24 Hour Vacation

This past weekend a few of the CXC boys loaded up the car and took a 24 hour vacation up north. The trip started off with an easy recovery run on the Chippewa trail in Cable. Having never been on this trail system I was stoked with the terrain and the landscape surrounding. Following this we grabbed some fresh pizza from The Rivers Eatery and headed toward Ashland and the ABC Raceway. The intended entertainment for the night was stock car racing on the legendary ABC red clay oval. As we drove north the threat of rain seemed possible but clear skies ahead kept us optimistic. By the time we reached the track I was pumped for the smell of gasoline, rubber, beer, and cigarettes. To my surprise the super-stocks (the big boys and main event) were already on the track warming up the tires. Within a few minutes of finding our seats the green flag dropped and the engines roared. Over the course of the next fifteen minutes I was locked into the action as I anxiously watched to see if my pick, the #30 car, could take the victory. He was by far the most aggressive driver out on the track bumping and grinding around every corner, even causing a crash which brought out the caution flag. Although he eventually settled for 4th, his driving style and color choice of black, red, and silver reminded me of the Intimidator. Soon after the race finished the skies opened up and the event was shut down for the night.

Kuzzy posing next to the #1 Muzzy car

The next morning we woke up early and headed down to the town of Cornucopia for some breakfast and coffee. Living in New England my entire life I had never been to the shores of Lake Superior. To say the least I was blown away by the ocean like sandy beach and crystal clear water.

Breakfast on Superior, not a bad way to start the day

After relaxing for awhile in the crisp morning air we threw on the skate rollerskis and went for a solid OD on excellent pavement and hilly terrain. When the ski was done we returned to our beach side location for some food and a refreshing swim.

Taking it all in after a solid rollerski effort

We eventually packed up our stuff and headed home. By this point in the trip I was completely satisfied and would’ve settled for an easy car ride and the completion of a solid period of training. What lay ahead though was a diamond in the rough. The Delta Diner is a throwback to the days of old. Located basically in the middle of no where, this small restaurant has some of the best food I’ve had in years and one of the coolest atmospheres. As we waited for our food and chocolate malts we looked around at all the old photos and little sayings on the walls. One reoccurring theme of the restaurant was the name and face of a man named Billy. He was quoted numerous times on the walls and even had his own meal, #9 The Billy. Eventually it was realized that an old man with a hunched back sitting at counter was Billy. By his posture and appearance it can be concluded that Billy has been sitting at the Delta Diner for years and is a local legend. We eventually received our orders and proceeded to devour the food in minutes. When all was said and done we paid our bill and drove away from the place with a new appreciation for the Diner. All in all the trip was a huge success and a great way to spend some time with friends and teammates.

The one and only Delta Diner

Could've been eating here 50 years ago and it would've looked the same