Racing, Running...and Rocks

Yesterday I scooted back to downtown OKC to check out the final day of the OKC Pro-Am Classic bike races. I had ventured out in Friday night to watch the races under the lights, and once the rain let off on Sunday, I went back for another dose. Bicycle criterium (crit) races are an a real treat to watch...even if you're not into cycling! Watching racers blast past at roughly 30 miles per hour, inches apart, is a pretty awesome sight to see.

If you ever have a chance to go, I highly recommend it.

The pros, or 'Cat 1' racers lining up to start. Their race was 75 minutes long! That's a long time to hammer on a bike without letting up. My legs would explode.

Making their way past. Often the peloton (group) rides right up against the railing. You can feel the rush of wind each time they pass by.

Crits are races where the cyclists ride a loop, typically a mile-ish long, over and over. Many folks are familiar with the Tour de France, in which racers travel over stages, and typically only pass by you, the spectator, once. At crit races, the racers keep zipping past every couple of minutes! Again, a great way to see some serious action.

I was super excited to get to hang with a couple of my great friends for the afternoon down at the races! Shain and Erin are top notch folks, teachers as well, and connoisseurs of fine beverage. 😜 They get an A-plus from me.

To top that off, Sunday was their anniversary! Congrats friends!

The clouds rolled in and out all afternoon, providing some nice shade for most of the race.

Once again, the Big Friendly was there, serving up some delicious Anthem beer. We stationed ourselves right out front for optimal viewing...and proper proximity...to the aforementioned beer. You can also see the MENT Apparel tent set up just off the front of the bus.

After the Cat 1 race, the Cat 4 men took the course. These are racers who are still making their way up through the ranks (racers start out in Cat 5). Shain and Erin had to split so I watched a bit of this race, then headed to my truck. Below is a shot from turn one on the course.

Unfortunately one of the Cat 4 racers took a nasty spill (not uncommon in crit races) and left on a stretcher. I didn't see it happen, but I saw him wheel by. Best wishes for his recovery. He was alert and speaking, but was definitely in rough shape.

After I got home, I snuck in a short run as the cloud cover rolled back in.

Forgive the 'shaka' hand. Often when I take a picture I think, 'Hey...you need to do THIS!' Then I look later and think, 'Hey dummy....stop doing that. You look stupid.'

Just as I was about to shower, I got a call from a Craigslist posting I had active. Don't get too excited....

Some folks wanted to buy some rocks I had! So I threw on some work clothes, loaded up the Tacoma, and hauled some rocks out to Mustang!

I was treated not only to some cash-money (beer money)...but to an excellent sunset on the drive out!

Yes, I'm guilty of taking this while driving. It's a rarity for me though, if that's any consolation. There weren't any other vehicles nearby.

Always remember kids, 'safety third.'

Hope you enjoyed.

Get outside soon because it's only getting hotter!