So Thursday evening I hooked up with Jay Strothman in STL and we made the 7hr cruise to Cincy. Temps were a little chilly, but nothing too bad when we arrived. That all changes the following day as by my 1pm start time at Harbin Park the core temp was low 40's (feels like mid-30's) and raining...
Got in a couple laps pre-ride before finishing out warming up on the trainer under the roof of a dry pavilion. Course was constantly rolling and turny. Ran low psi in the PDX's and headed to the start line. In my race start (intermingled and not staggered) were the 45+, 55+, SS, and U19 (there are some freaking studs in this). Needless to say it was wall to wall racing early on. I started 2nd row and got off to an OK start and immediately concentrated on staying upright and punching it in the few places available. By the end of the 45 minute effort I had only hit the deck once and felt pretty good about my 6th place finish in the 45+ (no idea placing overall). I froze during this race and my fingers felt horrible for the rest of the weekend. At one point mid-race we were pelted by sleet and that actually hurt. Course ended up being crazy slick, but not muddy if that makes sense.
 |
| All weekend long I chased the guy behind me in this pic; no idea who he is |
 |
| Right gloves for grip, wrong protection and density |
 |
| J Card is quite the card and stupid fast. Missed his call up and started DFL and finished 4th |
After warming up (actually never warmed up until I hit the bed that night) it was time to work the pits for Jay in the Elite race. Crazy fast kids in that event and the bike control is awesome
Hit the bed kind of late as there was no hurry as Saturday's race didn't start until 3pm.
Well 3pm showed up way too quick and this time we were at Kings Park for a dry tough pedaling course. Even though it was dry the temps were in the mid-30s (feels like mid-20's) with high winds. Got in several laps on the course and it would be full gas the entire time with zero places to recover. Same mix of categories for my race, but each field was way bigger and deeper quality as several opted not to race Friday. Still a 2nd row start and 45 minutes of pain ensued. Legs felt pretty good and was handling the technical aspects of the course (long sandpit, low stairs, double barriers, big freaking ditch, and two short, but crazy tough climbs back to back) but for the life of me couldn't grab a deep breath and felt like I was gasping way more than normal. By the end I was 9th in the 45+ and that was probably where I belonged (maybe up or down a couple). For how I felt I was fine with that.
 |
| It was the coldest of all days but at least dry |
 |
| So many fast juniors in our race; impressive numbers and skill |
 |
| This is a small slice of the 'lump' at Kings, but after going up it four different times each lap (two of which went straight up) it took its toll early especially with so many on course at once |
Changed up and got to the pits for Jay's Elite race (started at 8pm) and like always - stupid fast. Late to bed and an earlier rise as Sunday my race was at 11am.
Arrived at the Devou Park course a couple hours early and got in several laps on what we all though was the course... Dry conditions and chilly, but not cold. As I was finishing up some trainer time Jay zipped in and asked about a couple sections of the course and I had no idea what he was talking about. Turns out we all were pre-riding the juniors course and there were significant sections opened after I was done previewing. Did make it to one significant section of downhill, technical climb/run up/and steep run up before it was start time. Today was the same mix of racers with the addition of the 35+ group who have a ton of fast guys aboard. This game me a 5th row start but by the end of the pavement I had moved through several and was well placed heading onto the never ending climbing course. Well, that didn't last too long as another 'newly opened' section was right away (a crazy off-camber long section that was pretty wet from dew) and I was totally unprepared. I got tangled up with several others and before I could get clear I was way in the back. It was so early in the race, but mentally I lost it a bit. My legs were feeling the days of racing, but I kept going at a decent clip really enjoying the crazy technical aspects of each lap. By 25 minutes in I sort of shut down the racing inside me as I didn't feel like I was 'on it' and decided to ride out the rest of the race. I know better than this and hardly ever have shut down so I was absolutely frustrated to find out I actually was well placed finishing 7th in the 45+ (argggg!!!) Turns out I was riding better than I thought and I know of at least 2 in my category who were just ahead of me and racing till the finish might have moved me up at least a couple. Oh well, live (race) and learn...
If you read or watch interviews of the pro's who raced Devou all will say the US needs more courses similar to this if our juniors want to compete on the Euro scene. Very technical aspects (not mountain biking types like local events think is cool), but cross specific sections requiring great handling skills and focus (vertically, horizontally, and descending). It is hands down the best (and super tough) cross course I have ever raced. Find it on youtube or somewhere but check it out.
I do have to say I was cooked by the end and was happy to have those races in the books. Each one was uniquely challenging far apart for the other. I'll be back for sure.
Watched Jay's Elite race then we hit the road for home. Got into STL late so I crashed for the night and drove the rest of the way home Monday morning.
On the drive Sunday night I noticed a slight head cold settling in and here it is Thursday and I finally got out on the bike for an easy 2hr spin after being destroyed by a massive cold that settled in my sinuses and chest. Zero energy and constant sniffling and coughing (on a side note great ab work). Laying low from racing this weekend as the following is Jingle Cross in IA and a 10 day forecast showed a 'wintery mix' on Saturday and a high in the 30's; it is Jingle Cross after all in mid-November...
No comments:
Post a Comment