Getting to round two

As the first race was coming to an end a rider came limping through with a flat tire. I followed him to the finish to lend a hand as he needed a pump. Accountabilibro for the second time.  I had to jump off the trail to let racers by so by the time I caught up with him he had gotten a pump from someone else, although I was able to lend a tire lever.

He made quick order of the change with time to spare before it was time to roll out to stage two. We got to ride a little of the new trail before dumping out into a dead end. As the group began to roll to stage two I spotted a rider pulling off to the side. He was alone so I stopped to see if he needed anything - he was all set, but I stayed to get directions from the sweeper as he changed tubes. This guy fixed his flat in record time and we caught up to the group quickly as they made their way down some train tracks.

This was one of my favorite aspects of the Tour de Charlotte this year - more riding to the stages on trail (or trail like) routes.  We rode the gravel of the train tracks for a short distance (the Meuse had no issue with the bigger rocks of the train track gravel) and then hit up some sewer line trail.  We eventually poured out into neighborhood and made our way up to Tryon... where the hell were they taking us??

Somewhere glorious, that's where!!

Abandoned go kart tracks!!  I'd have to say this was a very creative stage, and way to pull it off!!  I asked some of the FM crew how they managed to get this location and the answer was: we just showed up.  Nice!  There was even pizza waiting for us at our arrival!!

They ran heats for elimination with the final battle coming down to a lap eliminator where the last person on each lap was dropped until there were three racers left, at which point there was a non eliminating lap and then a final lap for the win.

The competition was great throughout the heats, with some very close battles.  There were even a couple of winners crossing in style.

Women's winner - jumping for joy!

Sprint to the finish for the Men

This was a great stage.  Fun for the racers, and a great spectating stage for the partiers.  I don't know where you go from a go kart track, but there were two more stages left so we all got moving once again to see what else the FM crew had in store for us.

Party Pacing Charlotte

Saturday was the very first Tour de Charlotte and it was a blast!  The event was masterminded by the Faster Mustache guys.  Having little/no contact with these guys before the event I wasn't exactly sure what I was in for.  I certainly knew there would be riding, racing, and beer... and of course, there were all three of those.  But the greatest thing about this event was that is was totally and completely inclusive (all types of bikes, levels of riding abilities, etc.).  There were no egos, no attitudes, there was just a it really great vibe right from the get-go.

I'd have to say that this event was a great success.  There were about 91 participants riding through Charlotte together... it must have been a sight to see for those out enjoying the beautiful weather on Saturday.  Numerous times I'd pass families trying to count all the riders going by.  A lot of friendly waving, and we even got a train conductor to blow his horn!

This year the FM guys let us know that this was totally underground and was a big fun group ride/scavenger hunt "non-race."  Next year the red tape will be tackled to make it a more "proper" and permanent fixture.  And, I am very excited for that.  If this year's event is to serve as the baseline for all those to come, then this is an event that you do not want to miss.

I passed on racing this year as I really didn't want my legs failing at the end of the ride after putting in various stages of effort into them throughout the day.  For me, I think that was a fine decision.  Next year?  I'll probably be racing as well.  They had some great little courses out there and mixed up the formats throughout the day.  From a straight up singletrack race, to stages with multiple laps, to the grande finale "death crit" (it was held in the cemetery)

Milling around waiting for the "pre-race" meeting.

The trophies

Rules and regulations

More info... thanks Tim for letting us hang out at your house!

waiting to go.

Soon after the FM guys announced the start a loud bang went off.  Did someone really bring a starter pistol??  Nope, someones tire blew off!!  Quick fix, and we were all ready to roll

Riders in the front

Riders in the rear...  stretching back as far as you can see

Spectating the finish at BYT

Pit stop at the Spoke Easy for some pizza and beer

mmm beer

The fun doesn't stop during the break!

the Death Crit

Post ride fire, food, and beers.

I just want to say a big THANK YOU to all those involved in making this happen.  It was a really great event and I for one and looking forward to next year!