Wild Animals Among Us

 

Upon entering my room, I was greeted by the sight and sound (snoring) of this wild beast. I obviously caught him sleeping off a whirlwind day of hunting vicious squirrels the untamed plains of Affton (our back yard).

Known for it's unorthodox sleeping habits (sleeps through thunderstorms, wakes up if a neighbor down the street sneezes), I approached with caution. It's legs are abnormally long, with dangerously large paws (he needs his nails clipped), so startling him is never a good idea (he moans loudly if he's awakened before he likes).

Throwing caution to the wind, I got up close to take a shot of his large head (and floppy hound-dog ears). I froze momentarily as I thought the sound of my phone taking the photo might have stirred him (he just snored louder). In the end, I was able to escape this encounter with danger, having gotten priceless photos to share with my devoted readers. 

 

Whirlwind Weekend

Eli and Tyson took a boys weekend down to Bentonville this weekend. They rode everything they could get to in a couple short days. Then Eli popped down south a bit to do the Old Post Challenge cross country race (2nd place!).

A bit more surprising is Tyson's debut as a mountain bike rider. Oh yes, he can ride mountain bikes as well as throw a baseball. He's having the time of his life, wishing for an e-bike.

In a rebound from last weekend, I had a spectacular day on the bike at the CX race at Vlasis Park in Ballwin. The course was literally the most fantastic cross course I've ever ridden.

And combined with 68 degree, sunny weather, I made the podium. Funny story: The guy on the top step here is the brother of the guy who beat Eli into second place last Sunday at St. Vincent! I mean...what are the chances??

We are very happy with the turnout of young athletes and South Side club riders. Thanks so much for coming out and supporting the shop, the club, and racing in St. Louis and beyond.

What can't be overstated is the Beautiful Mrs. K's commitment to getting others into riding and racing. She has been such a driving force behind South Side's clubs and teams. 

 

Cyclocross in the Mud at St. Vincent

I can't really tell you why I raced cross this past Sunday. As you all know too well, I avoid riding (and definitely racing) in the mud. I've had my fill of it over the 44 years of racing. Eli was dead set on doing the cross race at St. Vincent, so maybe that was it. My race was after his, and he and his podium mates don't look too bad here. Very proud of his second place!

As much as I love to race at this venue, the wet conditions did me no favors. The course wasn't too bad when we arrived in the morning. Not surprisingly, with all of the wheels rolling and the occasional quick shower, it deteriorated. After my race started, there was a steady rain to go along with the steady cold. I was slip sliding away and riding terribly, despite working very hard. 10th place was all I deserved.

There was no escaping the clean-up. The mud was not sticky, but the grass on the course combined with mud wound it's way into every orifice on our two bikes. We stopped at Imo's on the way home to celebrate Eli's great race and my malaise, but after that I went to work. Three hours later, the TCX's were spit shined and waiting for another race. 

However, if the next race is muddy Eli will be the only Kakouris racing that day.