June the 4th brought a packed house to 9 Million in Unmarked Bills for “Beat the Racer” edition of Emerald Sprints brought to you by the Cascadia Crit series. The intent was to bring together those that race road, track and cross, with those that ride or race in the street. “Road vs. street” is how Greg so eloquently put it. A “racer” last night was defined as a rider that has raced in one of the 3 Criteriums that have taken place as part of the Cascadia Crits series.
The idea was that racers and non racers would be going head to head in a challenge that would leave one with a prize worthy of sore legs the next day. If a racer won, they would have the rest of their entry fees paid for in the series ($100 value.) If a non racer won, they would walk away with $75 cash. Sounds like a good deal all around right? The street riders outnumbered road riders 3 to 1 at the event, which has been common in events in the past. There were, however, many that race road, cross, or track that have not taken part in the Cascadia Crit series, so technically last night they were not in the “racer” category.
As per usual, we started off with a qualifying round where the racers put in their best time, with the top times advancing.
Nat P. made the Quarter finals, but bowed out so the next fastest time took his place.
Even with the Street riders outnumbering the racers by such a wide margin, the finals for the men’s and women’s final came down to “Road vs Street.” All strong riders, the competition was stiff.
For the women’s final- we started with a $40 cash prize pot going to the winning lady. Charles from Wright Brothers Cycle Works and a few other spectators added to the pot, bringing the cash prize up to $90 for the winner! The riders were not happy about the length of the race doubling to 800m, but all agreed that the cash was worth the pain. Track racer Lindsay F. took the race, with Kerry D. just behind.
The men’s race was a doozy- with the distance being ramped up to 1000m. The longest race that we generally do for Emerald Sprints, and the guys were up to the challenge. With $75 on the line, Patrick from the “Road” camp and Pavel from the “Street” camp started with a jolt when we counted down to “GO!” Pavel got an early jump and Patrick had some difficulties, falling out of his groove. Pavel took the race, with Patrick trailing behind and finishing the race at a casual pace. Both riders are extremely fast on the road as well as the rollers, and it was a night full of intense matches.
The top times of the night will be counted towards the regional qualifier which will take place in Seattle this August. Winners from the regional qualifier will be invited to Las Vegas for the Roller Racing World Championships that will take place in September.
Top 5 times from the June 4th Emerald Sprints Event at 9 Million in Unmarked Bills.
400m (46×16 Freewheel)
- Pavel C. 17.537
- Tyler J. 18.149
- Patrick M. 18.170
- Ben B. 18.437
- Geoff C. 18.552
There will be more qualifiers in the coming months and Emerald Sprints is seeking sponsors to make these events happen. Please contact Ryan@gomeansgo.org if you are interested in supporting the Roller Racing Regional Qualifier.
Wright Brothers Cycle Works loves roller racing and in addition to being the shop that maintains the bicycles for Emerald Sprints, will be equipping the bikes with gearing more suited to the World Championship equipment. At our next event you can expect a 53×14 fixed gear setup. That is a steep gear- and it will change the game for many people that have raced our setup as it is now. The race length will also be set at 500m, with finals at 1000m.
There were of course some grudge matches. 400m in length.
Robert, the race promoter for the Cascadia Crit Series and the man that brought Emerald Sprints to 9 Million in Unmarked Bills said that he would race the winner, provided the winner chug a beer before racing. That brought Pavel and Robert to the bikes. Pavel drank his can of Tecate while riding no handed, and took the race with 22.43 seconds. Robert finished just behind at 22.60 seconds.
Next was Nathan vs. Randy. Randy won with a 19.75, Nathan came in with 20.62.
Tyler and Eric raced with one foot- which is harder than it sounds. Tyler won with 24.87 seconds. Eric’s foot popped out and came in with 32.53.
Leslie (25.35) won the match against Kiersten (29.44) as the polo representatives of the evening.
Thanks to every one that came out to participate- either racing or as a spectator. A big thanks to Robert from the Cascadia Crit Series, to Charles from Wright Brothers, and to 9 Million in Unmarked Bills for having us, as well as the other sponsors that supported the event. As always, thanks to Greghxc for his knowledge and expertise in making the computer do what we want it to. Also thanks to Christauf for the amazing flier design.
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