Vague Idea Racing: Winter Short Track '26: Race Five

Winter Shart Tarck couldn't consume my brain any longer. Unless someone has a serious setback, the top five spots on the overall podium are locked in, so my thoughts start wandering to the upcoming Single Speed aSSault on True Grit Epic. Keep in mind, Türd has tried to talk me into going for at least three years, but I can't imagine being fit enough to do fifty or a hundred offroad miles in March... well, fit enough to do more than survive and mebbe have fun. That meant that this past Saturday, I went out and burnt some of my weekend matches on an intown, long'ish for me this time of year ramble. I just got a Topeak Midloader Drybag I'd been itching to try anyways, so no better time than now. I'm not known to use bike luggage, but one cold ride this past December without carrying good clothing options has me thinking differently.

As a reminder of just how old I am, I noticed that trophy is out on the side porch sitting on a shelf made out of an old wine box. The various physical representations of my accolades are strewn randomly about the house, as it seems oddly vain to have them all collected together for display, yet somewhat disrespectful to the events themselves to throw them in the attic or toss them out. I've told my kids just let the bulldozers that tear our house down deal with their disposal when I'm ded. Anyways, according to my memory, 2006 was the third year of the Winter Shart Tarck Series (then known as the Sir Edmond Halley's Cup), the very first time they offered up a single speed class, and also the first year of the National Ultra Endurance Series, and also also the first year of this blerhg.

Jeebus.

Sunday, I finally got to do my old school bike commute to Winter Shart Tarck, partially to warm up but mostly to get more True Grit garbage miles. I loaded up my backup with everything I thought I might need and was well on my way before I realized:

* I tossed in a tube and CO2 in case I flatted in one of the glass-strewn wastelands between my house an Renaissance Park but brought zero tools to remove a wheel. I need to remember the Vertigo Meatplow V.11 has no tools stowed away in some hole.

* I'd overfilled my tires planning on airing down when I got there, but left my Topeak digital pressure gauge at home. With 32" wheels, there's a big difference between 19 and 14.5 PSI.

* I didn't bother packing a rain shell and was only wearing a cotton hoodie, and as soon as I turned west, the sky was filled with dark clouds.

This will all be fine.

It didn't rain. I didn't flat. Charles from Excite Bikes hooked me up on pressure, so I have no excuses.

I have no issues clipping in at the start and found myself out front for all of seven seconds before I took my foot off the gas realizing I had no business up there. Long story very short, I knew Jason would have to beat me with three riders between us to bump me off a fifth spot for the overall, so I mark him and anyone else that might impact things.

My allergies have been filling my head with hot pressure, so any effort I can save might keep me from sleeping on the couch and coughing all night. I get around him on the second lap, see Neuffer and Keith up ahead duking it out for the fourth spot, so I just keep my efforts at 95% hoping to gap Jason enough to not have to be worried.

You should see what 100% looks like.

FWIW: I get enough of a gap that I can take one ceremonial stab at the A-Line climb, fail, run the rest of the way, and insist on an old school hand up from the dwindling crowd of spectators at the top.

I complete my "goal" of the Perfect Attendance/ Mr. Congeniality Award, AKA fifth place.

I also failed at my goal of pushing my lungs and sinuses and ended up on the couch Sunday night. Nice work. It was pleasant having The Pie and Boppit out there at the final race yelling and barking encouragement from the sidelines.

Now to focus on Single Speed aSSault on True Grit Epic.

Oh... the bag?