Two updates in two days; this has to be some sort of landmark moment in history....
It's too bad my updates usually involve reporting on events that happened weeks ago and and everyone I know has already heard the stories ad nauseum.
So this post is all about my incredible fall cyclocross campaign across the Bozeman regional area.
The season kicked off with a race in the Meadow Village at Big Sky. I arrived a few hours early; helped set a few course flags, jumped over a few barriers (for the first time ever) and then went on an hour warmup ride. I arrived to the race ready to rock and then lost any confidence I had when the cannondale pro jerseys started appearing. I lined up timidly at the start and prayed that I wouldn't finish dead last. I started out fine but at about the 1/2 hour mark I realized I didn't have a whole lot in the tank. Sure enough I finished dead last and the leader managed to lap me. I was joking with a few people at the start that I expected no better than last place and therefore would meet or exceed my expectations for the day. Mission accomplished.
The second and final day of my cyclocross season was the next day in Bozeman. I was ready for this race as I had learned a great deal the day before. The race was fast from the gun as there was limited climbing and only one dismount. Ryan charged hard, got a gap and then maintained a 100 yard lead on me for the entire race. I was only able to keep my motivation by hoping that someday I could have as fine a pair of Scandanavian Cyclocross Leg Warmers as Ryan. Those socks were the carrot on the stick. The days results were considerably better than the day before. I managed to stay well ahead of several guys who had whipped my sorry ass the day before. Ryan managed fifth and I hung on for seventh. I would have locked in sixth if my shifter hadn't broke at the start of the last lap and left me with only my easiest gear in back.
Next year will bring a greater focus to the act of hopping off bikes at high speed and then smashing my self upon remount while maintaining a rediculously high heart rate. I love cyclochaos and look forward to more racing.
I started training again two days ago for the 2007 season. Feels good to be back into it and I look forward to shedding the 15 pounds I have gained since June. I also purchased my season pass for Lone Mountain Ranch; 35 miles of groomed CC ski trails.
I will be back in the Cloud over Christmas and will have my CC ski gear with me if anyone wants to play.
