Knightly News From WORS #5 Chippewa Valley Firecracker in Eau Claire, WI on July 10th, 2011

Short, fast with lots of single track is the way the junior riders described the Chippewa Valley Firecracker on July 10^th, 2011.   Comments from a parent who experienced a WORS pre-ride for the first time included: “It was the first time I pre-rode any of their courses.  WOW!  It has given me a whole new perspective of what they do in the WORS races.  The boys say it is one of the easiest and shortest courses in the WORS races, but I thought it was pretty demanding.  I really had to focus so I didn’t run in to any trees or roots, and I wasn’t brave enough to go over the jumps.  I was amazed to see the boys zipping through the woods and flying over logs!”(Source of parent quote unknown unless they are willing to tell you!!).

The Juniors started the day after a early morning heavy shower of rain dropped the humidity and temperature just enough to fool them into a false sense of comfort.  By the time the race started the course was drying but the air was getting heavier and hotter.  Two riders impressed with great improvement again in their riding style and willingness to show that they can dig deep when the anaerobic hurt starts to creep in.  Grant was one rider who impressed by moving his way up to the top half  of the 14 and juniors by finishing 17^th out of 35 kids.  Dylan was slowed by a crash and fought back to finish moments later in 20^th.  These two have really improved since the first races of the year.  Cole didn’t miss a step as he continues to consistently fight for top ten places by fighting back after a crash to finish 8^th.  Alex finished one better in 7^th and Jacob once again was the top team finisher in 4^th place. In the girls race I don’t think there are too many kids who can smile while their heart rate is in the red zone other then Katy.  She was 9^th of 14 kids in the girls 14 and under age group and continues to learn bike handling and shifting skills that will pay off in the races to come.

As the humidity and heat began to get to the uncomfortable level the Citizen 14 and under age group were given the GOOO from Don.  Daniel worked through some slick track conditions and faster older riders approaching from a later wave to finish 10^th out of 15 kids. Another fun day of riding and improvement by all the Scarlet Knight riders!!

FCYCT-The Scarlet Knights, WORS.org Racing Series Junior Team

The following riders have joined the FCYCT-The Scarlet Knights, WORS.org Racing Series Junior Team.  Their results will count towards WORS Team overall points. Best of luck and remember every place farther up the results you can finish is worth more team points. 

Megan Senderhauf #6011
Katy McDicken #6029
Daniel Gretzinger #4031
Aaron Smith #6006
Ben Smith #6008
Dylan Eggebrecht #6024
Cole McDicken #6028
Jacob Ahles #6033
Grant Slocum #6021
Alex Halfman #6030

Knightly News From WORS #4 Mt Morris, Nordic Mountain Ski Hill on Saturday June 25th, 2011

 The Scarlet Knights brought a team of eight to what is often referred to as the most technically demanding WORS course of the season.  Nordic Mountain is known for its rocky, rooted, steep climbs and corner-filled descents.  Add a wide-open, fast, flat field section and you’ve got one exciting track!  This is a course that does not give the riders a moment to recover or their minds a chance to lose concentration.    All eight team members raced the USA Cycling Junior 14 & under race on a beautiful summer Saturday evening.    Jacob continued to have an outstanding rookie season, finishing 8^th out of 30 starts and in doing so, took a solid hold in the WORS overall Junior 13-14 age group.   Aaron Smith wrapped up the top 10 and made a statement for the WORS overall Junior 11-12 year-old group with his performance.  Daniel fought back from a rough start and moved up steadily during the race to finish 11^th and is now 7^th overall in the WORS Citizen 14 and under group.   Showing great improvement in the second season of racing, Cole and Dylan showed they know how to fight for every position and team points, finishing 16^th and 20^th respectively.   It seems hard to believe that just one year ago, they both struggled with the descents on this course and this year they rode them aggressively.  Ben Smith struggled through a rough outing and finished 17^th.  A great lesson learned by Ben is to never give up and pack it in.  Hang in to the end and hope the race can come to you and let the legs and lungs come around.  Even with his rough outing, Ben continues to knock on the door for a top two spot in the WORS Junior 11-12 year old group.  In Grant’s first full season of racing, he continues to learn valuable bike handling skills, shifting skills, and how to dig deep when the earth begins to go vertical.  He finished 27^th on a course that saw him crash at least once, get up and tell his dad with a smile on his face, “See Dad!  That’s what happens when I try to ride over things.”  Katy once again showed incredible bike handling skills and impressed us all with how much fight can come from a small package.  She was cheered on by the entire team as she crossed the finish line with a smile on her face to finish 10^th in the girls 14 and under category.  An evening of pizza at the Stone Yard finished off a great day.

WORS Results