A&B Dirt Crit #3 (Not 100* Finally)

Loaded up the Durango with Ira, Dale, and Tommie Brock (long time cyclist and a newbie to Bodunklivar) and headed down to the A&B Dirt Crit #3 at Dry Sac. The mornings run and swim (as lite as they were) had me a little concerned as to the 'punch' I would have during the night's contest. Super great temps and a solid turnout for the 'A' race last night meant it was going to be a fast event. Dale and Jered Lotz (Bolivar youngster) both stepped up to the A race, which was good to see.

Think this was the biggest 'A' field so far this year and all the regular 'fast kids' were present. This meant fighting for table scraps after Cale, Jered, and Mark finished up 'supper'. The course was reversed this week (which honestly was a refreshing change) and probably benefited me as there was more open grinders up slight longish inclines than running the other way.

Lined up and as soon as the whistle blew we all heard a lound pop and there was Mark with a busted chain - bummer as he is a super solid mtb'er and gives the STJ's boys a run for their money. Hit the single track in my usual place (behind Cale and Jered) and watched them slowly pull away (but kept it closer than in weeks prior). My legs felt really good after the first loop so I kept it steady and pushed on the open sections and reserved on the tight stuff. Several corners were loose which made for a lot of surfing, but never went down (later heard quite a few did). Was able to hold on to 3rd place for the night (Cale took the win) without too much time near the red zone.

I continue to say these crits are working out perfect in my lead up to 'cross. SGF is really getting their stuff together with this, the Waffle, and ScottyD's TT and I can only see this getting better.

Hung around a little bit afterwards before taking the crew back north. Solid evening and always fun hanging out with my boys.

Got some bad news yesterday that the De Stadt series in KC will not happen this year. Disappointing, but you can't hold it against the promoter as he has always done tons for the cycling scene and needed time to regroup for work and family - wise choice, my man. Still plenty of racing in the KC area, but will have to re-look at calendars to mix in some STL two-day events and maybe hop in with Crusty to some USGPs (not a bad fall back plan at all).