Rainer’s “”Run for the Hills”

You might wonder, “Why is Terry posting this Blog late in the week and not first thing Monday?” Well, the answer I would provide is easy. Rainer kicked my arse so severely with the non-stop hill climbs that I have been tired and having nightmares about having to do that hill one more time. No thanks, not til next year!

Shaking off the debauchery of a bachelor party the night before I met Glen in front of the Beermongers World Headquarters at 7am. A quick stop at Kettlemen Bagels (a possible future sponsor, Bill get on that J) and we were off towards Longview, WA and the Lewis and Clarke Bridge back into Oregon. An excellent group of BeerMongrels assembled at Rainer High School for the second Cross Crusade race of 2011.The course was just under 2 miles and consisted of a mix of terrain from road (paved/dirt) to rooted wooded trail to long downhill to slippery uphill technical turns in the woods. Lastly, there was a hill that started in a pile of thick mud and proceeded over a rock/mud section which led back onto the pavement. A slight reprieve was found around the finish line only to require more climbing to top-out. The rain was on and off, as always, which made the course quite sloppy in the morning but by early afternoon it was drying out a little

Our beginners tore up the course with Glen joining Karl and Jamie for his first ride. The excitement once these fellas completed their race was addictive. Glen arrived back at the tent somewhat out of breath and splattered with mud only to say, “I am hooked! That was awesome!”

Nick Wagner shook off the prior night’s bachelor party to lead our Men’s C category and finished 12^th overall. He is picking up points every week. Well done Nick!! Keep kicking ass!!! Bill and Marc also had strong performances and they kept their kits clean by not wiping out.

Mongers in the Master Cs include Ryan, Sean and me. We all fought the HILL four times and with Ryan finishing in first for the week. Nice work RT!! For me the race was a little frustrating as I wiped out in a big way and my bike came up lame. After try to fix it for several minutes Nick, who was on the side of the course, said it’s your brake. It had jammed into my wheel frame during my skid out. Once I popped that out I was off and pedaling. I had been off the course for several minutes and even though I was mildly rested I had dropped lots of places.

Beth was our sole woman’s rider this weekend in Cat. B and she had an awesome finish in 12^th place. Great effort Beth!!!! With injured Cat. C rider and husband Abram cheering her on Beth passed all sorts of gals on the course to her well-earned finish. The best pass came on a steep, short uphill section that most people ran up. Beth pedaled up that hill with such force she drew neck and neck at the top with a Green Sub. rider, who had ran it. As the course turned right Beth took off like a bullet and passed that Green Sub. on a rather technical tight downhill corner. It was awesome!!! She came into that corner a little hot but pulled it off.

Last race of the day involved a sick lot, single-speed riders. Anyone who rode this course with a single speed bike deserves a beer on me for sure. Jeremiah come and get it! At the same time Andrew was kicking up mud in the Cat. Bs.

Another great day for the BmCCers on a course that taught us a lot and will prepare use for future glory. Oh and thanks to TrustySwitchblade for the Voodoo donuts. We need to be careful about putting our tent next to these nice folks cause TC goes nuts for donuts!!!