“L.A.” or “The Wolfpack Midnight Drag Races”

This weekend has been a blast. I always enjoy competing on a bicycle and having great company around as you do so makes it that much better. The Wolfpack guys (props specifically go out Roadblock) did such a great job organizing and getting sponsors for the event. Seriously, City Ground, your warm-up station with food, drinks, trainers, and rollers was a live saver. I’m also blessed to have State Bicycle around to make sure I’m able to attend such events. Oh, and much props to the City of Los Angeles and LAPD for making all of this legal. Seriously, this never would’ve happened without such great sponsors and volunteers.

I love events like these because it really doesn’t matter what you ride or how much it cost unless you know how to put it to good use. Three hundred (plus) racers, the majority of whom are unknown to you, can be intimidating so it makes it feel that much better when you find out you’re qualifying time got you into the top 16 bracket. Of course my race was against another AZ native, Max. I’ve ridden with him before and I know he has a great finishing sprint. I tried to but a good gap on us at the start of the race but to no avail, good ol’ Max came from behind and still be my ass. Hey, props to the guy.

In hindsight, what I’m most amped about is the great response State was getting from the crowd. There wasn’t nearly as much shit talking as there have been in previous L.A. event. Especially in the top 16 bracket, I noticed a lot more mutual respect among racers, regardless of equipment, jerseys, or whatever discriminates people. Again, I think top 16 out of 300 is a big deal. I was a little bummed however that a certain prominent figure in the L.A. bike scene continues to talk shit, completely unprompted. All I’ve got to say is put your bike where you’re mouth is. Don’t sit there talking shit for your fellow locals when they’re being courteous and respectful and you’ve never even raced us.

So hey, I got 12th (maybe even a few spots better?) overall, Scott did amazing and got 4th, and I can’t wait to do another race in L.A. Hopefully I can steal one of those dog tags myself one of these days.

Oh, and a quick shout out to Bryan from Cadence, hooray for being Bryan’s with Y’s and thanks for the gifts!