The most gracious callout ever!

I am writing this callout to give a hearty FT3 thank you to all the peeps who came out to support the Sacramento CX Race in Apple Hill. It was nice to see our quiet, serene and scenic ag lands transformed into a 'cross race course scene complete with Gheto sound system, wine cup handups, and FT3...

Thanks to Unknown Local, Councilman, NoCar, Taco Spawn and Rock God for making a showing and supporting the small FT3 contingent that actually raced. While he seemed to be there on business, I spotted Newb, and he appeared to be genuinely stoked to see I was prepared to tow the line. Even young cutter made a showing.

A big strava "kudos" goes to GreenFro and Lars, who got out there and threw down hard as hell, representing FT3 strong, running two by two for the majority of the race.

XTeric gets a huge shout out for doing some hand holding on my part, the original plan was for him and I to ride up there and cheer on Lars and Green Fro, who were set to race at 12:45, but as the A race became nearer, I became more antsy, and determined that I must make a showing in spite of the fact that I was coming off the couch due to illness (I think I had H1N1?)... So I pinned on my number, and we rode together to the Apple Hill Course, arriving in time to watch the two brave FT3ers finish in tandem.

Just then I put my game face on and tentatively rolled to the line. No callup for me, I missed to many races this season. As usual, the pace was high as hell off the start, the sweeping corners, tight turns and fertile tacky Apple Hill soil made for super fun riding. The bumpy vineyard section had a couple fun jump-able bumps and the steep climb, (run up for some) featured the best frigging cheering section known to man. FT3 hugged this corner tightly and each lap I was given an approximate 5 second boost as a result of this. It was a hard fought battle, some laps were better than others. I enjoyed a bit of back and forth with the legendary Rich Maile, who was fighting hard to stay in the top three of the single speed race (he finished 4th). I came unraveled a bit with about 3 to go. I was unfortunately lapped on this short course by the top four riders in my class just before I crossed the line with one to go. That was a bit disheartening, but altogether it went better than I would have expected given the circumstances. I finished 7th of 9 and got some good points towards the series overall, where I now I sit in the 8 spot. The next and final race is in old Sacramento on January 17th. Who's in?

Regrets? None. Pure stoke from this one. I am so glad to have been there, and truly appreciate the support from my friends. Taco Spawn knows how to encourage a racer, NoCar knows how to make friends and obtain access to a microphone, yeah, GHETO knows who Cappy is, and the rest of you were steadfast in your support. Thank you.

It is also notable that Cappy Junior towed the line at this one. At age 9, he finished 8th in the 10-14 age group. Here are a couple photos of him, I want you to pay particular attention to the race face in the pic on the line. The apple does not fall far from the tree my friends.

(( Please reaad below for NoCar's original post, copied into this one to re-merge what was merged, the lost and now merged again.  Oh the love))

ONE!

P.S. GreenFro and I have both registered for the Old Caz, it is the epic cross ride we have been inviting you to for several years now. We hope you will join us on January 31st.

http://www.grasshopperadventureseries.com/grasshopper-2015/old-caz-hopper/

Begin of NoCar posting

Last Tuesday saw low temps, dry conditions and a new surface texture. Pockets of brittle ice needles were often concealed under a thin layer of soil, so you never knew what your front tire might encounter. Ride Leader Spawn chose a rolling route, not climbing enough to get sweaty nor descending enough to get chilled. And all managed to stay comfortable in their original layer choices. The hot toddy at the start didn’t hurt, either. 

Since then, the frosty spots have turned into an equally quad-burning peanut butter-like mud. Maybe the soil has reabsorbed the moisture since temps have stayed above freezing for a few days.

This past Sunday a crowd of FT3ers gathered at the Mill View Ranch for the Cmino installment of the Sacramento Cyclocross series. The list of excuses was much longer than the list of entrants, but hardmen Cappy, Fro, and Lars kitted up and toed the line. 

Should be a beautiful evening. There has already been lots of “IN” chatter. And Buttons has volunteered to baby sit for anyone who can’t make it on account of childcare duties.

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Posted By nocar to FT3 at 1/06/2015 09:45:00 AM