State Race and the Bahamas

Quick post to catch up on the last couple of busy weeks:

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After three days at Jingle Cross I was surprised to find my legs were not cooked (as they were last year) and I felt pretty sharp all week leading up to Sunday's MO State Champs in KC. Dale and I both skipped Boss Cross #4 as the forecast was for rain and figured it was best to skip and save it all for Sunday.

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Loaded up early Sunday morning with Dale, Ira, and Nate and headed off to Raytown (KC) in a chilly conditions. Showed up to the course and found it pretty much like BC #3, but this time a muddy mess very similar to Sat/Sun at Jingle Cross. Walked the course and skipped pre-ride and snagged a decent warm up; felt ready to go.

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Lined up in the Masters 45+ with eight others while the other masters categories had several racers in upper 30's* temps but not too windy. Looking at the competition I felt confident in my fitness and needed to ride a clean (relative term) race and not make mistakes. My group was the last to go off and shortly into the race I established a large lead and moved through the younger fields. Rode good lines, only bobbled once (down hill mud corner), and came away with the win. First State jersey (2nd twice) which felt pretty good (2nd goal of the year accomplished). The Blue was totally junked up with thick mud, but never had a single issue handling it; Nate let me use his bike in the pits, but I never really needed it (nice to know I had the option).

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more pics coming...

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Dale killed it in his 55+ race taking home the win and State jersey; awesome and a great reward as he worked so hard this 'cross season and rode so smooth in adverse conditions.

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Ira skipped racing as his clinicals had kept him from riding for a handful of weeks and Nate took a tons of pics. Fun having the crew on hand hearing the support (and heckles - ha!). These guys are awesome and I owe a successful season to them; wouldn't trade these guys for any training partners.

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Season consolidated: 18 races since Dogfish (Hermann) in mid-Sept; two primary goals (win Cat 3 Dogfish and win State race) accomplished; rode pretty decent at L'ville and Jingle Cross; and had only two races in which I felt flat - Gateway Cross (20th - ugh) and the 2nd race at Jingle Cross. Other than that I was encouraged with my fitness and driving ability which makes me hungry to increase this for the '12 season; especially since I move to the Masters 45+ division at the larger races - very motivated! According to USAC standings I ended my season ranked 9th in MO (all categories) and even though these are subject to scrutiny, I'll take it.

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Cleaned up at GLove's casa after the race and then Deb and I headed to the airport for a week of relaxation on a cruise to the Bahamas. Flight and overnight stay in Orlando before heading to the boat in Port Canaveral; departure mid-afternoon and the relaxation began for the next 6 days. This is Deb's 5th cruise and my 4th so we know exactly what to expect. This time around we opted away from excursions at each port (Nassau, Half Moon Cay, and Freeport, Bahamas) and wanted to keep it simple spending tons of time soaking up the sun (Deb w/a book and I napping) on the deck or on a beach. Mission accomplished as that was the most peaceful/restful vacation ever!!!!! Had so much fun with my girl. Every day was clear and sunny in the lower 80's* - perfect.

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Flight home Saturday night and back to the boys; great welcome home.

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So what's up next? My 'cross season is done even though there are a handful of local events coming up and Nats/Worlds in early January. Deb and the boys have given me so much freedom to play 'biking rockstar' since September that I simply couldn't ask for another six weeks especially with Christmas thrown in there; absolutely no regrets or issues skipping Nats (after all its Madison, WI in January - brutal). Every year at the end of 'cross season I brake down the bikes until Jan 1 and totally take a break from riding, but always lace up the running shoes and hop out on the trails (love winter running). This February Jake (50k), Ira (25k), and I (25k) are signed up for Sylamore trail race so its time to hit the trails. After that it's back to some spring mtb racing as it worked out pretty good last year racking up some base miles and improve handling skills.

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So as I just mentioned, I can't say thank you enough to Deb for letting me train daily and be gone pretty much every weekend since mid-Sept; she is awesome!