Iceman - Andy

Traverse City, MI
Saturday November 07, 2009
by: Andrew Schirpke

Third year and was hoping last Slush Cup. You have to be 12 to do the full 28. Who makes these rules? Roadies?

So this is our big family vacation every year. We take Thursday and Friday off to soak in all the action. Wednesday night we did our regular Lapham Peak ride, minus the ride, someone has to cook and get the fire going. Picked up the cuz on the way home and got to bed.

Woke up late Thursday, oops, and crammed the commander to the max. Mom was racing this year so we had 4 bikes on the back, the Thule on top and 5 crushed riders. It’s 8 hours so a pit stop is in the plan. Subway as usual and a gas and go. Sun turned to clouds, then rain, sleet and finally a full on blizzard.Back to sun once you get out of the U.P. Rolled in around 5:30 eastern and checked in the resort. Yes resort. 15th floor with a view of the bay. Same room as last year. Bellhop with the 1000 lbs of gear and a quick tour to see what’s changed. Toured the town, bought some groceries and ordered a pizza from Jacks.

Friday after all showers were complete we headed to the expo. Mom did the best with new brakes, tires, clothes and a bag. We all got some essentials and grabbed all the swag, nailed down or not. Got my Jesse poster and had it signed, JHK, not bad. Bontrager was tossing out some freebies and Subaru too. We decided to work on mom’s bike. Brakes missing a part, handled. Tires were impossible and after an hour they headed into town for help. The wrench broke two pedro tire levers but they finally seated. Mom’s bike was ready to go. Had the pasta buffet with the fam, Jeff and Danielle, Chris and Chelsea. Got our $11 worth. Back to the room to lay out the gear and grease some chains. Bed by 11, couldn’t stop talking/laughing.

Saturday morning we rotated showers again and started the “what to wear” debate. How do you dress for a 55deg N_Iceman? Loaded the bikes and we were off to Timber Ridge. My mom and I raced there while my Dad and cousin had to drive to Kalkaska. They dropped us off and couldn’t stay because of their start times. Warmed up and never got cold. Got a good spot on the line and hoped for the best. 3rd two years ago and 2nd last year. Could I pull it off?

Said go and had push from the side. Slight bobble and then hammered. The course was in great shape. I never got off the bike and felt great. Made all the passes and rode to the max. Never saw someone in my age ahead of me so I thought I was good. Went across the line and was annouced the winner. Quick check of the leaderboard…2nd.  Wha?  Talked to timing and never really knew what happened. Would I have gone faster if I knew I was second? Later found out I was 4th Overall(231 finishers) I love beating adults. Looks like it’s time for the big show…

Chilled after the race and waited for my Mom, dad and cousin to finish. After gathering the troops and gear we headed to the hotel to change and shower. Oberon keg in the room and a few friends stopped by for pre-award drinks.

A lot of WORS folks here. Brittney, April, Amy, Don, Mark, Bill, Ray, Matt, Claire, Brenda, Russell(who sucks), Rob, Rick(cupcake), Chris, Brian(Pro’s are people too), Darrin, Tristan and a bunch more I’ll remember when I look through all the pix. Got my METAL and so did a lot of other Wisconsin riders. Great time with everybody.

Back to the room for my swimming suit and pruned up in time for some Chinese delivery. Packed most of the gear to make the morning easier. Went to bed happy and full

Loaded the JEEP Sunday and headed home. We stopped at Mackinac City and did the tourist thing. Stopped in the gift shops. Travis took 100 bridge shots and we were back on the road. Stopped in Marinette at Scoops for supper and then watched Transformers II for the final leg.

Unloaded EVERYTHING when we got back. We must have brought back half of Michigan. Posters for the wall, magazines for reading and enough supplies for the winter. Easy to fall asleep that night.  Check out our blog www.MTBerz.blogspot.com for more…See you at Kletzsch park for the cross race this Saturday. FYI Polska could use some help, Haters. I mean with the race stuff… We all know the other help they need.

Ride Safe…Screw it Ride Fast…

- Andy