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Iceman: Slush Cup

So we made it to the campground with plenty of time to spare only to find that the gate was not open.  This is the second year in a row that it was not open on time.  We were told it would be open by 7am and it was not.  Fortunately we were one of the first in line and had enough time to get ready and make it to the start line with time to spare.  Oh yeah, it was snowing and would not let up till the afternoon.


Ready to go.
 
 
We took off and started making our way through the pack.  We were doing good and then we started to have some problems.  I heard a noise and the pedals on the bike started to hang up, Brendans pants got caught in the chainring.  I back pedaled a bit and they came out.  A short time later the sand and moisture started to cause problems with the gears.  We lost the chain a couple of times on climbs and the gears just did not want to work right.  But we stuck to our plan and crossed the finish line strong.  I could hear Michelle cheering for us when we got there.  Always a good thing to hear.  We caught up to her and she told me that she thought we got fourth place for the second year in a row.



 
 

 
A welcome sight to any racer.
 
I know that I am not in as food of shape as I was last year.  The conditions were also much different.  However, it still seemed like the course was more difficult.  We were 15 minutes slower than last year.  My legs are very sore this evening and I am very tired.  We did stay all day also and walked around a lot.
 
 

Waiting for the start (from left: Don Miller, Alexander Leach, Brendan and JJ)
 
Raymond Leach post race.
 
So we got something to eat and checked our results.  It was confirmed that we got 4th place.  Alexander also got 4th in his class.  So we got to take the podium.
 
 On the podium.
 
Frankie Andreau was the awards announcer and kind enough to take a photo.
 
Brendan then did the Sno Cone in the afternoon.  Alexander agreed to ride with him which was very nice.  Which resulted in Brendan's second medal of the day.
 
 Pre Sno Cone.
 
Heading to the finish and going strong.
 
Crossing the line.
 
 
We went back and packed up and then got a snack.  We just missed the pro men finish and heard that Sam Schultz (US Olympian) won in a sprint finish.  We decided to stick around for the finish of the women's race.
 
Georgia Gould Pro Women's winner.
 
So another Iceman is in the books and we are settled in for the night.  We make our trip back tomorrow.




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