We took some time to head South down I-43 this weekend to the Land of Lincoln with a final destination of Rockford BMX so that we could bring you a peek into the ABA's Midwest Nationals via the attached photo-essay. This report is just one more reason why -- you've got to love the internet !!!
Vendor row at any national is a hub of activity ... at Rockford ... it's more like the BMX version of the Mall of America.
When the AA pros hit the track ... everybody watches. You are looking at 8 guys at most a couple inches from one another - jumping a 5' tall step jump - at 25 mph !!!
At this kind of pace, the margin for error is awfully slim. One step out of line, if you aren't absolutely sure, could easily cost you several spots.
If you are looking for the face of intensity in sports ... have a look at the eyes of these two. The finish line is about 40 yards in front of them and the only thing either has in mind is crossing it first.
The girl pros delivered my favorite shot of the day. Alise Post in full attack -- winning the drag race down the first straight -- small woman -- enormous speed.
Mike Froh had a solid weekend -- here, he's sitting fourth against some of the fastest 41-45 year olds in the nation. Sunday, he wound up second !!!
Fred Yanke sits 5th in this image and is about to get squeezed off the edge of the berm. Some days, you get to be the windshield -- others, you are stuck being the bug.
Saturday 36-40 main - Kenosha's Curt Zizzo sits second behind Lonny Lierly. Zizzo is a super consistent top finisher on the ABA national circuit -- at Rockford, where he can really lay down the horsepower, he's always a threat to win.
Even though there's great traction in the asphalt turns at the Rock -- slide-outs occassionally happen. Because of the speed involved, when the front rider goes down, it's super hard for the guys behind to avoid contact.
Kyle Schulz had a huge lead in 9 novice that unfortunately evaporated shortly after this photo was taken. Still, second at the Midwest Nationals is a fine showing.
Jay Labecki looking good through the second turn. His son Nathan came unclipped down the first straight Saturday and couldn't find the cleat on his pedal until he was far out of touch with the leaders. Sunday, Nathan finished his main first - but, it was hard to tell from the video if it would stand or not -- Nathan was forced by an outside rider to cut the first turn. We hope he scored the first.
John Wethall had a solid weekend - making mains in cruiser an intermediate.
Greg Eiring - #13, who helped lead our new rider clinic a month ago, may have made the move of the day for Saturday in turn two. He went from about 5th to third but cutting this high low and making it stick. Great job, Greg.
2 comments:
Thanks for the props Kevin, Wish I could have done better. The rain got me on Sat.. I would like to put out a congradulations to my new team as well. The Dirt Warriors from Wisconsin took home a team trophy both days. 2nd on Saturday and 1st on Sunday. Way to go team!
Thanks Kevin, Nate got the first and was able to keep it because the guy forced him down and he didn't gain a spot when re entered the race. Nate won his races Thursday, Friday also. He needs 2 more wins to go expert. May race the rest in cruiser and then head to Grands for try to win and go expert there.
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