Night Racing...

Whew! Saturday was a blur of good times. My morning was super hectic trying to get lined-out for a full day of cycling related activities. I’d planned to race Urban Cross in the West Bottoms at 3, then head over to The Howling that evening. The stars did not align and I did not make it to Urban Cross in time to start, so instead I just heckled folks, drank beer, handed out beer and took a few photos. G-Wiz ended up taking home the win ( a set of Major Tom CX rims) with The Manimal rolling in shortly thereafter.
Time lapse to 7 p.m. and we’re doing the group neutral roll-in to The Howling race course. Only half of those registered actually sacked-up and showed for the event, which was a good number of folks anyway. The temperature was a frigid 18 degrees.

For the start of the race all had to remove their front wheel and hold it above their heads. When it was go time all had to get front wheels re-mounted and start cranking. The first technical obstacle was a steep and narrow rock chute into a creek, which was armored with rocks and ride able without getting wet. Next was a long and brutal climb to the high point of the loop, then down a fast descent. Next up was the eight levels of hell – eight short yet super steep climbs non-stop, back-to-back. After these brutal climbs (one of which was a mandatory hike-a-bike) there was a nice flat area to spin and catch your breath, then a final long descent to the start/finish.

At the start/finish there were options for time bonuses; earned by performing unmentionable tasks. The Manimal gained 45+/- bonus points during the three lap race, flipping awesome job! Total race was approx.. 8 miles with 1,000 feet of climbing. It was, per Pirate cXc standards, a brutal course that most were not brave enough to attempt.

Pyro took home the win in Singlespeed. G-Wiz wrapped up his second win of the day in the Geared class. The Manimal took home an ipod shuffle for his over-the-top achievement in the bonus point category. Beej rolled in DFL, keeping his title at 2 for 2. Nice work fellas. And yours truly? I got this sweet hat from Taddihogg!

The Howling was a great time. We hit-up a bar post-race for awards, beer, food and mockery. I can’t begin to tell you how much fun the series has been, and how psyched I am for The Deep next month, which is the final race of the Winter Night Race Series. Check It out!