Linc and Ramona & kids were there, Tim & Liz too, Craig D & family as well and Jane & I with our kids all represented Tinker.

The kids race was pretty cool. I know Tyson was just excited to be the Speedway racing. He was more interested in all the people cheering than going really fast, he took a bad spill on a very loose dirt corner, but he was able to ride the tricky grass stuff and was smiling at the end. The water bottle full of candy after didn’t hurt either. All the Wiebe kids raced & so did Craig boy (don’t know his name), but he was a natural.

Craig raced the non MCA race on his Fatback, he did awesome, even passed some other dude right on the line.

Photo credit: ABES

The B race with about 70 racers was pretty crazy. When you put that many people on a course that only takes 5-6 minutes per lap, throw in some tight off camber grassy corners, a grand stand run up, loose gravel, all in the dark. Well, it was a little nuts, but in a good way. It also looked really fast to those of us watching. Specially on the north side of the course on the grassy, dark section, I was impressed with the pace. (Maybe Linc and Tim can give a report on how it all went down.)

Photo credit: Dave Benson

I was told by a good friend that I was no longer welcomed in the B race on my MTB a while back… I know how to take a hint. Too bad cause my cross bike is not up to current race standards. But I took my lumps in A. Did all I could, was even dead last for while after my chain jumped off and got jammed, but I left it all out there. Can’t do more than that. Frustrating watching guys you usually race with no problem in MTB, just pull away.

The experience of running up the grandstand is something I will never forget. It was LOUD and the flashing cameras were totally blinding. It was nerve racking and amazing at the same time.

Photo credit: Dave Benson

So overall, it was an experience, more than a race for me. But this was nice to be able to enjoy it with my family, lots of time to hang out with other racers & non racers all evening. Live music, food concessions, a live announcer, huge cash prizes. There was a lot going on. Hopefully Craig, Tim and Linc can chime in with their comments. It was truly something special, thanks to those who made it happen.

Just one tiny suggestion

Next time, please call it a short track XC race and make everyone ride a MTB, then it would be perfect.

Photo credit: Mark Reimer

If I used your photo here (without asking) and you want me to remove it, please post a comment.

Not that they need any help promoting this race, but just in case there are any Tinker riders remotely interested in getting out for a Cyclo Cross race this year, Dark Cross is coming on Saturday, Sept 17. Red River Racing, Fort Garry Bike Club and Winnipeg’s own CycleChick have pooled their creative and organizational resources to host Dark Cross at the Red River Coop Speedway. You DO NOT have to have an MCA license to race and you CAN use a MTB in the non MCA race. You can check out all the details here. So someone round up a few Tinker riders and make the trek out for this one, if it’s half as good as the hype – it should be fun.

If you can’t wait for that, Hal & Olympia club have a cross race on this weekend too. Mudfest – details are here.

Well, Aaron Check (AKA – the Human Deer Magnet) and the gang out in Brandon stepped up and held the XC MTB provincials on Sunday, August 28th. They did a really good job, specially considering the extremely short timelines for hosting the race. Huge thanks to all those involved putting on the race.

The course was basically the same course we did in spring at Cup Race 1, only the other direction. That means the LONG climb off the start was now a much more fun downhill at the end of each lap. But not only did we get to finish the race downhill, the Commissaires marched up that same hill for the start – so we did a downhill start, in fairly tight doubletrack. Not ideal for lining up on the line, but I think it worked out OK, sure was fun. The rest of the course was mostly fun single track, flowy & fast, some steep climbs, some fun switchbacks and plenty of TIGHT trees to keep you honest.

Sunday was my turn to race and Jane hung out with the kids. I had a decent day, even managed to pass young Chris Penderfast on the first lap for a while. Aaron tried his best to repay me for the “Deer Incident” at the Back 40 – but that squirrel he sent my way met a Specialized Renagade 1.95 going about 20km/hr. The squirrel lost.

Wayne B was making brief appearances on my rear wheel most of the second and third lap. He’d be there for a bit, then he’d fall back. Not sure if he was hurting or toying with me. He finally caught me again later in the final lap, I didn’t have a lot left to respond when he passed, I tried, but finished about 10 seconds back. Good thing I turned 40 in January. Wayner is still a 30 something youngster, so we both got some gold for our effort.

I believe Linc and family all cleaned up in their categories as well, maybe he can confirm those details for us.

Overall, it was another fine day on the trails in Brandon. Our family had fun, thanks again Brandon.

Registration

We are hoping to have more details finalized this week and are shooting to have all info updated by the 28th (this Thursday) on the site, as well as going LIVE with our own registration which will be powered with PayPal.

Draw Prizes

This year we will also be offering some great Draw Prizes, including a set of wheels from NoTubes. All pre-registered adult racers will be entered for this draw (full details to come).

Kids Racing

Lincoln is also spearheading a kids course for this year, so we will have “official” racing for the U7, U9, U11 & U13 crowd. So make it a family event and you can all race.

Go Alf!

Well, Ramona has been at it again. (More race pics.) Thanks Ramona, some great pics.

[Show as slideshow]