YettiCross™

Monday, September 01, 2008

YettiCross Version 3.0

Event Details

Dates: Wednesday, September 3rd through Wednesday, October 29th
Time: 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: $10.00
Classes: A/B/C/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
* We know what class some of you were last year, some folks will be enjoying a field promotion!
* 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

Friday, October 31, 2008

Results // Week 9

Results-O-Matic: CLICK HERE NOW!

Week 9 Report

HOUSTON, TX - As the sun slowly faded into the sunset, another chapter closed on an outstanding season. The sad Yetti sulked off into the woods knowing that it would be many, many months until his return. And what a send off the YettiNation gave him as what felt like a cast of thousands, people came out to enjoy the pageantry of YettiWeen. We had a lone wolf showing us his deft Broadway-esque costume changing ability, Carmen Miranda with her jaunty hat of fruit, little ET got the ride of his life, and even Beetle Juice joined in the frey. It was noted by many that old BJ took heckling to a professional level, fortunately no sticks were harmed in the process.

Groans spread through the A group as El Yetto announced a costume call up, it did little to dis-way Mr. Taco Bell as he and the wall crawler lept off the front. Comardo and Winkleman rode like the wind and worked together to distance themselves from the pack. In the end Winkleman nipped Comardo at the line, with Aaron Sinclair taking third.

Frank Karbarz has been on a roll the past couple of weeks laying the wood to the B group. Little would change this week as he again rode off the front and lead from start to finish. It was good to see Shawn Harris back in the mix, not quite sure what the costume was as mothers had to shield their children’s eyes from his apparent night time ware. It must have inspired him as he delivered a strong performance and took the second spot on the podium. Mike Adrian rounded out the final spot taking third.

The C group seems to morph and grow every week which is exciting to see. Michael Ereli battled his way to the front and held on for the win, with Matt Schott putting in a fine effort taking second, and Paul Allen rounded out the final spot on the podium. Ben Pennington had a great race just missing the final spot, it was great to see him in the mix.

Mary Hodge returned to racing in the Woman’s class and controlled the race from the start. She was again seen mixing it up with the B class and giving them a run for their money. Lisa Hartman rode hard and took the second spot on the podium, with Angela Clark taking third.

We would like to thank everybody for coming out and making this an amazing season of YettiCross. Each week the YettiNation expanded beyond our wildest imagination. And where would we have been with out the rocking support of the Bike Barn crew, thank you Lee, Cynthia, and everybody from the shops around town for helping us each week. Kevin Koen, Troy Fraske, and Craig Fitzgerald of Bike Lane, thanks to your weekly efforts of helping to setup the barriers. Dary and the Northwest Cycling crew, thank you for everything this past season. Thank you to the beer sponsors this year: Team Bikesport, Bike Barn, GravityChallenged and the many individuals that hooked us up each week. There should be a special place in heaven for you folks. And a special shout out to GCCA for hooking us up with sweet schwag.

There is still plenty of cyclocross racing action going on, please support the local scene and hit the Houston/Woodlands races that are coming up.

So until next year, keep cross alive!

Friday, October 24, 2008

Results // Week 8

Look mom I raced YettiCross! - Hit me hard...

Week 8 Report

HOUSTON, TX - There are times when fun becomes epic and this past Wednesday was one of those rare days. That is what happens when you combine major moola, a bone jarring course, and wicked weather. And the YettiNation represented in fine fashion with over $550 on the line this past week in the annual “Moola for the Masses” event. People came from all corners of the state to battle for money and pride. Not even pink shoe covers could have withstood the onslaught of weather that was unleashed.

You could see it in the eyes of those who were on the rivet, driving harder than was almost humanly possible, the A group left nothing on the course. In what has been described as the closest finish in years, Aaron Sinclair had one of his finest races. Here is the race as described by the Lone Wolf, Nate Winkleman:

“With two laps to go Rob hit the barriers, and I was off the front a bit. Koen and Aaron bridged up. After passing the one lap to go sign, Rob bridged up...somehow(check for EPO!). Koen was pulling, and Aaron came around, and I was in 3rd spot. We hit the 1st wood section, and to two log runs, and this lap we all hopped the third log.  Aaron had about a 1-2 second gap on Koen here, and took the shortcut around the leaning tree/rooted tree. Koen took the longer rooted line and I hesitated. I took over, using the shortcut as Koen was holding on the tree to not fall over, and he was on my wheel. I don’t know where Rob was here. On the back stretch he opened up a little gap from the hesitation, and Rob was drilling it and putting on the pain. Once we hit the barriers, I took off for the line, and Koen and Rob were on my wheel. Rob sprinted me for the finish, Aaron was about 5-10 yards ahead of me, then Rob.”

