The (delay of a) Comeback

The idea of entering a few cyclocross races popped into my head at the end of August. I spent most of my free time for the past three summers in New Hampshire, chipping away at the Four Thousand Footers. Riding a bicycle seemed like a nice change of pace

The first thing I did was request a downgrade from Cat 2 to Cat 3. Let’s be honest, I’ve never been Cat 2 material and racing Cat 3 would provide me with more options.

Once that was approved I started looking at the race calendar. The biggest obstacle I’ve faced when I comes to racing is the cost. After paying for a license, registration fees and gas it becomes quite costly. Not to mention it prohibits me from working on weekends, which I frequently do.

A few posts on social media landed me in a much better position. Not only was I able to coordinate volunteer work in exchange for free registration, an old cx pal “sponsored” me by covering the cost of my license.

I was all set to return last Sunday at Cooper River CX.

On Saturday morning I helped with course set up which involved raking leaves, picking up sticks and taping the course. When I was finished I went home and passed out. The next morning I woke up feeling like shit. My sinuses were full of yuck and my chest felt heavy. I went to the gym to see if I could loosen things up a bit to no avail...if I could barely breathe inside then a full blown effort outside was out of the question.

I struggled with this decision, mainly because I told people that I would be there and I don’t like going back on my word. When all is said and done I am not doing this for anyone but myself so when I do finally get out there again I want it to feel right.

CRCX 2016

I found myself in “winter mode” sooner than expected...maybe it was the Wawa Gobbler I had last week that prompted it.

Sunrise has gotten later which has prevented me from riding my bike to work. This week I have run more miles than I’ve ridden. I am feeling pretty good about the change and have already dropped a couple pounds.

Cooper River Cross is the closest race to home, which is why I didn’t hesitate to register...only to find myself having second thoughts on Friday night (while consuming a delicious vanilla milkshake). 

On Saturday morning I packed a gym bag, a bike bag and a cooler, then drove to the gym (bike in tow) for a session on the stair-mill. Five minutes into it, my decision was made. 

Unfortunately, racing this season has been nothing but paying for a workout and if I want to work out I can do it for free. Maybe next year will be different...I can only hope. It is unfortunate that something which once brought me so much happiness no longer makes me smile.

Of course that did not stop me from having pancakes at Amy’s Omelette House. I’ve had the French Toast many times and it is delicious, but the pancakes were just average.

CRCX

Photo Credit: Will Rivas

Last month when I attempted racing on back to back days it was an epic fail. Heading into this weekend I tried to be realistic. I picked one race (WhirlyBird) to focus on and would give whatever was left in the tank my second day at CRCX. This race was also the NJ State Championship. While it would be nice to win a State Championship, the Cat 4 field is small and I find it more of a challenge to keep up with the stronger women in the the 3/4 MAC Races. 

I arrived several hours prior to the start of my race to watch some friends in other races. This gave me an opportunity to spectate at the trickiest section of the course. I watched what worked and what didn't, then I practiced it several times. 

The course was flat. The weather was windy. I had a decent startand remained in contact with the lead group of three for the first lap. On the second lap I moved into third place. On the third lap the bell rang...(shortest race ever)...I started to gain on the second place rider, but there was also a familiar face gaining ground on me. I knew if I rode cleanly through the last technical section I could get separation and a spot on the podium. I nailed it...second in the State and third

overall...complete with the most banging prizes! Thanks Peanut Butter & Co. 

CRCX Post Race Beer: Terrapin Pumpkinfest


One thumb down, one thumb half-way up...I was slightly disappointed because I've had some good Terrapin Beers in the past. They missed the mark on this pumpkin one...way too much spice!