Wait a minute, didn't I move from PDX? Orono race report

I didn't race this course last year because I was racing in Wisconsin, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd heard it would be pretty grassy, but a thorough soaking yesterday and today changed all that! It was a pretty non-technical, grassy criterium, which doesn't suit me at all, but the mud made it much more interesting. There was a rideable (for some) runup, a tough little off-camber turn, some barriers and a hairpin turn too.

Since the course didn't suit me, I lined up at the back and decided to have fun playing in the mud. The Lindas (Linda Sone and Linda Cooper) were battling it out and I played leapfrog with them for a couple of laps before they got away. After that I was battling it out with another (LSC) racer who's son kept cheering for him to pass me; that little battle kept me honest so I didn't lollygag at the back of the race. He finally came around me on the last lap, so I'm sure the boy was proud of his daddy!

The races were in reverse order, so after that Spider Man and I stuck around for some hijinks (check his blog for some video and pictures soon) and to watch Ray race. There were door prizes at the end too, and I scored a Michelin cyclocross tire - worth the $25 fee right there! w00t!

A fun race, good times. If only there were a few hundred more racers and cowbell-ringing fans and I'd never miss Portland! For everyone that did come out to race or cheer (or heckle!), you're awesome! Thanks too to the promoters for a well-organized event, and clearly taking pride in their race. The scene is growing every year, and everyone I talk to that's raced for the first time has been hooked.