WORS #2 Crystal Lake - Andy

Rhinelander, WI
Sunday May 16, 2010
by: Andrew Schirpke

Most of you know me as the kid who rides for Twin Six. I know my reports aren’t like most of the others but I write about the stuff I like and the things I talk to other riders about. 
Racing is fun but this is one of those events that the whole family gets into. It was my Mom’s birthday weekend and she decided to bring her bike along.
It started on Friday when my dad got home from work. We packed up the Commander with 4 bikes and way more gear then a Jeep can hold. On the road by 1 and a 4 hour drive ahead of us. One gas and go in Stevens Point, next stop Hodag country. Rolled in by 5, right on schedule. First stop was registration to see Elvis who hooks us up every year with a great cabin. Time to unload and chill. Our travel family was already there.(Guerra) Went to Pitliks for a Fish Fry and mom had a huge bloody mary. It looked like a floating garden. Stayed up late and the whole family watched Fanboys. Laughed until 11.
Saturday morning woke up and decided to get a lap in. Went out with my Mom and Dad. Course was fast and just tacky enough. Pretty rough for a rigid and I had to let some air out. Back to the cabin and got a fire going. Played volleyball with Aliya and had some lunch. Back to the venue and all you can eat pasta. When we got back my cousin and aunt were already there. Sat down by the fire and roasted marshmallows with Russell, Greg, Joe, Maciej, Nate, Mike, Trent, Kate, Regina, Angie and a bunch of family.  Won a dollar for eating a giant mallow(Thanks Russell) Watched as a Nigerian took his first bite of roasted sugar. Put some gear together and in bed by ten.
Sunday we ate and got dressed. Jumped on our bikes and rode to the start. I was going off 10 minutes before my mom. My dad waited before his race to give me a handup but I never needed it. Got a callup and was on the line. Smaller field than usual but all the fast guys were there. Got an average start and the leadout is really long. It’s important to get to the singletrack early. Once you hit it passing is hard for a long time. I was in 5th and had to do everything I could to keep one off my back. Finally dropped him on the second lap. Then I started passing other age groups including my mom. Good job mom! This course is rough but the hills usually payoff with some fun rollercoaster rides. A couple of bridges and some stairs. You can’t blink or you’ll know what a tree tastes like. Finished strong and missed 4th by 10 seconds. So close to some METAL…
Recovery drink and a ride back to the cabin. Changed and headed to our fire-ring, 5 feet from the trail. We had a bunch of handups to do and I had Maciej’s. I got to use the Supersoaker I bought in town. Russell got ACORNED and by the last lap everyone look beat. We loaded everything up so we’d be home by nine. Next stop Wausau!

Pedal Metal
Andy