In the end Aaron Sinclair was 1st, with the Lone Wolf taking 2nd, and Rob “Hellboy” Sisk” taking 3rd. All we can say is that it was an amazing finish to an epic race.

Much to the dismay of Andrew Leach, the B Group was now fully aware of who he was and it was as if a target was on his back. In addition to this Mary Hodge decided that it was time to take on a different challenge and jumped into this group. It was as if the lead group switched positions on every lap as they fought to control the front. Frank Karbarz in the end captured 1st place with an outstanding effort, with Mark Landeck taking 2nd, and Andrew “The Spartan” Leach taking 3rd. Notably Mary Hodge was a very close 4th in her first B event.

The C group week in and week out have represented with a strong tenacity across the entire spectrum of participants. Their level of weekly dedication is a testament to all things YettiCross. This week was no different with Clark Whitley taking 1st, Michael Erchi taking 2nd, and Phillip Tender taking the final spot on the podium.

Catherine “Dirt Diva” Marchack was working on final preparations for the weekends TMBRA event in Ruston and was tapering. That didn’t stop her from delivering the goods and hammering home a victory. Notably Suzanne Menn rode well and was seen mixing it up with the C group. Great job Suzanne!

The Junior race was represented by Omar Ital and Timothy Tirado, both young men rode like the wind and left it all on the course. Omar captured the win with a solid effort.

Last week no beer, this week beer and wicked weather, what does next week have in store for us plague and locus?

For those new to the YettiNation, next week is our final event and is the culmination of just over two months of death defying racing. This final race could almost stand on it’s own due to the pageantry known as YettiWeen. So bust out that sweet YettiWeen costume and come prepared to compete with more major moola on the line for the costume contest.

A huge thank you to the Bike Lane crew, Troy Fraske and Kevin Koen for putting up and taking down the barriers. Also, mucho thanks to Cynthia Stewart and our friends at Bike Barn for bringing brew for the masses.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Results // Week 7

Clicky Le Linky: I am the walrus...

Week 7 Report

HOUSTON, TX - The skies shook with anger and unleashed a venerable storm that washed away lessor courses, but the resolute Yetti shook his fists in rage and fought back with yet another ingenious course. To the stunned amazement of the YettiNation a new and cruel, some may say devilish design was unleashed this past Wednesday. For those of you playing along at home, picture this: imagine a swirling hurricane and at the center an eye, and in that eye there was a race. And it’s name - THE VORTEX OF DEATH. Mind you this was not for the weak of heart as it tested both mind and body. Will the madness ever stop, does Yetti actually sleep, and who knew that a people actually would race in rain and mud.

It’s been said that there is no place in the world for pink shoe covers, but what should appear in all the mud and madness but a pair on loan from Team Bike Barn. We won’t divulge just who the perpetrator was, but if you see him out please tell him that Mutha wants them back post haste. Note: Fashion Karma was in full effect as said perpetrator had a “mechanical”. Some lessons are learned the hard way.

While there are impostors trying to pass themselves off as the Lone Wolf, there can only be just one - Nate “Lone Wolf” Winkleman. And the Lone Wolf delivered in spades on a course that made him smile. From the start he lept off the front and extended his lead lap after lap. Well done Lone Wolf! Ric Tinney had an outstanding effort taking second place, with the resident nice guy Troy Fraske taking third.

What kind of madman rides a fixed gear at a cyclocross race? Andrew Leach that’s who, and he drilled it from the drop of the flag to the finish claiming first place. Frank Karbarz put in a strong ride and took second place on the podium, with Conner Courtland rounding out the final spot. We are lighting a candle in hopes that our resident lucha libre is able to overcome his nasty bought with the “meows”. And in other B news still no signs of cyclocross racing out of O’ Canada. The “meows” must be contagious.

In the biggest class of the night, Mike Aguargo rode hard and secured first place in a hottly contested battle in the Cs. Sean Ansley fresh back from a month long hiking expedition claimed second place, with Scott Cryan taking third.

