Alterra Cup Classic

Where the days are a little longer (or shorter) and it's not the first deer that jumps out in front of your car that you have to look out for. Just to add to my reflections on the North Woods. Yes, deer jumped out in front of my car three times on my recent trip. The ones following the first one are the real danger. One actually hit my car with its hind legs as it ran away. Makes one look forward to hunting season.

Went to the Wednesday night race and hit the course for the first time since my accident. No door prize. On a message board exchange on replacing old tires one gentlemen asked if you would rather have your front tire or back tire slide out from under you? I definitely must say back tire, unless you want to land on your head. I decided to put the tire from my original front wheel on my wife's wheel which I have been using. Decided I didn't like her thinner tire and question the quality of the tread. One man asked on a message board steam if you'd rather have your front tire or back tire slide out from under you? Back, unless you want to hit your head. Still have to get that repaired or just buy a new wheel set.

The 2008 WORS Alterra Cup Classic was yesterday. Only a ten mile drive for the enjoyment of a WORS event. First time I actually went through the same day registration, always using their web site in the past. Of course it was smooth and professional as always (WEMS... another story). The weather was perfect. A great break for all those who work hard to keep this fine course in a metropolitan area. With the continuous dumping and rising water table it is not an easy course to keep up. The premier Alpha Trail sections have been closed all year. But... heard some complaints about the ruts in the opening flats after the climb.

Long climbs, including the start, put me at a disadvantage though it was home field. A bit behind from the very beginning. A complete revitalization to race a course so familiar with others of a similar level of ability. Over powering many on the open sections between extensive sections of single track. Making those climbs no matter how slowly without dismounting where others couldn't. Unlike Wednesday nights where I am always last, racing with sport and above for three laps. Here is a picture from the top of the ski hill of the Elite Comp racers lining up in the start chute.

Still without that explosion up the opening hill my nemesis of old, enjoying his time in the sun, finished a couple minutes ahead of me. This years designated nemesis was out with bike problems. I think I could have taken him. The one arbitrarily named 'Wally' was right behind me climbing to the finish gate. This slippery fellow through his undying devotion, not missing any races, will be hard to overcome in the series standings. Pushed hard the last fifty yards to keep him at bay. There was a new downhill trail on the ski slope and the sport and above racers came up the switchbacks which we skipped. All the way to the top for the Elite Comp.

I stayed to buy a cheeseburger and soda to support the cause. When my wife comes along she always wants to go to Culver's when it's over. Took quite a few pictures that I should have up soon. My computer is just so old and slow these things take time. I downloaded the rest of the Reforestation pictures too. A few short video clips also.

The garden has not produced much and a decorative tree I have nursed off and on over the years is dying. Some creature has been nibbling on our radishes among other things. Coming out under the cover of darkness. ..... I hit a chipmunk with an arrow once.