The powder keg has been lit, BOOM, Season 2 of SCCX is underway!! With cowbells, a photographer on hand, and the lovely Snakehawk counting laps and keeping racers "hydrated" the race took on more of a celebratory atmosphere for its first running of 2012. Glad to see some new faces out there as well a new additions to the course. Despite the risk of severe Poison Ivy infection and West Nile, the Trail Buddies finished up the new piece of singletrack, The Tavern, just hours before gun time. Named appropriately for the widespread shards of glass and broken beer bottles. Party time. In addition to the sharps just off the edge of the trail, this section also packs in roots, overall darkness, headhunter tree limb, and a shopping cart. The new course formation in Smuggler's Run also proved to be a test of bike handling and navigation, escorting Mr. Gentleman and Kid Florida off course in the first few laps. As the clock drew closer to six, the transformation of blood color to cyan was approaching full completion. The Cyan Jawn was Deathblow's title to defend with his march to victory in Season 1 and with the absence of Surfnbee, the holeshot title was also up for grabs. To add to the mix, the course was softened up just a tad by a brief rain shower passing through during setup.
Enough pre-game, down to the biz. "GO!" was belted out across the SCCX grass arena, and it would be Kid Florida putting his stake in the ground for the random point generator holeshot award, only to be stripped of the prize seconds later by going off course. CrApStAcHe suddenly found himself leading the train with Deathblow, Deeters, and Sugarpuff closely in tow. 1/4 of the way through the race Deeters jumped after the barriers, sparking a reaction with Deathblow. It from this point where the race was decided. Deathblow, flaunted his newly acquired "Dad strength" and broke his Season 1 tactic. Two to go is so last year, 7 is the new shit. This tactic opened up a 20 sec lead on 2nd place midway through the race. CrApStAcHe had him in range after the beer hand-up on lap 12, but the second depth charge was deployed on the turtle back before the Comly Curve. Deathblow picked up right were he left off last year and rode to victory along the all to familiar cyan path. CrApStAcHe closed the gap slightly and brought home second. Deeters third, rounded out the SCCX podium. Solid rides put in by the rest of the SCCX crew. Mr. Gentleman coming back after a mid race nap. Monkey Fist shreddin' it. Sid Vicious lookin' smooth. Surlyrider wearing the many hats of racer, time split keeper, and course photo journalist. Sugarpuff slick like buttercream. Defensor el Lobo Pase piledriving his authority on the mid pack. Big up to our new member, Snakehawk, who filled out the much needed position of lap counter, cowbell swinger, and beer-hander-upper. You kept us motivated and happy. Glad to have you on-board. Rock over London, rock on, Chicago. Polaroid. See what develops.
