Friday, October 31, 2008
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!
