Grandview Race & Social Scene Report!

A really fun time checking out the Grandview race scene on Friday.  OK, finding parking is a challenge on streets so narrow I have no idea how traffic coming towards us handles it but I was in a line of cars and we were not getting over for cars.  When I found a spot, it was only a couple of blocks from the action so that was good! 

The first familiar face was Lori Nedescu, riding around and waiting for the start of the women's Pro/1/2 race.  I had emerged on I think the south side of the course so headed to the bar/restaurant/retail area just because, on the northwest side. 

I grabbed a beer from a vendor while the 3/4/5 boys raced around.  There is Danny Alarcon, third back in red.  I wondered, is it possible that a guy could just keep racking up top 3 finishes and stay in the same category 4 for ever?  Ha, ha.  I guess, with his win today, he is has now been kicked upstairs to Cat 3.

Several vendors including "KENDA"!  Wow and so I bought a Kenda T-shirt and since only $10, bought several more for an assortment of friends.  Christmas will be a happy time for dozens of you. Then I emerged from this wonderland of retail/restaurants/bars and headed east where....

...I ran into Larry and Lisa.  The thing about a crit, the group passes frequently so the action is almost continuous if you include those who have dropped back but hanging in there.  From our Thursday New Albany rides I saw Kyle Z, Ken B, Doug M, Chris G, Scott B, Danny A and others.

Again and again they came by and hey, there is Nick on the left, a frequent visitor to the Tuesday New Albany rides. After quickly wearing out my welcome with Larry & Lisa, I headed toward the start/finish line when I ran into....

....Cyclist Connection's Ric Noland, providing mechanical expertise.  Luke Manning in the background, racing in the Pro/1/2, scheduled to kick off at 8:00pm.

Wow, the start/finish line was a happening place even with no retail/re... well just with no bars around.  I ran into....

....Doug McConaha.  With so much yet to see, I had to keep going and ran into....

....Danny A with entourage.  Part of the entourage was Retro George.  Have not seen him since middle of last year after he fell and cracked his carbon fiber frame.  George is working and if he continues to do so, he can retire with I think some pension benefits so he is motivated to get there.  Also though, he is still without the repaired or replaced frame.  I don't know all sides of the story so won't speculate but it is troubling that with payment not an issue and apparently the replaced frame available, what is going on?  And then, the highlight of the evening....

.....finding the clan of Kenda Dobie (the dog on ground), Kenda Paul, Kenda Janet with Amanda, Frans and Todd M. Amazing how many strangers would ask if they could pet the Doberman.  She was quite the star of the evening. 

Then the lades were called to the start line.  In addition to Lori, I recognized Deniese D.  As I had an early Saturday start, I could not stay for the finish but understand Lori finished 5th.  Crits are not her specialty so I think that is pretty good.  As for Saturday, I departed with a good group at 7:00am!!!  Knowing I had all these Grandview images and story to report, I did not take my camera, which is too bad as there was a good narrative...oh well.  Now, on to the Tuesday Canal Winchester, Summer Solstice, "Remember the Alamo" ride promotion.