It’s been rumored that Mary Hodge might get promoted to the Bs as she was yet again seen at the front mixing it up in this class. In what was the most exciting racing of the night, Caryn Sedillo and Catherine Marcheck duked it out from the beginning. As each lap went by they rode together trying to break the other’s will. On the second to last lap Marcheck held a 15 second gap and looked as if she would hold this to the end. Not to be dismayed, Sedillo attacked on the final lap, closed the gap and took the second spot on the podium. Hat’s off to both ladies for a fantastic race.

Young Ben Pennington looks to be in fine Fall forum as he secured the win in the Junior category, with Omar Itani taking second.

Our beer sponsor was also inflicted with the dreaded “meow” disease so the YettiNation sulked away in utter saddness. Fear not as said beer sponsor will be back next week!

We would like to thank those of you who purchased the fine, fine limited edition YCX stickers. With the turmoil of the financial markets, the Yetti is hoping this meager sticker income will support him in his “senior” years. So be sure to pick one up next week!

Friday, October 10, 2008

Results // Week 6

Click el linko: Week 6 Results

Week 6 Report

HOUSTON, TX - Some days are just made for cyclocross. This past Wednesday the Yetti combined the right mix of mud, cool temperatures, and hard to unleash another of his diabolical courses. It was an amazing sight seeing close to 100 of the YettiNation’s finest out prepared to do battle.

Look what the cat drug in but our resident prodigal son Mitch “Taco Bell Boi” Comardo. And Comardo wasted little time as he and Rob Sisk jumped off the front at a blistering pace. Not far behind was Wally Groda laying the hammer down in hot pursuit. As each lap went by Taco Bell Boi extended his lead. Who knew a Summer subsisting on Burrito Supremes could make this big of a difference. In the end Comardo rode away with the victory, with Groda making a strong push at the end to take second, with Sisk having an outstanding ride coming in third. Random side note: Comardo did this on a single speed. He will be reporting to the YettiLabs next week for testing.

The Bs came out in force this week with scores to be settled, as there were fierce battles across the entire field. In the end Frank Karbarz took the top spot on the podium, with Blake Rich coming in second, and Greg Harrah taking third. Some how Chris Burke evaded the “Burke Rule” and took a respectable fourth. The scorer is being repremanded. And a bigger question, do they actually race cross in Canada? But I digress.

The heartbeat of the YettiNation beats strong with those competiting in the C class. Each week this group continues to swell with new people coming out. It clearly warmed the heart of El Yetto as he could be seen tearing up at the start line. Touching really. Andrew Leach had a excellent effort taking first, with Scott Cryan coming in second, and Clark Whitley rounding out the podium in third. Scott Schaafer came in a respectable 20th.

The unstoppable Mary Hodge was seen mixing it up (again) with the frontrunners of the B group. New comer Kristi Darby delivered an outstanding effort taking second place, with Lisa Hartman coming in third. And hats off to all the ladies who come out each week to mix it up!

It was exciting to see a strong showing from the Southern Elite junior program as they rolled out in force. Kyle McIntosh had a stellar ride taking first, with last year’s recipient of the Heart of the Yetti Ben Pennington took second.

A huge thank you goes out to this week’s beer sponsor Cynthia Stewart and the Bike Barn crew. What would YettiCross be without beer! Also a hearty thank you goes out to our North Course setup crew: Troy Fraske, Craig “Chain Gang” Fitzgerald, and Kevin Koen. The YettiNation hearts barriers.

Millions of dollars in research uncovered the fact that the YettiNation wants to represent. So based on this finding a new, uber cool, flashy yet stylish sticker is being released to satisfy this need. Next week you too can be the proud owner of a YCX sticker for the low, low price of one Washington.

Public Service Announcement: Friends don’t let friends ride without helmets because their dog may starve.

For results, mayhem, and deeper discusion of the chaos theory: http://www.yetticross.com

Friday, October 03, 2008

Results // Week 5

Race details to follow: http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pZ_598ixmPhjF6Zw6Dpiffw

Friday, September 26, 2008

Results // Week 4

Week 4 results (click on the week 4 tab): CLICK ME!

Week 4 Report

HOUSTON, TX – Hurricanes, financial market meltdowns, nor lack of electricity could hold the YettiNation down. With a resiliency that only they know, racing was on this past Wednesday. And what should await them but another course design a la the “tandem” of Ike and Yetti. This combination released a diabolical mix of twists and turns with a Gully of Grief mixed in for good measure.

