yesterday was the Brecktobercross. Typical bumpy, singletrack-like course. I had a decent start, but didn't want to even attempt to ride with the studs up front like Tim, Chris, Jon, Ward et al. So I settled in around 7-10th for most of the race. Problem was that i was by myself, riding in the dreaded "no man's land". Weak. I was strong enough to keep anyone behind me from catching up, but not strong enough to latch on to Greg's group. The one minor victory was passing the Excel Sports guy just before the descent under the bridge, and I held him off for 8th place. in the elite men 35+ field, 8th out of 21 finishers isn't so bad. Especially considering Tim and prob 1-2 others could easily be racing in the pro field.
One of the first years in a long time that i totally skipped the Oktoberfest. I have plenty of beer at home, and I wasn't into the crowds.
Showing posts with label Brecktobercross. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brecktobercross. Show all posts
Monday, September 15, 2008
Sunday, September 16, 2007
the first tests are done
I did great flying solo with Alina most of the week. She didn't really ask for Helen except just after she woke up, and that was only for about 30secs. Getting her ready and up for breakfast on time was a bit hard, so I ended up about 5min late to work each day. But a lot of that was Alina's being in a new room with new teachers. So she was a bit clingy when I left her. It's good to know I am not a completely helpless parent without Helen. The only compromise was that I am terrible at getting Alina's hair up in pony tails, but the teachers at school take care of that.
Today was the Brecktobercross. I was a bit nervous as always for the first race of the season. But things were very familiar as I got the hole shot and took off on the singletrack. One other rider from Rocky Mounts was behind me close, then a couple others were maybe 100 yds back for the first couple of laps. My dismount skills were abominal, but it didn't matter as I was riding the bike well. Guy in 2nd was right with me as we circled the lodge, then I heard some noise and I think he almost went down somehow. He said after that he almost hit my bike. Not sure if he was trying to pass or not, but I made sure it didn't work. From there I put in a little surge and had a good gap to the last run-up and finish. First win of the 'cross season, and 4th win on the bike this year. Pretty satisfying for a washed-up-dad who loves to ride bikes. But the real work is in the 35+ and semi-pro fields. Looking forward to brushing up on the mount skills, and hopefully bunny-hopping a barrier or two. Prob race a few more in the 3s, then dabble with the big guns in 35+ sometime in October. Oh yeah, my front brake stutters as badly as ever. Need to get the new brake pads/wheels/tires dialed before next race at Boulder Rez on the 29th. New cable & housing too. I had a hell of a time trying to shift today on some of the bumpier parts of the course. I think some fresh clean cable would make it better.
Today was the Brecktobercross. I was a bit nervous as always for the first race of the season. But things were very familiar as I got the hole shot and took off on the singletrack. One other rider from Rocky Mounts was behind me close, then a couple others were maybe 100 yds back for the first couple of laps. My dismount skills were abominal, but it didn't matter as I was riding the bike well. Guy in 2nd was right with me as we circled the lodge, then I heard some noise and I think he almost went down somehow. He said after that he almost hit my bike. Not sure if he was trying to pass or not, but I made sure it didn't work. From there I put in a little surge and had a good gap to the last run-up and finish. First win of the 'cross season, and 4th win on the bike this year. Pretty satisfying for a washed-up-dad who loves to ride bikes. But the real work is in the 35+ and semi-pro fields. Looking forward to brushing up on the mount skills, and hopefully bunny-hopping a barrier or two. Prob race a few more in the 3s, then dabble with the big guns in 35+ sometime in October. Oh yeah, my front brake stutters as badly as ever. Need to get the new brake pads/wheels/tires dialed before next race at Boulder Rez on the 29th. New cable & housing too. I had a hell of a time trying to shift today on some of the bumpier parts of the course. I think some fresh clean cable would make it better.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Tests
I am in the middle of the biggest test now. Helen's in San Diego for work, Alina and I are going solo til late Thursday night. Luckily Mary came down Monday morning and she stayed over last night. So just a couple more nights. Amazing how easy it is with ice cream and TV. Just kidding. We actually have been eating pretty well, but of course we do watch TV and eat ice cream too. Mostly it's Alina's favorite show, The Good Night Show, on PBS' kids channel called Sprout. Watching Alina solo after work makes me realize how hard it is for single parents. You wouldn't really have any time for yourself, except maybe late at night after the kid is asleep, and/or maybe if you could squeeze something into your work day.
Next test is Sunday's Brecktobercross at the Nordic Center. I think I am in pretty good shape, but we'll find out in 45min on Sunday. I've done about 7-8 laps on the course, and I actually like it more and more each lap I ride. There is one tough downhill barrier that I don't feel too smooth on, but if I can clip in quick and accelerate out it should be good for me. The other test is how I recover Sunday morning from drinking a few beers at the Okotberfest street party on Sunday.
Next test is Sunday's Brecktobercross at the Nordic Center. I think I am in pretty good shape, but we'll find out in 45min on Sunday. I've done about 7-8 laps on the course, and I actually like it more and more each lap I ride. There is one tough downhill barrier that I don't feel too smooth on, but if I can clip in quick and accelerate out it should be good for me. The other test is how I recover Sunday morning from drinking a few beers at the Okotberfest street party on Sunday.
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