Bici Coop Racing

Cyclocross season finally got under way yesterday in Birmingham and it did not disappoint. The coop family did a fantastic job helping out. The crew on Saturday did everything from lining the course to pulling out big ass rocks from the course to mowing a 1/4 mile of grass to signing the somewhat cryptic route into the park from the interstate. Sunday we were there at 7:30 finishing up the course and handling registration and scoring. Great job guys.  

Probably my favorite part of cross in this series is the feeling of a big family reunion with all of your friends from out of town getting together after 8 months off. Everyone made the rounds to the different tents around the course shaking hands and giving hugs, welcoming each other to another season of suffering, glory, and beer hand ups. More on that later. 

The first race of the day for the Coop racing team was the Women’s CX 4 at 10. Anna and Kate lined up for the 45 minute ordeal. The hardest part as a spectator was keeping the different classes of ladies separated. The first time we saw them come around was on a grueling climb heading out to the backside of the course. Both Kate and Anna looked really strong. Coming through the creek bed on the second lap Anna crashed and bailed from the race, reopening a cut on her hand that she earned cooking for the team dinner. That left Kate to rep for the ladies of Bici. And boy did she! In here first race Kate took home second and some prizes from Planet Bike, Red Bike Coffee and Chipotle.

The next race on the docket was the Men’s 4. Ross, Daniel, Andrew and I were flying the Bici colors for this one. The only problem, both Ross and I forgot to get to the line early enough and ended up starting on the back row of the start. This didn’t really bode well for my game plan of sticking with the front group without blowing up so I went full gas for the first lap just to get out of the back. Ross had the same plan and by the 3rd lap we had both worked our way into the top 10. I had a race for 8th as I came up the final hill and was able to pull it out. Ross powered his way to 5th in the bell lap. Great job. Andrew and Daniel also finished racking up some points for the overall team score. 

Ross pushing up Hell Hill.

Alan sprinting for points. 

The final race for Bici was the Men’s 1/2/3. Sam and Lee, our fast men, did a great ride. After just one lap Sam found himself in the top 10 and still looking fresh and Lee, who rode Leadville this year, was holding it down on the single speed. While we’re not sure of the final results for the entire field Sam finished 5th overall behind some really fast guys including a Pro Mountain Biker. Great job SAM! 

Sam on Hell Hill. 

It was great day for the coop and we look forward to the 17th. Maybe next time I’ll get a decent starting spot. We’ll post the complete results as they are posted. 

Alan