Here’s a little diddy about the Atlanta 10K. Which is neither 10K long or for 10K of loot…….

This past Labor Day, the team and I didn’t get the day off and instead found ourselves contesting the Atlanta 10K which also happened to be our last race of the season. Now, to avoid confusion, allow me to explain the Atlanta 10K. It is neither 10K long
or for 10K of prize money. The name of the race actually comes from a 10K running race held in conjunction with the cycling race. While the runners are doing their thing, a pro 1-2 field is out contesting a 100K circuit race. Then, shortly after the runners all finish, the cyclists come ripping down a highway grade road to the finish line. Many riders opt for 54 and 55 tooth chainrings. The Navigators even had 56 tooth chainrings on for this 50 mile an hour finish.

Now, on to the racing action…. I don’t really like race reports so I’ll make it sweet and to the point……… The race started and cruised along. People attacked. They were then caught. With two laps to go a group of about 25 broke off. We had 4 guys in there. Hoppy sprinted at the end. Hoppy won. We had a big group hug. Willo tried hugging everyone “more than just a friend”.

Jez…..

Now, enough about the race and on to the good stuff. There would be a huge injustice if in this race report I strictly (and briefly) talked about racing and failed to also mention the evening’s festivities. Marc Anderson is getting married in a few weekends and with this being the last gathering of the team, Willo decided it would be the perfect time to throw him a little celebration: Aussie style. What do I mean by Aussie style? I’ve illustrated it below.

AUSSIE MAN:

PLUS:

EQUALS:

Also, to the request of the Aussies, we had a toast to the life of Steve Irwin, the fallen Crocodile Hunter himself…….

Trent had been really excited for this night and he took control of planning out all the bachelor party festivities for his good mate Ando. In the words of Willo himself, “Rip into it”. Here’s actually a childhood picture I found of one of our Aussies:

Ok, back to the story. So after some relaxing time by the pool, the evening brought everyone to a very nice Japanese Steak House where Ray dazzled us with his cooking and spatula abilities. At one point he took Willo’s beer and started doing tricks with it. I thought Willo was going to stand up and give him a Liverpool kiss right to the sternum…..

BAM!

Rule number 1: Never touch an Aussie’s beer. Rule number 2: Never forget Rule Number 1.

After our nice meal and ferocious Sake bill, we headed on down the road in search of greener pastures. It was at this point we lost a few guys as they tapped out and simply walked off; they’d already had enough for the night. As the Aussies were just getting warmed up, Marc “Man of the Night” Anderson and I, bunkered down in the trenches and prepared ourselves for the fermented yeast, barely and hops fire storm still to come.

“If I don’t make it home alive, just tell my family I love them……”

Now, in an attempt to keep some of the night’s memories just for the guys, I’ll cut to the chase and wrap up this story. In closing and at about midnight, Marc cried and ran back to the hotel. Mission accomplished and bachelor party over. Trent was pretty pleased, he’d never hit it hard enough to make another man cry and run home and Marc couldn’t remember the last time he’d ran, let alone from another man. It would be something Trent would remember forever and Ando would slowly remember as we retold the night to him at breakfast Tuesday morning.

So to the team, thanks for a fun night and a great season. And to Marc and Anna-Liese, congratulations and best wishes in your new life together.

Categories: Daily Jibber Jabber.
No Comments »