Red Nose Run

In the off season most cyclists recover from the long hard racing season. Hardwick on the other hand, laces up the running shoes, and heads back outside. Recently, Jan. 9th, Hardwick competed in the Red Nose Run finishing 1st Grand Master (50+). To add a degree of difficulty to the run, the temperatures were abnormally cold, 18, with a wind chill hovering around, ZERO! Nice way to start the season off Hardwick!

Turn out the lights when you leave.......

The team arrived in Cullman with high hopes and the possibility of taking home some heavy hardware for 2009 Bama Cross season. The theme for the season was unchanged. Though it would not rain today, it had rained enough all year to guarantee mud and lots of it. The temperature the week leading up to the race took a nose dive so that by the time race day arrived it was below freezing. In some of the shady spots, some that probably have not seen sun in the 50 years the trees have been there, a light dusting of snow clung on for dear life. I am beginning to think that this team thrives on the muddiest, nastiest conditions, because today they were spectacular.

Hardwick Gregg joined the team early in the season and did not disappointment. Honestly, he should have to re-tread his shoes with as many times as he was up and down the podium. Hardwick battled a cold all week, so he skipped the 45+ race to focus his efforts on the Men's "B" race. Hardwick won the "B"race, and then won the overall in the 45+ and the "B's".

Lisa Trainor also joined the team midway through the season. Accompanied by her trusty side kick Sophie(seen in the picture) she went on to win races, and lead points. Lisa, a Maine native, was dreading the weeks race because of the amount of water to cross and the freezing temperatures. Her inner polar bear shone through for the race as she went on to not only win her race, but also sealing the deal to win the Women's 4 overall.

Stacey Davis moved up this year to the Women's 1-2-3 category and never missed a beat. Riding focused, Stacey won the finale of the Women's 1-2-3 race, and finished second overall.

Larry came into the season with lofty goals, and nailed pretty much everyone of them. Larry finished 2nd in the 35+ race, and 3rd in the series overall. Keep in mind that he was also doubling up racing the Men's 3/4 races as well. Awesome effort.

Zach moved up this year from Junior's and let it be known that he will be a force in the 4/5's, and probably the 3/4's in the near future. Zach finished 4th in the 4/5 race and 4th overall in the series.

Mike Herring just missed the bottom step of the 45+ podium finishing 4th in the series, and 5th on the day. Mike also doubled up throughout the season racing in the Men's 3/4 category.

Josh, after taking a year long break from cross came out and raced like he never was off the bike. Josh finished 7th in the race and 5th overall. We at CCR are glad that the endurance running he did in place of cross did not work out.

Chris Leven made his come back appearance with the team. As you can tell, it did not end like he wanted. I am glad to have a good friend back with the CCR family.

What can I say. I raced hard, had a lot of fun, and have a ton of stories. A series worth of mechanicals had me just wanting to finish. As director sportif for Team CCR, I filled the void of my sub par season by watching the team just crush it. It really was an awesome sight.

As a team, 3rd overall in the men's and 2nd in the women's!

Pictures