Benny did it again.. Producing the goods for the B’n’C coffers @ Hobarts ‘Bikes and Spikes’ Carnival for the second year running.
Standard pre race prep was undertaken, a +3hr dance off Saturday night @ Jibbo, Tommy, Disco and Dookies combined 30th party washed down with a carton of larger and a few flutes of champy for style and I was race ready (that is with a dry mouth, throbbing head and cramped legs). Didn’t do so well in the wheelrace heats, the sprint derby or even the Kieran but it was the C Grade Scratchie that Track Coach Hunners and I had targetted and produced the desired results in..
I was feeling tired after my 4 earlier races and Coach Hunnibell decided I needed an energy drink before my next race to er, ‘pep’ me up a tad. My Mama wasn’t too impressed when Hunners handed me a cold beer, she suggested that I better put it away as my race was coming up next.. so I did. I dont think she quite meant for me to ‘put it away’ in the manner it was put away..
The scratchie started badly with my left shoe unclipping from the pedal, so whilst I faffed around clipping in again the peleton rode away leaving me to close a 30m gap. Argh. Cach Hunners and the Praties/Dirt Devils crew gave me all the ah, ‘encouragement’ needed to bring the gap and they suggested that I employ the signature ‘Storer’ manouever to try a win a few of the sprint laps..
I took the boys advice and sprinted away from the peleton, holding a 50m gap from the lead riders for the next 5 laps.. Each sprint lap was worth the princely sum of $10! As I crossed the line to take out the 1st and 2nd sprint laps I claimed the ride with a Robbie-esque finger waggle, hoot and hand slap with the Coach who was hanging over the rail cheering like the yob he is eh. Awesome. It was definately the ride of my carnival series. Big shout out to Hunners for all the advice and beers. A shout out must also go to the Hong Kong rider who stole my show in the sprint derby by jumping off the line at the gun. That guy is a champion.
I’ll be back again next year to defend my title. Haha.