Can Nate “Lone Wolf” Winkleman be stopped? Yet again he rode off with the victory and Rob Sisk put in a solid effort taking second place. Kevin “my training is off” Koen took third place with a strong showing. And what could lie ahead next week is an interesting twist of events, with Pete Stewart moving into the A group. Could he possibly team up with Rob his Bikesport teammate and disrupt the Lone Wolf’s stranglehold on first place?

Speaking of Pete Stewart, he was seen mixing it up in the As after starting with the Bs. He rode away with the victory after a Summer of Domination on the national Mountain Bike scene. Greg Harrah took second place with Josh Teshcnor taking third.

In the C group Mike Adrion delivered some pain to the field and was rewarded with a victory. Andrew Leach claimed the second podium spot, with Paul Allen taking third. Of note Zack Hendry the lone Junior in the race would have taken third in the Cs had he entered. Great job Zack!

Mary Hodge continued her dominance of the Women’s group leading from start to finish. Taking second place was Lisa Harman, with Julia Jenkins claiming third. Special recognition goes out to Gillian Evans who wrecked, rode into the pits, readjusted the bike and jumped back into the race. This was her first time at YettiCross and she clearly demonstrated a fighting CX spirit!

We would like to recognize Troy Fraske and Craig Fitzgearld for bringing barricades and supporting the setup and teardown team. This little addition to the course produced many grimaces which we like to see. Unfortunately Craig’s bike revolted against him and decided that it really didn’t need a chain. His bell ringing ability was world class worthy and we appreciated the effort.

A huge thank you to Dary and the crew from Northwest Cycling for donating this week’s supply of brew, the YettiNation is always grateful of post racing beer.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Results // Week 1 and 2

Technology coupled with YettiCross is a good thing. We heart Google.

Week 1 and 2 are posted here: Results LINK!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Week 2

HOUSTON, TX – The YettiNation grew yet again as 73 hearty souls toed the line for week two of YettiCross. Noted Texas Cyclocross Legend Will Black was recently quoted as saying “There is only one way to get good at cross racing and it is quite uncomfortable.” Yetti delivered “uncomfortable” with the unveiling of a new course crafted to test those brave enough to do battle. It was a course devised over a restless offseason, with thoughts of the Austin Hoard dancing in his head.

A resolute group took time to bow their heads and pay respects to Super Dave Boyd who was tragically taken last week in a training accident. He will be truly missed, God rest his soul.

The ranks of the A’s continue to swell as 12 Monsters of YettiCross went head to head. In what is turning out to be victory by default the Lone Wolf Nate Winkleman delivered pain at the highest level. He clearly rode with a purpose as each lap went by he went faster. A battle royal was going down between Eric Comeran, Rob Sisk, and Troy Fraske. In the end Comeran hung on for second with Sisk taking the final podium spot. Word on the street is that Mitch “The Mauler” Commardo is secretly preparing for a return to YettiCross. Congratulation to Keith Gumney on his recent promotion to the As, you could see the joy on his face as he appeared to be glad to be there. Some may say a vengefully Yetti did not forget his scoffing at the forced dismount of YC version 2.0.

In the B class things were fast and furious as William Hale, Andrew “Tootall” Nelson and Nathan Bennett duked it out. Hale held on for the victory with Tootall taking second and Bennett placing third. Tootall was quoted as saying “I thought cyclocross was supposed to be hard?”. Welcome to the A’s Andrew and you to Mr. Bennett. Because we want to promote an almost fun fair positive experience for all who race, we congratulate Chris Burke for his fifth place finish. A bag of cookies awaits you next week.

An amazing race of one took place at the front of the C class as Matt Lutz crushed the field. Thanks to his amazing performance, he will be the first person to jump two classes and go directly to the A’s. Well done sir, well done. Robert Smith delivered a strong performance taking second place, with Conner Cartland rounding out the podium.

The women of the YettiNation were out in force this past Wednesday. Mary Hodge was on the gas from the start and rode away with the victory. Second place went to Lee Neatherly in her first appearance at YettiCross this season. Hat’s off to all the women who came out and laid it on the line.

In the Junior class the brothers Flemming worked together with Ian taking first and Eric coming in second.

We would like to recognize the vaunted TeamSmack philanthropist Bill Moritz for donating beer. His generous donation was deeply appreciated. In addition a huge thank you to our great friends at Bike Barn. You guys are Rock Stars and we sincerely appreciate all you do for YettiCross.

Stay tuned for YettiCross version 3.27 as Ike might water the course for us.

For chaos and mayhem go to: http://www.yetticross.com

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