"Beer tastes like church"

For most citizens, opening day was last Thursday or Friday.  For me, it was today at my first mountain bike race of the season: THE International Intergalactic Global Open Mountain Bike Team Relay Championship of the Universe Including the Anti-Matter One. (There, That Should About Cover It.)

Fatmarc, M, Naomi, Mayhew.  Eshter's on the far left.  Hi Esther!

Another  IIGOMBTRCUIAMO(TTSACI) is in the books.  Perfect weather.  Perfect trails, considering the rain.  A bit squishy in some sections, but no bike-hugging mud to wash off at home.  

The Le Mans start gets longer every year.  Have fun, suckers!

Our team, Escape from Cabin Eight II: Debs Behind Bars, made a pretty good showing for the first race of the season.  My personal favorite moment was coming through after my first lap only to find no rider to tap for the next lap.  Where the hell is Zack? Riding around in circles for God's sake. I forgive you, Zack, for not being at the start when I came through.  After all, he got stuck with the run and the ludicrous outfit. And the Le Mans start which seems to increase in distance every year. You're the best, Zack!

Officer Adams, reporting for duty.

I scrambled to get the boy a bunch of juniors to ride with and what do you know?  They came in third. The race points were handicapped, the kids took advantage of the spread.

Photo poached from Kyle Miller.

So proud!  Most importantly, they had fun.  

3 Js and a K--Jimmy, Jay, Keith, Jonathan

Because somehow beer and bike racing go hand in hand, the boy had his customary post-race sip o'beer courtesy of Philly Ciclismo's Craig LeBarrier.  After sipping away, the boy remarked, "beer tastes like church."  I leave that interpretation to you, gentle reader. 

Podium!  Cash, baby.  Cash!

The boy and I met up with Damien and his buddy Bob at the Marysville Diner for post-race grub.  Everything tasted like the #3 special.  It's a trip--definitely check it out the next time you're in the neighborhood.  

It was so great seeing everyone today.  Thanks to Mike Kuhn for putting on such a great event.  I recommend it to everyone from beginners to seasoned pros.  

The boy: before and after the race.  So much for car conversation.