August 1, 2004

When I woke up after two hours of restless sleep in anticipation of today's race, I was hoping that the pattering noise outside my window was somebody's air conditioner. Alas, my hopeful optimism failed...again...and after tossing aside the curtains like a kid looking to see if it snowed enough to cancel school (except without the eager anticipation), I was forced to accept the fact that it was pouring rain. POURING freakin' rain! Stupid weather. Didn't it know we had a race today? Cobblestones and tight turns were all over the place! Wet roads made me even less excited for them. On the other hand, there weren't going to be any cars or pedestrians, so adding the rain sorta evened out the playing field for us. (And here I thought the "challenge" was going to be shaking off the hangover in time for the race.)

The weather slicked the course all up, but it didn't dampen our enthusiasm at all. We're used to the crappy weather, but just not with the stakes this high. And not with an obligation to sprint for 1.2 miles. At 11:15, the airhorn (and some very cheesy "official messenger" music) went off, and we took to the road, stuffing a padded envelope with a brick inside into our messenger bag. Once we got back to the start/finish line, we were to hand off the entire bag to the next rider, who would go on his or her lap. After 5 laps, the first to cross the finish line would be the winner.

I think someone on every team crashed. During the first lap alone, I saw two dudes behind me slide a good 20 feet each into the barriers at either end of the course. This was not a time to take crazy risks. Just wait for the straightaways, and hammer. It worked for me, but unfortunately our second guy took a spill on the second turn.

Team Puma again tore up the road, easily coming in first place. Are these guys unstoppable or what? Let's find the differences between these two pictures. Years of asphalt grinding messenger training combined with intensive velodrome dominance have created some kind of monster messengers who straight up just can't be beat. Not to diminish the efforts of the other teams of course. The Trackstars, some of whose members helped seal New York's dominance at Philadelphia's similar race a month ago, took second place today as well. Speaking of the city of brotherly love, The Philadelphia BMA took to the streets with a bloodlust for revenge, and almost made it, placing a very close third! Maybe next time, fellas. Keep practicing. Sike! I'm just playin'! ONE LOVE! ONE LOVE! Team Last Minute rounded out the awards booth, coming in fourth, even though their applications came in last. (Hence, "Last Minute")

**NOTE: Since the original posting of this article, we've been informed that the results have been disputed by Boston's Strangers team. "It seems that on further review ... the results were posted incorrect," said organizer Ron Ruggiero. " The actual results were: Team Puma, Track Stars, Strangers, Team Philly."

Oh, and in case you're interested, my team (team Bionic Android Defense Association Super Squad) came in 5th place overall. Painfully close to being on the podium with Puma, Trackstars, and Philly. (And all I wanted was an excuse for the announcers to have to say our team name. Oh, look! I just said it myself! It spells out "BADASS". Did you notice that? Heh heh.)

Congratulations to all, and thanks to BMC for sponsoring this race. Take a look at procyclingtour.com for the results of the rest of the day's races. Ride safe, and we'll see you out there next year.

FINAL RESULTS