fast brad

Here we are in 2010 already and everyone is getting their training plan in order. It’s been a while since I’ve posted, so this will cover what’s past, as well as what’s ahead. 2009 ended in a blur with FSX finishing up, the holidays looming, trying to get a business started and the busiest month of the year at work. And what’s at the end of the long, hard road? Trophies!

With two weeks to go in FSX I was reminded about the trophies, which I’ve crafted for the past three years now. With everything going on I had neglected to get them started—and the concept floating around in my head was a little more complicated than previous years. So, with three days to go I buckled down, lost some sleep and got them finished.

I actually really like making them, but finding the time was tough. This year there were three trophies: The Overall Champ, The Fastest Human and The Fan Favorite, won by: Josh, Matt and Robi, respectively. I think they came out pretty well, with a touch of Italian steel in the way of Campy cogs.

Of course, those weren’t the only trophies handed out at the end of 2009. The last derby of the year awarded several. This was due in part due to an overnight drop in temperature, selectively freezing wet roads. A handful of people showed up with road rash, caught off guard by the black ice—among them, me. And then Bruce went down hard on his elbow in the parking lot, breaking it.

And that wasn’t even the worst of it… when we hit Fleetwood and started to string out, some wheels must’ve touched somewhere behind me. I heard the tell-tale “zzzip” of tires, but it was too far back to really tell what was happening. When we got back over half the group had disappeared and as stragglers rolled up we learned of the crash. It wasn’t until later that day that I heard the news of a trip to the hospital for one pour, helmetless soul—and a full week later that I heard about the guy with a broken neck. The good news is he’s home now, up and about, but what a way to end the year.

Back to awards for performance, instead of poor luck or decisions… Local racer, Laura Van Gilder, was nominated to the US Cyclo-cross Worlds Team going to the Czech Republic, Jan. 30-31. She’ll be representing the US for the second time, having also earned a spot on the team last year—her first season racing cross—where she finished 19th. I can honestly say that I can’t think of a better person to represent the US. She is one of the nicest, most upbeat, professional cyclists I know, and clearly a fierce competitor as well.

The honor of representing your country comes at a price though. Figure, what it costs to get you and your bike(s) to the Czech Republic, add in fresh cables, tires, brake pads, handlebar tape, food, lodging, car rental, and then a couple hundred more—just in case—and you still might come up short. To help make sure Laura doesn’t come up short Bill Elliston and Ray Ignosh are organizing a couple of January cross races in Emmaus, to raise funds and to help keep Laura sharp. Keep an eye out for the announcement—if you just feel like helping Laura out now, they’ve also set up a place you can send donations.