Mia, Sean, Isaiah, Patrick and Todd

Tonight Ben Hero and I drove down to watch the Half-Acre Cycling Team test their winter training in a series of crits at 95th street and the Lakefront. It was cold but not too cold. There was large field of women and men Cat 4 and 5 racers looking friendly and happy to be out of their winter apartments. Let the racing and beer drinking begin!

The night also heralded the first number pinning on Todd Hero who was racing his first crit. As longtime Tenspeed Hero readers know, Todd Hero won the Autumn Double Loop. In the post race BBQ you would have thought that Johan Bruyneel and Patrick Lefevre were there to sign a
young Tom Boonen. Such is the price for glory. Pictured above is Patrick Hero helping the young Cat5 with cautiously placed pins in cold weather.

We also ran into Sean Half Acre who joined us for a Whisky & Track Stand & the Road to Roubaix Party during the winter. I am thinking with that beard he needs to join the Heroes out on the path. I also think we need to have another party soon.

As the women's race started I saw this beautiful green Eddy Merckx. Like a Facebook stalker I paparazzied my way to the start line and took a few pictures. Classy alloy campagnolo parts with DT Swiss-Campy Hubbed wheels. I also noticed the Pirate socks.

Little did I know at the time that the owner of the green Merckx is Mia formerly a Half Acre rider that now rides with Triple X or XXX. Besides liking Eddy Merckx bikes and wearing similar eye glasses as yours truly she is also part of a Non-Profit bike shop on Division Street called Ciclo Urbana. We have heard good things about her and the shop. I think this spring I am going to have to drop by the shop and donate a Shimano 105 rear brake thats been rolling around in my tool box to support the cause.

RACE NOTES: Mia got fifth barely missing the podium and was in the front the entire race. The half-acre boys got their TV time in with Isaiah and Patrick holding a strong position. Daddy Cool Todd Hero got in the top 15 and news from the riders said he did his best to stretch the elastic on the last lap. Congratulations