A Cannibal Feast - Thursday Evening Ride Recap
With the Cannibal nowhere to be seen, word spread quickly among the smaller than usual peloton on Thursday night that the pace might be slower than normal. The combatants clicked into their pedals and eased their way out of the Crownover Parking lot. The laughter and cheerfulness quickly turned to trepidation as the Cannibal was spotted galloping towards us. So much for an easy spin and grin. The Cannibal appeared to be full on this night, however, as he allowed the Serfs to set the pace. The group spun through Shady Shores at a nice clip as the speed hovered between 20 – 22 mph. Dan The Man continues to show how much stronger he has gotten and was able to stay with the group the first time up the Col de Shady Shores. After a couple of moderate paced laps around Cow Pattie Hill, the group headed back to Corinth with a score to settle. The Cannibal took the lead across Dead Man’s Slough and pulled the Amarillo Train into the stout south wind at 24 mph. The group turned onto Corinth Parkway ready for battle. About two miles to the finish, Thrasher made a move to the front as he kicked the pace up a notch. Everyone got on a wheel and the group sped down Corinth Parkway turning west into a strong crosswind. With about a mile to the finish Jeff Stewart (nickname still under development) went to the front and started to hammer. The Cannibal reacted immediately and stuck his wheel. Meanwhile, Thrasher raised a white flag and powered down the boiler along with The Wrench who was still feeling the effects of his Herculean effort on Tuesday evening. At this point, a big surprise emerged as Scooter stood up, looked around and closed down the 20 yard gap that had opened between himself and the two contenders up front. Meanwhile, the Boss had misjudged the break and left a wide gap that he had to close alone. One half mile to the finish and Jeff blows up. The rookie showed guts by leading out the run-up to sprint, but was unable to hold it. With the finish line closing quickly, Cannibal is on the front with Scooter on his wheel and Scottie 15 yards back and digging into his suitcase of courage. The speed hits 29mph with 100 yards to the finish and The Boss has closed the gap. The Boss has no time to sit on Scooter’s wheel and immediately pulls around to con-*test*-('") the sprint. The Cannibal reacts instantly and digs. They hit the line together and The Cannibal nips Scottie for the hard fought victory. Scooter hangs tough and gobbles up third.
Updated CCC Crit Series Standings:
Big Rick - 23 points
The Boss - 19 points
The Cannibal - 9 points
Hollywood - 8 points
Dice - 7 points
Gentle Ben - 3 points
Tornado Tom - 3 points
Thrasher Tim - 2 points
Gramps - 2 points
Scooter - 1 point
The Wrench - 1 point
With the Cannibal nowhere to be seen, word spread quickly among the smaller than usual peloton on Thursday night that the pace might be slower than normal. The combatants clicked into their pedals and eased their way out of the Crownover Parking lot. The laughter and cheerfulness quickly turned to trepidation as the Cannibal was spotted galloping towards us. So much for an easy spin and grin. The Cannibal appeared to be full on this night, however, as he allowed the Serfs to set the pace. The group spun through Shady Shores at a nice clip as the speed hovered between 20 – 22 mph. Dan The Man continues to show how much stronger he has gotten and was able to stay with the group the first time up the Col de Shady Shores. After a couple of moderate paced laps around Cow Pattie Hill, the group headed back to Corinth with a score to settle. The Cannibal took the lead across Dead Man’s Slough and pulled the Amarillo Train into the stout south wind at 24 mph. The group turned onto Corinth Parkway ready for battle. About two miles to the finish, Thrasher made a move to the front as he kicked the pace up a notch. Everyone got on a wheel and the group sped down Corinth Parkway turning west into a strong crosswind. With about a mile to the finish Jeff Stewart (nickname still under development) went to the front and started to hammer. The Cannibal reacted immediately and stuck his wheel. Meanwhile, Thrasher raised a white flag and powered down the boiler along with The Wrench who was still feeling the effects of his Herculean effort on Tuesday evening. At this point, a big surprise emerged as Scooter stood up, looked around and closed down the 20 yard gap that had opened between himself and the two contenders up front. Meanwhile, the Boss had misjudged the break and left a wide gap that he had to close alone. One half mile to the finish and Jeff blows up. The rookie showed guts by leading out the run-up to sprint, but was unable to hold it. With the finish line closing quickly, Cannibal is on the front with Scooter on his wheel and Scottie 15 yards back and digging into his suitcase of courage. The speed hits 29mph with 100 yards to the finish and The Boss has closed the gap. The Boss has no time to sit on Scooter’s wheel and immediately pulls around to con-*test*-('") the sprint. The Cannibal reacts instantly and digs. They hit the line together and The Cannibal nips Scottie for the hard fought victory. Scooter hangs tough and gobbles up third.