FLCC> Pink slipper

[Glenn Swan]

	After years of trying, Ernie Bayles has finally put his name on the famous 
footwear.  Considering the kind of season he has had, from start to finish, 
it seems appropriate that he won.  He won in a manner that also is 
indicative of his season and his strengths - he won by being patient and 
smart.
	With threatening weather (though Dave Ruppert took care of that with a 
last minute long distance phone call) and early onset of darkness we 
decided to do a short course. Some of us climber-types suggested a Mt. 
Pleasant finish but were quickly voted down by the crowd who figured their 
chances might be improved if there was only one climb, leaving many more 
players in the game at the end. The pace was furious right from the start, 
with many of the "players" taking their best shots, hoping that a split 
might form, or that the rest of the field would start racing against each 
other while a break slipped away. That didn't happen. Every move was 
covered and the field hit the final hill (Snyder Hill) together. Shan took 
a shot before the base of the climb and was soon swallowed up. Bill 
Erickson was next. Cameron kept the pace cautiously high as Bill was reeled 
in. Then Joe Bailey and Nick Robertson shot by. I recognized a train when I 
saw it and worked pretty hard to get on before the dip.  Joe faded, but 
Nick persevered and we had a bit of a gap. I was feeling pretty hopeful as 
I blasted by Nick into the steep section. My hopes distinctly faded when 
Jim Eagan blew past me and I started to lose ground. I had to stop and 
stuff my lungs back into my chest near the top and I realized I had been 
beaten into submission. Suddenly Ernie flew up alongside and I dug deep 
enough to pull us back up to a now-fading Jim. I passed Jim and led into 
the final few hundred yards thinking I might still have a chance. I jumped 
a bit early, hoping that the others might fold their tents and let me solo 
to victory. Jim was indeed trashed, but not so with Ernie. He came by me 
and I completely folded. Jim and I had beaten each other so severely that 
we had no answer for Ernie, and he rolled across the line virtually 
uncontested. The rest of the field came across in bits and pieces not far 
behind.
	Tuesday nights are all about racing for the respect of our peers. The Pink 
Slipper race reflected that. We raced fast and hard. Most everybody got 
some good shots in and played the game as hard as they could. We were all 
trashed, but exhilarated at the end. A good man won, racing against a bunch 
of worthy opponents. It doesn't get much better than that.
	Just wait until next year......

Glenn


News flash !!!!!!!    Pink Slipper results in question after allegations of 
doping surface !  It seems that an investigation into the notebooks of the 
Spanish drug scandal revealed the code initials "twe"  among the riders 
associated with the now-discredited "sports doctor".  Although there is no 
positive link yet established between Mr. Bayles and Dr. Fuentes, some 
members of cycling's establishment are suggesting that ink-remover be kept 
handy in case the labeling of the famous footwear needs to be changed. Some 
journalists have suggested that after years of "merely excellent" results, 
it seems odd that Mr. Bayles should suddenly be so consistently producing 
"spectacular" results. A full investigation is promised in order to ensure 
the integrity of the sport.