The organizers dropped the Masters race age down from 40+ to 35+ which means I get to race twice! I have not done that since I raced Single Speed and Cat 3. That was rough then, think I battled Roger Williams (pre fast as crap Roger) in the Cat 3's for something like 18th out of 22.
Also on this fabulous day, I got the family to come back out and have Court race her second ever cross race.
Court having already raced Manions had a bit of apprehension in her eye as I was explaining the course to her, but knew she would be happy not having to climb a ton for the day.
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| Court getting after it! |
The course was relatively flat with a two different sets of barriers and a make shift sand pit. I personally labeled it a roadie course, which means only one thing, the legs are going to hurt today.. I typically like the Manions style courses with hills and a bunch of tight turning. Once you get a bunch of straights you have to put the constant power down and have little time for recovery.
I was in between races when Court was out racing but she seemed to have a bit better time this go round. She went all out on her first race and blew up a bit. So I told her to pace herself and finish strong. Boom! Court got her first cross win ever!!!
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| Our little cross girl! If she keeps at it, she will be in the 4's in no time. |
I started the day racing Masters 35+ and race went pretty well. First off the course was pretty bumpy and I could not get clipped in for crap. At the start while fumbling into my eggbeaters, I got behind about 8 guys. Luckily, the start was a rather long straightaway and once clipped in was able to get back into the top 3.
Masters being new to me, I really did not recognize anyone but Travis so I really did not know who to watch. After a half of a lap the lead group was established between 4 of us. Eventually two of the 40+ guys caught up with us, but but that was the lead of the race. I took over the lead at the end of the first lap when Dan Miller (He's got a pretty cool story, go check out his blog) came and got in front of me and that is where we would remain for the rest of the race. Dan 1st, Me 2nd, Travis 3rd, Gregory 4th (good to see you back out Greg!)
Hey!! I figured out (again) how to use my GoPro. Here is the first lap of the Masters 35+! I wanted to get the Cat 3's also, but apparently, the memory I have for it actually records like 15 min before it fills up.
Now off to the 3's. Gregory was doing the double for the day also, so there is some comfort in knowing that your not the only one suffering. The field was pretty big, I recognized the usual suspects. I had no idea how my legs were going to hold up but I am going to double up any time I can race masters. At the start I had the same problem, could not get clipped in. Hit the hole shot about 5-8 back and I was comfortable with that. I kind of surprised myself holding the top 10 through the fist lap without too much stress. Heading into the technical section I heard a sharp pop coming from my front wheel. I did not think much about it until I hit an off camber corner and down I go! Sorry guys!! I backed up a bunch of guys in the process which I am sure created a bit of a gap from the top 5 guys.
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| The "sand" pit. Looks ridable, but I never quite got it down. Travis hot on my heels!!! |
Anyway, I look down and I'll be damn if I did not roll my tubulars off the rim. Should have re glued them this season. And when I say I, I mean someone who knows what they are doing, tubluars are still pretty new to me.
I initially thought my day was over and started walking back to the car, when I thought about all the good training I am missing so I decided to start jogging to the wheel pit. Changed my wheel and headed out. I was able to catch back up to the tail end of the 3's but Its really hard to motivate yourself in digging real deep when the race is 1/2 a lap away. Since I originally thought I was done for the day, I cut the course a little bit when I thought I was waling back to the car, so I DNF'd myself on the last lap.
Great day of racing all in all!! Man I LOVE cross!!!! See you next weekend at Jules. Looks like I get to race twice again!
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| Must have been the 1st lap of the Cat 3's. Still had guys around me. |
Great video!! You can't tell but I tried to grab your jersey pocket when you went by me to take over the lead!!
ReplyDeleteHahahahah! You were looking strong dude!!
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