is one of the largest and toughest races on the Florida racing
calendar. It is contested on a very, very hilly course with
"real feel" temperatures of over 100 degrees F.
One of the riders that I coach, Jerry Rush, won his category
in this race last year. I trained Jerry very hard for this
years race with 400 plus miles training weeks and lots of
hill work.
The pictures show Jerry sporting his Pirate Racing kit. We
thought that the kit was certainly the most intimidating kit
that one can race in! One picture shows Jerry with his coach
- me - also sporting my usual Pirate gear which I love to
personally train in and race in.
Unfortunately, it was not to be this year. Jerry was riding
at the front until the last lap on which he suffered severe
cramps in his legs causing him to fall way pack in the pack.
He still managed a respectable finish of 13th out of about
50 riders. We'll be back next year sporting our Pirate gear,
but we'll win next time! We Pirates come to take the gold!!