Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Bike Racers Beware! Big/Little Redhead to Dominate Racing World

This past weekend I went back to Seattle for the first time since starting me job at Cyclone to see my lovely bride to be, Clair. I also had the opportunity to attend the Brad Lewis Memorial Boat Street Criterium presented by Recycled Cycles, the Brad is the official kick-off to the Seattle crit season (though this year it was superseded by the bums at Volunteer Park). The Category 5 race was exciting as usual, not due to the skill but the lack there of. Two crashes marred the race, including this one that AVA/CBB racer Nate (who lead a redhead to domination of last year's Ballard Crit) narrowly avoided. It was all set up for the red loving Sally to take the dramatic win when he was pipped at the line by a guy with a crooked helmet!! Update: I'd just like to take a moment to acknowledge Daniel, the winner of the Category 5 race at Boat St. He was racing as part of his attempt to qualify for the RAAM (Race Across America), a brutal ultra-endurance bikerace from California to Virginia. Dan looked effortless during the entire race, prompting Clair to mention that he didn't even seem to be winded after 40 minutes and a finishing sprint. His helmet was crooked and that made me laugh, but the guy definitely wasn't a 'chuffer' as Seth mentions in the comments of this post. So congratulations Dan! You certainly would have taken me for a ride if I were mixing it up in there. It was a valiant effort, but Sally's still looking for his first win. No wonder Dave Douglas won't upgrade him yet!

The Category 4 race was exciting as well, no crashes but the result was one we here at RHFWD have come to expect when we watch a race that includes our favorite cycling dominator. Craig 'The Red Rocket' Etheridge once again won in his category! I have seen Craig in a number of crits and though he would surely deny the following, I have never seen him lose a crit race. The guy's a machine on the bike and a great guy at all times. Congratulations Craig, we salute you!

Special thanks to Amara Boursaw, cyclist, photographer, and unofficial photo documentarian of the Seattle area bike racing scene. I have never brought up the point with her, but we'll consider her a Red supporter and add her to the list of those protected. Check out her website for fun, funny, and sweet photos of local Seattle racing of all stripes.

2 comments:

seth said...

i'd like to stand up for daniel(the winner of the cat 5 race at boat) he has been devoted to road riding for the most part of his life. he's ridden from vancouver to novia scotia in 20 or so days, toured van to mexico and seattle to new mexico in less then ten days.
dan doesn't give a shit about joining some team and having all the fancy equipment to look the part at road races. he is doing it all for himself. its hard to sum up what daniel is all about in a short write up but believe me when i say that dan is not just some chuffer,.. that can't put a helmet on right?

BF kemyooter said...

Daniel and I are pees in a pod. I think I received more shit at that race for not wearing my infamous Coveralls during the race, instead of losing.
And of course he didn't look winded...I drug him to the line!