Rumor has it that Ernie and "Kid" Christopher Phillips both got promoted to Black Stripe status for the 2009 AHRMA Cross Country season. Congratulations boys!
Brian
'73 Berkshire
Finally. It cost me a small fortune to get those guys moved up. Bribing officials is expensive.[:o)]
But in all seriousness, Congrats to both of those guys.:D
Way to go!
Lew Mayer
Way to go Ernie and Christopher. Christoper dominated the Classic class and Ernie was out of sight half way through the first lap.
We'll meet in the mud!
72 125 Six Days
74 250 Hare Scrambles
72 Wassel
Great, now I can bring out my Hodaka 100cc which has been in mothballs because of those guys/sandbaggers. <grin>
It is Kid Christopher who I am most impressed with. He went from rank Novice to Expert in what, two years? He's learning from the BEST though (Ernie & Brian).
How often does he train at the Kirby ranch Brian? I know you're kissin cousins or something, but how often do you get to ride with Christopher? I know Ernie has taught him everything he knows already. Just hanging around with the rest of the Lillian Swamp Team makes you an Expert rider.
Phil
Just to be clear, nothing is official yet, the grading committee has not even met as yet, but I have heard the early exit polling is leaning heavily towards them getting bumped. :D
Phil, Christopher has indeed improved dramatically. Every time he swings a leg over a bike he gets faster. I can't take any credit for it either, I have offered to have him come down a train for any weekend he can come, but so far it has not worked out. He is at the point now where he can fend for himself, heck he'll be leaving me in the dust if he keeps improving at the rate he is now.
Brian
'73 Berkshire
Geez...I hope they don't move Ernie up in classic 125 MX. He's my (current) Penton hero. Which means (of course) that I want to race him. Kind of a David vs. Goliath thing ;)
Congrats, Ernie. Helluva year, pal.