This weekend I took trip into Cooperstown NY to race what I think may be the coolest race I have ever done...Roughly 3400 miles away from Brussels sits the Ommegang Belgian Brewery, nestled deep in the countryside of upstate NY(Maybe it is not exactly upstate). As we pulled in to the gravel driveway and saw all of the Belgian flags hanging as we drove through the large archway connecting the two buildings, I decided that from this moment on, I will dedicate myself to a higher being so that I may persuade the crew from the Boston area to make this religious journey, much similar to what the characters in the movie "kingdom of heaven" had done.
The atmosphere was super mellow and will be the complete opposite of Gloucester this weekend. It was a bit strange to go to a race and not see any familiar faces.
There was only one race for the young men, and it was the Open Men's race. The coolest part of the race was that they started the race with not a whistle, but by uncorking one of their fresh ales.
I have never raced 60 minutes before so I didn't kill myself at the start. I was in about 30th place through lap 1-6, and something happened where I just kept maintaining a nice steady pace but dudes all around me were getting shattered. It may have been the super steep, but climb-able, hill, or the twisty bumpy descent, or having to go thourgh the beer garden 12 times. I clawed up to 13th place. I knew I was doing well since the announcer gave me no love during the first 6 laps, but gave me good loving after I started to make up some time.
I am a bit nervous for Gloucester, but I think as soon as the racing starts, all will be well, the strong riders will come to the front, and I will suffer to stay in top 50.
1 comment:
Oh Yash, despite the mental battle you waged when seeing "12 to go", it sounds like you had a great race. Ommegang and Cross are two of the best things! See you this weekend in Gloucester.
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