Highland Rim Classic
If you're like me then over the weekend you received a flyer for the upcoming 15th Annual Highland Rim Cycling Classic in McMinnville, Tennessee. It's being held May 13-14 and brags a total purse of $15,000! Once again their sponsorship support is outstanding, and history shows the city really gets behind this event.
The payouts for this race in every category is outstanding, especially if you're a cat 3, masters or Pro 1/2 rider. One change that stands out this year that should improve the quality is the criterium is back downtown instead of at the high school.
I've only raced at the high school course, but everyone I've spoke with longed for the return back downtown. Everyone knows that turn one at the high school course is notorious for taking riders out, and I speak from dramatic experience. All my crashes tend to be quite dramatic, and this one would probably rank second on my notorious list.
A few years ago I was trying to avoid a guy whose tire rolled off the rim going into turn one. I had no place to go but over the curb and into the grass, but what I failed to see was an immovable steel light pole near some bushes. I tackled it with my right shoulder and it spun me like a top, which resulted in a slight concussion. Unfortunately there were no hay bales on that light pole, but next year when I returned my misfortune wasn't forgotten as hay bales lined the entire area. Not exactly a civic duty I want to live out ever again.
I won't be able to soak in the downtown crit this year since collegiate nationals falls on that same weekend. I'd love to hear back from everyone about their experience once it's over.
The payouts for this race in every category is outstanding, especially if you're a cat 3, masters or Pro 1/2 rider. One change that stands out this year that should improve the quality is the criterium is back downtown instead of at the high school.
I've only raced at the high school course, but everyone I've spoke with longed for the return back downtown. Everyone knows that turn one at the high school course is notorious for taking riders out, and I speak from dramatic experience. All my crashes tend to be quite dramatic, and this one would probably rank second on my notorious list.
A few years ago I was trying to avoid a guy whose tire rolled off the rim going into turn one. I had no place to go but over the curb and into the grass, but what I failed to see was an immovable steel light pole near some bushes. I tackled it with my right shoulder and it spun me like a top, which resulted in a slight concussion. Unfortunately there were no hay bales on that light pole, but next year when I returned my misfortune wasn't forgotten as hay bales lined the entire area. Not exactly a civic duty I want to live out ever again.
I won't be able to soak in the downtown crit this year since collegiate nationals falls on that same weekend. I'd love to hear back from everyone about their experience once it's over.
posted by NashvilleCyclist.com at 4/03/2006 09:37:00 AM
1 Comments:
How's the RR course? I did several races at the end of last season, but have never done Highland Rim. Coming from Chatt. I am used to the mountains. Any course info would be appreciated. Is there neutral support in the feedzone? Thanks.
RW
Post a Comment
<< Home