So I don’t live in Paris, nor anywhere in France, therefore, I can’t enjoy Le Tour firsthand, but I had an awesome, awesome Sunday afternoon where I could once again enjoy watching one of my favorite sports, in my favorite format: cycling, criterium style. Most cycling races are the standard road race, from Point A to Point B. Whoever gets to Point B first, wins. Pretty simple (barring weather, road conditions, accidents occurring, etc). A criterium, however, is on a loop course, usually no longer than 2 miles, and is run on time and laps. In other words, they’ll race for a certain amount of time, and then tack on a set number of laps to complete after that timeframe has elapsed. (The Old Style was to do a certain number of laps, period.)
The great thing about a criterium, especially for the spectator, is the ability to view the race from different vantage points during the race. This can give you a glimpse into some of the strategy that occurs during the race, and also some riding techniques necessary to stay in the pack and in the race. Like sharp turns. Or, per Chicago, less than stellar road conditions. For the record, we had zero casualties to the Pot Hole Monster™.
The great thing for the racers is that it’s not all about winning the entire race. Well, ok, it is, but there are mid-race perks! There are primes, which are prizes given anytime DURING the race. Basically, bells of a form (here in the States the cowbell became useful) are rung on a particular lap, alerting the riders that the NEXT lap (the one they’re beginning) has a prime available to win. It’s great for picking up the speed of a race, and triggering sprints mid-race. And the riders get bonus gear and/or cash. Thank you sponsors….
This being Chicago’s first whole-hearted attempt at being a host to this kind of event, I had put on my critical eye to scope out the scene, see what they decided to do in terms of keeping traffic off the streets, people management, ease-of-spectating, etc. … But, at the same time, this being Chicago, they definitely made it worth the while of those involved. Check the prize for the Pros… not a bad take! And so off I went downtown (on my bike of course) to see.
After a couple hours watching I realized I’d had a grin plastered to my face the entire time! Yep, I love it that much!!! Here are some photos:
Elite 4 – pic 1
Elite 4 – pic 2
Elite 4 – pic 3
Pros 1&2 – pic 1 (starting lineup)
Pros 1&2 – pic 2
Pros 1&2 – pic 3
Pros 1&2 – pic 4
And a video to give a sense of how fast and close they were coming around one of the sharper corners. Watch ‘em go (it’s .avi, so I don’t know if all will be able to view…. … I’ll try to format into Flash Video later)!
Here’s a link to loads of shots with a real camera…
So now you know some of what I grew up with and why I love my bike so much – how to me it is a symbol of freedom, speed, fun, and opportunity. I forget that not everyone who reads knows me the same, so some history: my dad was a cyclist for years. He didn’t start in his teens or his tweens. In fact, I don’t think he really started racing till he hit his 30s. And then he was hooked. (Before that he was a soccer coach/player. I think.) And so for “vacations” in the summer (he was a drafting teacher) we would go to various locations throughout the U.S. and he would ride. I distinctly recall he rode in the Nationals at least three times, and I know he placed (but didn’t win) in at least two of those.
I never did race – and I haven’t fully cut it out of my imaginary head yet – there are people (and race categories) past the age of 70 who race. But even though I never have raced, I have never lost the love for the speed, skill, and determination involved in a great race. Love it. Now you know.
The one thing I’m disappointed in is that it doesn’t happen every weekend AND it’s freakin’ hard to find results! Found some (sorta) here.
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Before Sunday was Saturday, and it was Venetian Night. As always, a great time – and taking friends who’d never been before was awesome – it’s always a great thing to enlighten “newbies” to the free things that make this city so freakin’ cool. Always and forevermore…
It has been an amazingly long time since I was inspired enough to post a FFL (Friday Fun Link)… and yet, thanks to “Preacher Mike”, weeeeeeee’vvvveeeeee GOT ONE! Except it’s not Friday. It’s Thursday. And it’s not a game. It’s a vid. Granted, a longer than standard YouTube length vid but still. Not a game. Not Friday. But go!
