I was all ready to start rambling about how the road season was finally over, but was quickly corrected by none other than Dan Schmalz. Races keep popping up even while the season is in its death throes – sort of like the last few movies Rob Schneider put out. But worry not, neurotic road racer:  there are still some events that justifygoing to sleep at 9pm on a friday night. Do you even remember what normal people do on Friday nights?  And no, I’m like 80% sure that it doesn’t involve a bottle of peppermint schnapps, watching Sweet November on DVD,  sobbing hysterically, and then passing out while watching redtube…

 For the road racer who just can’t let go, there’s the Pete Senia Memorial race in Prospect Park on Sunday.  However, If riding up hills quickly and having your time compared to others is a turn-on, then you’re in luck, for the 2nd CRCA Apline Hillclimb is happening on Saturday.  Bragging rights are on the line;  which is why Andy Shen still owes me a Pork Sandwich from beating him by 1 second at the last one…

 For those of you looking for the skinsuit and cowbell crowd, there are 3 events going on this weekend, and they all involve 2+ hour drives. Time to harass people on the local list serv and scrounge for Zipcars…

The Headliner for the weekend is the 2-day Great Brewer’s Grand Prix of Gloucester,  Also known as "New England Worlds."  It’s one of the best CX races in the Northeast, (except for that one in Staten Island…) Complete with a huge beer tent by the barriers and more lobster rolls than you can shake a Sawx Fan at.  I’ll be up there doing what i do best (mediocre racing, drinking beer, heckling friends, and coming back heavier than when I left). 

If a 6 hour drive is a bit much for you, there’s two other choices on Sunday:  The Hillbilly Hustle in Elmer, NJ and Parma ‘Cross in Rochester, NY. The Hillbilly Hustle is delightfully described as the following:   

"The course winds its way through a defunct nursery from the early 20^th century.  Observe a plethora of characteristic South Jersey arboreal surroundings ranging from sandy deciduous, to ancient x-mass pine, to aromatic swamp.  The course is flat and, aside from the technical turny stuff, fast."

If CX isn’t your thing,  then all I can say is enjoy the muffins at the ‘Spoon (and save me one!).

And best of luck to Colin Prensky, who is off at Track Nats in LA riding his fixed gear around like the hipster that he is.  Sweet trackstand, dude!