heck of a race giving up on average 20 years in age to his competition. Tony Phongsy took 3rd.
In the C class the Canuck Henry Reeve held strong and delivered some smoking laps to his rivals and took the victory.  Taking 2nd place in his first cyclocross race ever was mountain biker Chad Harrison. Nice work Chad!
Week 3 should be one heck of a shootout as the series continues. We expect that Wink will get there on time and will punish those who left without him in Week 2.
YettiCross’s newest sponsor Saint Arnolds Brewery provided some replacement carbs after the race, West End and Bike Barn continued to provide winner’s schwag and the racers enjoyed most excellent payout. In addition Source Endurance has joined with YettiCross to provide incredible end of year awards for the series winners.
 
 
Friday, September 14, 2007
Registration Opens Saturday for Cyclocross Nationals

Racers Encouraged to Sign Up for Better Staging

Kansas City, Kan. - Registration for the 2007 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships in Kansas City’s Wyandotte County Park opens Saturday, Sept. 15 at 12:01 a.m. CDT. Only online registrations through the event’s official website, www.kccrossnationals.com, will be accepted. There is no day-of-race registration for the event, which will be held Dec. 13-16. Athletes will be staged based on their order of registration, with the exception of those who qualify for seeding position (2006 place winners, former national champions, UCI point rankings in elite categories, etc.).
 
 
 
 
Race Report - 09/12/07

Cyclocross action in Houston, Texas kicked off last night with the
return of YettiCross. In spite of the threat of a hurricane that had
spun up off Galveston earlier in the day, brave souls came out to
experience the fun that is YettiCross. The new centrally located
venue in Memorial Park provided racers with easy access. Racers were
treated to a slightly damp course that provided a good cross section
of challenges, from fast lung busting trails, to tight twist and turns
that tested the racer’s bike handling skills. People sitting in
traffic along Memorial Drive were treated to a view of crossers
running up the grassy hill by the railroad track underpass.
The field stayed together for the first couple of laps and then the
course begin to wear on the racers. While there were some prerace
comments from the racers on the lack of barriers, most people’s early
seasons legs appreciated the ability to just spin the pedals. As the
race wore on the field begin to seperate. In the end Troy Fraske took
the payout and the schwag when he broke away on the final lap, winning
the B class. Jeff Carmody took 2nd place, with Aless Androsovaza
taking 3rd. Junior CX’er Austin Miller took 1st place in the C class,
which is impressive considering he just finished his high school cross
country workout. And our resident Canuck Henry Reeve took 2nd.
The racing action was best summed up by the line “All the racers
looked really proud of their mud” YettiCross will be dishing out the
racing action for at least 7 more weeks at Memorial Park in Houston.
Come out and get you some great cyclocross action!