Big Crank Takes Gold and Bronze!

Despite dire predictions of an unbearable heat index, cyclists from
around the globe gathered in Sherman Park on the south side of
Chicago for a day of criterium racing. Criterium racing is the
most popular form of bicycle racing in the United States.
Especially at the turn of the last century, it enjoyed a heyday of
sorts. During that time, Sheridan Park was built and dedicated to
the popular sport. Originally a cinder track, the park is now
beautifully landscaped with an attractive lake winding through
surrounded by weeping willows and tufts of cat tails.

In this historic venue, the Gay Games cyclists assembled for an
exciting day of criterium racing. Crits at every level. The spirit
was competitive to be sure, but also friendly and collegial. These
men and women did not huddle in clumps of their own teammates but
reached out across borders and oceans and mountains to greet others
who shared their enthusiasm for the sport.

Big Crank Racing raced in the licensed races later in the morning.
After spending a few hours meeting members of Fast and Fabulous (New
York), Different Spokes San Francisco, Team Dallas, Team Israel (who
made a decision to round out the required fourth for our team time
trial on Friday of the Games), and others from around the globe,
Jack Michael and Jay Hulsey represented Big Crank on the starting
line.

The race was a challenge. Because of the size of the field, the
judges had put category 5 racers (beginners like Jack and Jay) into
a race with category 4's and 3's. This meant that the pace of the
race was set by more experienced riders than Big Crank. The men
excelled, however.

In the first few laps of the race, Big Crank managed to stay in the
lead pack. As the pace continued to pick up, the pack broke into
two groups. Though no longer in the lead pack, Big Crank took the
lead of the second pack. Working together, Jack and Jay
strategically held their position.

The race to cross the finish line in the lead of the second pack was
electric. True sprint to the finish. Jay Hulsey had been competing
with a fierce athlete from New York for much of the way and these
men swapped the lead for a good four laps. In the end, Jay's
superior endurance (and perhaps determination) helped him sprint to
a fine finish at the lead of the second pack.

Overall, the news for Big Crank is phenomenal. Jack and Jay
finished 6th and 8th overall in a field that included riders of
greatly superior experience. But the Gay Games breaks athletes into
age groups for purposes of competition. While Jay and Jack were in
the same race as Cat 3-5 racers of all ages, they were only judged
against other men in their age group.

A 6th and 8th place finish is enough – phenomenal really for a new
team. But in their age categories, Jay took Bronze and Jack took
Gold. As of today, Big Crank Racing – and by extension each of its
members – holds a Bronze and Gold medal in criterium racing at the
Gay Games.

The sun was shining and the dire predictions led to nothing but
smiles and tears and excitement and new friends from around the
world. Today Big Crank's motto was made a reality: Egalite,
Fraternite, Velocite (Equality, Brother/sisterhood, Speed). Hold on
to your butts, indeed!

Coming Soon:

Tomorrow: There's more to the Gay Games than cycling – what the
boys are doing when they aren't racing.

Wednesday: A Race Against the Clock – Big Crank at the Gay Games
Individual Time Trials.

Thursday: The Big Road Race – "LeTour" de Gay Games

Friday: Big Crank with Special Guest Star Team Israel at the Team
Time Trial.

Saturday: The Games Close.