Crossasaurus Awesome...

AKA doing dumb stuff in my first 1/2/3 race 

I almost didn’t race today. Yesterday afternoon I was talking myself out of it because the alternatives were more appealing...I could go to the gym and have the rest of the day to get stuff done...I could ride alone at Batsto...I could ride with my teammates and eat cider donuts. Then, the right words came at the right time and they were...”Not my circus, Not my monkeys.” So I made a deal with myself...I would race, but after that I’d go for a run. I packed up the car and headed to Upper Salford Park.  

Two years ago, I did a handful of races and fell in love with CX. Last year I had success in the PACX 3/4 Series. Today, I returned to the place where I had begun, my goal: not come in last...and I didn’t...I’m actually not sure how I did because I left right after the race to go for a run...but I know I didn’t come in last...and I know I could have done better if I hadn’t “yardsaled” (thanks for the lingo, Robin) in the last lap...but it was so much fun catching that air and it’s nothing that a couple motrin and a bottle of Pumking can’t fix. 

I don’t think I’ll ever have that competitive edge, the one that makes you want to sprint it out for 14th in the elite field. That could be a problem down the line, but right now I’m enjoying myself.

Crossasaurus Awesome

This was the fourth race of the PACX Series. Coming off back to back wins last weekend at Star Rock and West Chester, I was nervous, especially because the woman who won the second day of Nittany CX was in the field. The course was a bit different than last year. Gone were the straightaway hammer sections, replaced by technical stuff. I had my best start of the season and went into the steep dirt ride up in second place. After a few off camber twists and turns we headed onto a gravel straightaway and I passed the lead rider. My lead grew as the race progressed and I did my best to keep pushing because in CX, you never know what can happen. I crossed the line for my third win in a row.  

Many times, I'll arrive at a race and hear people say that the course is flat and suited for roadies or it's technical and the mountain bikers will do well...or (my favorite) it's really hilly, hope you brought your climbing legs. 

I'm not a sprinter, in fact I'm still uncomfortable sprinting in the drops. I'm not a mountain biker, my technical skills aren't great. I 'm not really a climber, because there are no hills in South Jersey. I'm not particularly good at any of these things but I'm decent enough to get by. I think that versatility has played a key role in my success this season. I still have a lot to learn. I worked hard from January to August in anticipation of this season. My intention is to enjoy it because I know that next year, I'll get my ass handed to me.

Crossasaurus Awesome 
Post Race Beer: Southern Tier Pumking with a side of Edy's Grand Pumpkin Ice Cream

I was feeling a little Belgian after this race, but a friend showed up with a special delivery and I couldn't say no to the best pumpkin beer ever. The ice cream was pretty decent too...a handful of Nestle Toll House Morsels make an excellent topping.

Crossasaurus Awesome

This race marked a few more firsts. It was the first time I have raced two days in a row...and...it was the first time that I received a "call up." Basically, what this means is that, due to a few strong finishes in the PA Series, I got to line up in the first row. That didn't make much of a difference once the whistle blew.

Anticipating a bottleneck at the first technical section of our initial lap, I wasn't too anxious to make a push. Once through that spot, there was a flat straightway and my road instincts kicked in...hammer! I passed a bunch of people and was in the top ten. Making my way through the technical section on the third lap, someone from behind me calls out "pedal, pedal, pedal." It was the friend I made the day before at FSVS Xross. She coached me through and I nailed that section on the remaining two laps. Pushing on and passing a few more riders, I had now moved up in to sixth. On the fourth lap, someone went down and I narrowly missed getting caught up in it. Using this to my advantage I took off and into fourth place, right on the wheel of someone with good technical skills. I followed her lines the remainder of the race, content with a fourth place finish.

A cool down, off to the car for a recovery drink and a change of clothes, then back to see the results. I was called to the podium and received a bag full of goodies. Standing with friends, chatting, I had completely forgotten the fact that I was about to pee my pants at the start of the race (which was delayed due to a protest). I made my way to the Potty Queen and, to my pleasure it was still fully stocked with toilet paper. Now THAT is a good day!