Like a banshee out of hell

05.25.2003

OK, so the relay race didn't go as well as expected. First, we had some trouble getting out there. We did have, after all, just over 50 mopeds. Some breakdowns and left-behinds were inevitable. But we all eventually ended up at the spot.

Team Sachs had technical problems, which meant the first scheduled heat (we had nine teams of four riders broken into three preliminary heats) was bumped to go first. That was the heat w/ the most powerhouses. Let there be no doubt. I was a bit nervous about facing Caleb (former Team Minarelli member), Ana, Kelly, and Brian Phillips. But the real competition was the team comprised of Chad, Devin (my God, that Califfo!), Brandon and Lester. It was the Califfo thad did Team Minarelli in. I've never seen a moped move so fast.

I rode the first leg of the race. I lost Caleb about a quarter of the way into my lap — started gaining on Lester (I'm geared all top end, no acceleration). My bike was just a tad faster, but he kept taking the inside curves and I couldn't quite slide in. So I had to race him on the ouside turns, finally overtaking him w/ just less than half a mile to go. I extended the lead to maybe 30-40 yards.

And then Dave faced the Califfo. And it was all over. Chris and Dan gained back some ground. But just not enough.

The cops showed up just after our heat finished. They asked us to leave; we all headed out of the Tech Park and made our way to food, drink, sleep.

Too bad. If Team Sachs hadn't broken down, only that heat would've gone. And if we'd managed to get all the other heats to go, I've no doubt Devin's team would've mopped up. And easily. It's not so bad to lose to the tourney champs.

Instead, Team Minarelli has to bear the shame. But tomorrow is a new day. And another race. This time, hometown advantage plays a role. And this time. We're takin' it to the next level.

Posted by Miguel at 11:56 PM

Comments

Actually I raced against Chad who went second and the gap was already pretty significant, but our downfall was Chris Moore VS Devon on the Califio. Dan went last but Brandon had too much of a lead and too fast of a bike. Mondays race results are proof that I was not the week link in team Minarelli.

Posted by: dave at May 30, 2003 07:20 AM

Dave:

Yeah, I think you're right. Sorry, after the cops busted up our racing, I lost track of what order we raced in. For some reason I thought you went up second against Devin. Sorry about that. You definitely weren't the weak link ... Although you made us all super nervous w/ your last-minute tinkerings.

Posted by: miguel at May 30, 2003 07:38 AM