2009 May Day Biathlon

Table Rock Cycles had a great showing this year at the May Day Biathlon, with four TRC jerseys placing in their respective divisions. The biathlon consisted of a 5k run followed by a 30k bike. The weather varied from light rain to heavy rain, but fortunately not cold or windy. While the running leg was generally flat for these parts, the bike route was characteristic for Burke County: steep hills, and lots of 'em.

A disclaimer: I suck at taking pictures under the best of circumstances, let alone after a biathlon, so these pictures are less than good, but at this point, it's all we got. Paging Rick Fox...

Quarter Mike blew away all youth, finishing first in the 15-19 division by a large gap. Not bad considering Mike is a "young" 15.

Papa Mike followed suit with a strong second place in the 40-44 division.

Father and son with the spoils.

Jim and Amy rounded things out. Amy finished fifth overall among all women in her first biathlon, adding to her strong early-season results. The prize? 50 clams. Jim's prize? Dinner on Amy. Jim finished first in the 40-44 male division, giving TRC a sweep of the top two places in the men's 40-44 division.

Who in their right mind races a 19-mile hilly time trial on fixed-gear bikes? Racing up and down steep hills with one gear and no coasting seems like a handicap against geared bikes, but the three trophies and 1st - 1st - 2nd placings reveal the truth. The only real men to compete on fixed gear bikes flash their bling.