07/07/02 by Ted Ingraham
Well, as Mr. Mullins noted in the previous article, last week was a good week for Freewheeler racers. He mentioned our HUGE turn out at Twin Sizzler. I am sure it was the largest number of racers the club has had in the race in the six years I have been involved. Just as important, we placed in many (almost all) categories. Like Jim, I didn't get all the specific placings or I would be happy to list them. I know Jeff Garoutte was another top finisher in his category, but there were many others too. (I'll humbly add that I was 5th in my race and my wife won her category-along with Tricia, that makes three places for the Ingraham family!)
I do have to supplement Jim's (just call me Zippy) write-up, however. He failed to mention the team's (and his) even more impressive results at the third Tour of West Deer race. Denis, Angelo, Jim and I have done the last two TWD (cat 3/4) races and, as a team, we have a serious chance to finish second for the four race series. In the race Sunday, July 7, we all raced well together. It was 8 laps of a tough circuit of just over 4 miles with a significant climb. I provided inspiration to the other three by not getting dropped until the final lap. Denis attacked hard on the final climb and was shaking things up until he was hit by a severe cramp. Angelo, having another "break-out" performance as he emerges as one of our top racers, finished a strong 7th. The big story, though, was Jim Mullins blowing the field apart on the final sprint and coasting in for first place!!
One of the stronger teams was giving their sprinter a lead-out and Jim found the right spot and sat-in. He timed his jump perfectly at the crest of a short but very steep climb about 50 meters from the finish. Then he blew past the lead-out and sprinter for a convincing win! Not only was it first place, but Jim was even able to zip up his jersey and give the two arm victory salute as he coasted across the line! He got razzed a bit for the "zip and salute," but it was actually VERY COOL!!! Maybe it is just my envy showing through, but I think Zippy might be Jim's future nickname!