From Dawn to Dusk

Just got back from Gloucester- the New England World Cyclo-cross Championships as it's known in some circles. For 9 years this race has been the center of cross in New England, and for good reason. The folks from Essex County Velo have created one of the best races in the country in those 9 years, and each year they keep getting better.

Without the USGP coming to town this year it was "just" a Verge series race, but it's still a classic, and riders come from all over to participate. For us the weekend routine is pretty simple- show up at dawn (or before) and work til dark (or after). There's always plenty to do- from fixing fencing to pounding stakes, selling t-shirts and sweats to cleanup and breakdown. It's hard work, but watching the sun come up over the water, then watching it set in the west is pretty awesome. People pay to have views like that- so to have that 'in the office' so to speak is very special.

The weekend went pretty well- though lots of stuff broke- wouldn't want to break the streak now would we? Here's the short list- trailer lights (fixed on Friday though), 10 fence panels that got run over, a dozen metal stakes that tried to hold up the snow fence and failed, one section of the officials platform that delaminated (again) and of course a bunch of the step in stakes. On the plus side dropping the delaminated platform on my finger only bruised it instead of breaking it, so that was nice.

Next weekend we head South again for more vending fun!