Chapter Closed

• Most of the Tatitos made it down to Montrose Harbor for a downright balmy day of cyclocross racing (at least compared to years' past). Stalwarts Joe, Francisco, John, Patrick, and Joel held down the morning masters categories, followed later by Roswell, Dan, Seth, Jesse, and FoT Otto, Dave, and Sasha. Having entered the off season in late October, I spent the day running around and cheering a little too aggressively, judging by the repeated warnings I received from the officials. It was a fine way to end the 2009 campaign.

  Like many of the Chicagoland squads, TATI is composed of pure novices. Despite some standout performances, as a team we're really not all that good. But what's most rewarding to me is working with a group of folks who take the sport *just* seriously enough to continue to improve week by week. It's shown both in measurable race results as well as intangibles such as cornering and barrier form. But next year, watch out! I have a feeling that the little orange engine that could will be surprising some folks.

  For the afternoon's festivities, a gaggle Madisoners (our nascent Wisconsin arm of Team TATI) held down a prime spot: the drop in to the course's largest sand pit. Armed with cured meats and tiny cups of bourbon, they staffed a most unhealthy, if appropriate, feed zone. The rest of us huddled and heckled and shivered and shouted until it was too dark to race any more. The mini keg was empty. There were no more pixie sticks to hand up. And everything was quiet and cold again.

  I shuffled home with the others, and immediately begin planning Ice Cross Year Two, which begins a week from Sunday in Jackson Park. It would be great if the weather agrees as it did in spades last year.

  Ice Cross 5