Vint Hill
Saturday, Team Thompson & Sons p/b Squadra Coppi went to Warrenton to do the Vint Hill cross race promoted by 540 Cycling. It was part of the VACX series so there was good participation from Southern Va. The course was the same as last year. Nothing inherently wrong with the course, but the ground is super bumpy (reminds me of Ida Lee). It really puts a beating on your body and makes it hard to put power to the pedals because your rear tire is bouncing around so much.
The main intent of doing this race was for my dad to come since he lives a few miles away and has been battling cancer for several years. He hasn't been doing well so I/we hoped this would be a good chance for him to see the boys race again (he was able to attend last year, as reported HERE). Unfortunately he called as we were driving out there to say he wasn't feeling well and couldn't make it. So that was a bummer. But we did go visit him after the races and had lunch with him, so that was nice.
I did the 45+. Strong group. I had a so-so race and wanted to save something for Rockburn. So I came across in 9th.
Jake and Liam lined up for the junior races. Only 2 boys in the 15-18.
Jake created a gap at the end of the 100 meter start stretch, had 30+ seconds by mid-first lap, and then put it in cruise control a bit to conserve for Rockburn. He won handily.
There were more boys in the 10-14 (a couple of very fast 13 year olds from southern VA)
Liam struggled with the bumps on his 24" bike, At least Liam made his first lap before Jake lapped him (despite my yells, Jake showed no love for his brother, not even slowing down a little).
Thanks here to Larry Byvik and 540 Cycling who were prepared to give my dad a special parking spot next to the course to watch, and for putting on this race in NoVa.
MABRA AWARDS
Saturday night we went to the MABRA (Mid Atlantic Bike Racing Association) awards. Jake was presented with a plaque for his BAR (best all around rider) award for winning the 10-14 BAR. I'm told he will get his BAR Champ Jersey next month.
Rockburn
On Sunday, it was just me and Jake heading up to Rockburn CX in Howard County. Rockburn is a classic course. I love it. Many good memories (see archive entries here and here). I've had very good races there. I did the 45+ 1/2/3. Had a good start and a good ride. Was close to the top 5 for the first lap. Got passed by a a few super fast guys like Randy Root to fall back a spot or 2. Did battle with Pete Lindeman mid-race but was able to drop him with 2 laps to go by riding the sand while Pete ran. By staying on the bike I was able to hammer away from the sand while he was still clipping in. Pete has been riding well all season and this was the first time I was able to beat him. Finished 10th 15 seconds or so behind Tori Wolfe. So again, with a top 5 made up of career Cat 1/2s and one former pro bike racer, I was satisfied. It was a good ride.
Jake did the 15-18. He had a great race. End of first lap he was in 2nd and just a few seconds behind first place Matt Ammenn, who is 17 and very strong. The gap to first grew to about 20 seconds, but Jake pulled a few seconds back at times.
Behind him, Brett Saunders (son of ex-pro Blair Saunders) was with Tanner Browne of Bike Doctor. It seemed that they were going to make a run at Jake, but Tanner crashed a few times and fell behind Brett, and Jake ended up putting 35+ seconds into Brett. Jake finished 2nd, breaking his streak of 3rds.
We couldn't stay but Kimani was in the front group of the 3/4, with Brad a little behind when we left. Good to see everyone. (editor's PS: Kimani finished 2nd in what was apparently an exciting battle).
Next week we're going down to Charlottesville to try the Virginia State championship instead of Taneytown. Whole family going to stay the night. I have no idea how we're going to fit everything in the car.
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