Race Report for the ChainBusters 12hr Zombie Apocalypse by Michael Coleman This was to be my first 12 hour race, I arrived at the Conyers International Horse Park ready to go. After setting up camp and getting everything ready (and chasing a dog out of my tent WHICH ATE some of my PIZZA), we waitied around till the meeting. I decided not to go solo (very smart on my behalf) and I couldnt find 3 other people so it was just me and my friend Scott from the Yargo race. Well I was chosen to start us off, so I went down to the starting line to witness the madness. There was smoke engulfing us as we waited for the start, great thing for the lungs huh? The sirens went off meaning the race was on. I told myself to pace myself before the race, yeah I never seem to listen to myself. I started off chasing some of the lead ppl for a few miles until I realized that this was for 12 hours not one. So I backed off and just kept pace with another shop. The course had a few hills here and there, seemed easy the first time. We stayed on the Single Track for awhile until we shot off on the horse trail. I a blast on the horse trail, and eve didnt mind the 3-4 creek crossings we did. I had heard rumor that there would be zombies through out the course and on the first lap I did get to see one briefly. It was enough to get the blood pumping, blood + zombie :) Anyways the first lap went pretty smooth as I traded off to my teammate. I was actually smiling when I got back, my family had finally came out to watch me race and my father was one of them. This was a treat since I rarely have a cheering crowd. Scott came back in and out I zoomed, this time there was more in the woods........ I started out on less then two miles and I could hear moaning in the woods. Well me being me I had to joke about it, and of course I yelled out if it was my ex girlfriend here in the woods. Go figure, I made the zombies laugh as I flew past them. :P Well the promoter must have had time to put more things in the woods, cause I came across blinking lights, skulls, and my fav (which seemed to be everyones) a two headed zombie baby!!! I managed to get back and when I did I noticed my back was already starting to throb some. (Might need a smaller bike frame FYI) Scott went out and when he came I was alittle sluggish and not as motivated to go back out, I think by then it was a good 2-3 in the morning. Well after being mocked by my own teammate and other friends there I took off for number 3. I was barely into mile 1 when I had my first wicked crash in awhile. I picked the wrong line and slipped off a root making my front tire burp from the rim and down I went, and hard. I was pinned on the ground and in the dark. I managed to get up and get away from the track so I didnt cause anyone else to go down. After 2 CO2 I managed to get the tire on the rim and inflated. After I inspected the rest of the bike I jumped back on and took off, I forgot to check my own self to see if I was bleeding. After the slowest lap I had that night I got back to the camp and traded off and saw that I had indeed took some damage to my right leg and some to my arm. Spirits were down but not out. After I rested for a few hours I finally went back out and gave all I could give. I started racing when the sun was going down and by god I would be there for the sun to rise. The moon that night was what they called one of the largest viewings to see it. Believe me there was one point when I climbed a hill and BAM there was the moon in all its glory! Back to where I left off, 5-6am I went as hard as I could and to help the team. The sun was coming up, which was good cause I had been having light issues all night (lost my helmet light on the 3rd lap and 1/4 power on the bars). I crossed the timing area and almost wrecked from exhaustion, but I still finished up. Back to camp and traded off and had my post race beer. I may have not placed this time, but this monkey was too tired to be angry, so a frosty PBR hit the spot. Next time zombies, next time and you'll hear the screaming of the Angry Monkeys as we are barreling down on you! Race Report for the ChainBusters 12hr Zombie Apocalypse by Michael Coleman Lots of racing going on with AMR members. We have a ton of updates to do and info we want to push out to everyone. HUGE Membership drive coming up to prepare for Cyclocross season and also our next Hincapie order. Email us for info!!!! Here are a few photos from the one of the first races with the new kits! Race photos from the Georgia Champion Series race #4. |
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April 2019
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