Old Caz Grasshopper 2017

[Philip Mooney]

As one of the new members of the Acme Bikes family, it seems appropriate to start this post with a brief introduction. So hi, I'm Phil Mooney. I like riding and racing bikes, and I've been off-and-on serious about riding bikes for more than a decade. I live in San Rafael, and Jimbo is one of my best friends and regular training partners. I'm honored to be associated with the shop!

Having not pinned on a number for a couple years, I was excited to get back into it for the Old Caz Grasshopper. I had Shiloh dial in my bike a couple weeks before the race, a carbon cross bike with 1x drivetrain and wide (38c) tubeless tires. I was picked up early in the morning by Jim, Cathy, and Teddy for the scenic drive to Occidental. Once we were reg'd we met up with a handful of other Acme riders too. Great to see the shop with so much representation!

On the start line we were greeted with beautiful sunny skies. It was a welcome site, as I make no claims of being a hard man and thrive on sunny California days. I lined up towards the front near Jim, Teddy, and Carson. After a brief introduction, we were off. 

The race starts with a stiff climb up Coleman Valley to get the blood moving and the legs warmed up. At the top of the climb, I was thrilled to be surrounded in the top 10 with 4 members of the Acme family. We stayed together near the front and hit the dirt descent of Willowcreek in first wheel. A very experienced rider and acquaintance, Shane, asked to lead down the descent and I was happy to let him take the lead. We ripped down the dirt, jumped some potholes, and made our way to the pavement section where we regrouped in a lead peloton of 25 or so riders, including 4 members of Acme. 

The next 10 or so miles were a civilized affair, with the group rolling along nicely and gearing up for the next steep climb up Duncan Rd. We hit the climb and Acme moved to the forefront of the affairs, with Jim setting pace before a misjudged turn took him off the course and an untimely flat took him out of contention...a major bummer as I wanted to see what his climbing legs could accomplish on the day. Carson soon moved to the front with Teddy and I close behind him. I was stoked to see Carson riding so well! Towards the top of the climb the group had thinned out, and after a twisty descent we regrouped with 8 riders. Carson and I represented Acme along with a group of race favorites. 

There's not much to say about the next big climb. It's paved and straightforward and a simple test of fitness. I pedaled up it, and at the top I found myself in the front group of 4 along with the race favorites Ted King, Geoff Kabush, and Spencer Paxson. We hit the next descent with some speed, and I was glad my bike was tuned up well and I was in the company of other talented riders. We crossed the creek, a cold waist deep torrent after the recent rains, and hit the next short climb hard. Up and over that climb we stayed together and hit the flattish road section on our way back to the final climb. 

Our time on the road was a civilized affair, with all four of us rotating nicely along the front. We hit the final 20 minute climb of Willowcreek and it was on to the finish. I gave it everything on the climb, but fell off the group at the steep pitch (which I had to walk!) and crossed the line in 4th place. 

I'm quite satisfied with the result, and I had a blast out there turning the pedals in anger once again. Hanging around the finish, it was fun to see all the other members of the Acme family rolling across the line and sit and recover while trading war stories. Old Caz didn't disappoint, and you can always count on an adventure when you're out there! I can't wait to read other written accounts from the guys as they get posted. Thanks for reading!

[Cathy]

Nice job Phil! You killed it out there! I loved reading this and certainly looking forward to some fun racing this season.