Any way you look at it, Sunday was a good day. When I look back at it in years to come, here are some of the things I will remember.
I got up early to drive over to Boz's house to ride with him to the Missouri State Cyclocross Championships in Hermann. We stopped at the Lone Wolf Coffee Company for some breakfast and a hot cup of Joe, then listened to The James Gang, Mountain, and Head East on the drive to Hermann. We felt the need -- the need for cowbell!
Boz and Scott Thompson rode the single-speed race. Boz challenged for 5th, but had to settle for 6th. Scott finished 11th, just out of the Top 10, but he met his goal of finishing the race.
After their race, I had just enough time to ride one slow lap around the course. It was much longer than the course for Hermann Under The Lights back in September. Also, depending on how strong a ride you are, it had five or six obstacles that required you to dismount and remount. It was a good course.
I was about six rows back at the Start. When the whistle blew, I quickly found myself in a shower of mud from the wheels of the bikes in front of me. I was glad I chose to wear glasses.
After Bubba #9 at Bellefontaine Park, I had two goals for the race: (1) ride a good, even pace for the whole race and (2) stay upright. Last week, I rode too hard for the first two laps, gassed myself, and pretty much limped my way around the course for the last four laps. I also wiped out four times on the now-famous tree root at the corner. I did not want to repeat that.
The course was a challenge, with a nice mix of tight corners, climbs, obstacles, and -- most of all -- mud. A few stretches of the course weren't just slippery: they were super-slippery. I swear, it was like riding on a layer of Brylcreem. Of course, these stretches were all turns, so the wipeout potential was off the charts.
I rode a good race. I was satisfied with my effort, if not my position at the finished (30th out of 39 in the Category 4 race). I paced myself well, I feel, riding hard but not overdoing it early. Also, I rode conservatively. I didn't attack the course aggressively, trying to carry as much speed as possible into the slippery corners. Instead, I gave it the respect it deserved. I slowed for the corners, trying to pick the surest, least slippery path, and accelerated only when I was on pavemenet or dry grass. And it worked. I didn't wipeout once.
During the last lap, a rider weaing a Red Wheel team jersey passed me. I tried to go after him, and even drew close as we approached the steps. But he was faster up the steps than I was. Once he was back on his bike, he was gone, and I was never that close to him again. Having him in front of me helped movitate me. I hated to lose that one position, but on that day, he more than I did.
Afterwards, Boz and Scott couldn't believe how much mud had accumulated on my bike. After the single-speed race, their bikes were relatively clean by comparison. Mine was a mess. They allowed that the condition of the course was getting worse, muddier, with each race. I said, "I don't see how that's possible."
Scott took off, but we plan to see each other at the Concordia CX race on 12.19. Boz and I watched the Masters race, then headed back to St. Louis.
As I've posted earlier, Boz had a lot to do with getting me to take up cycling, first road biking and now cyclocross. All along, he's offered me encouragement, tips, gear. He's ridden with me, and hooked me up with group rides and other riders. Hell, he built my cyclocross bike for me. If it's possible to do more to help a friend get started in cycling, I can't imagine what it would be. I owe him a debt of gratitude. But he's blessed with a generous nature, so he doesn't want any thanks. He just wants me to have fun and be fit. If I can do that, that's all the thanks he requires. This Sunday was just the third of what I hope are many more such days, where classic rock tunes carry us to the course, where we push ourselves as hard we can, and love every minute of it.
Short but sweet
You had a short but pretty sweet CX season. Only 3 races and yet so much success. Have you found your cycling discipline? Is Cross the format for you?
hup, hup
Welcome to the madness! We're glad you're here.
Frites and beer forever!
Replies
@ Ew-Man: Thanks. By "so much success," you're no doubt referring to my managing to remain upright throughout Sunday's race? Yes, I do like it, and I plan to stick with it. I hope to compete in more races next year. I like riding my road bike, but I don't aspire to race on it. But I do like the cyclocross.
@ Boz: Thanks, man. Next year's goals are formulating now. Currently under consideration:
points 2 and 3 contradict
Taking a PBR handup while competing for a top 10 will put you in the hall of fame. Taking a PBR while playing the role of pack fodder...is expected.