Nittany CX

Being even less prepared that last year, I couldn’t think of a better way to begin the cyclocross season than a double race weekend at Nittany. This year the MAC added a women’s 40+ Masters category, which I was extremely thankful for because I am FAR from UCI material.

The vibe at the starting line was much more relaxed and friendly. It made for a pleasant racing experience that did not lack competition.

Saturday was flat and fast, which played to my strengths and a third place finish. Late day rained altered the course dramatically for the second day of racing. The turns were slick and there was a large mud pit not far from the start. On the first lap I was forced to dismount and run, which put me in chase mode for a good portion of the race...but as I like to say “I’m not a starter, I’m a finisher” and my endurance enabled me to fight back to a fourth place finish. 

Overall, it was a pretty good weekend. It was nice to see everyone from the CX community, people who are like family to me for the next few months.

When I got home I took the dog to the field and drank a Pumking. Then I ate a kick ass burrito. Tomorrow won’t be very pleasant, but the bikes are clean and there’s another race to look forward to next weekend.

Kutztown CX (PA Series)

AKA the day I went to the bathroom before the race and almost didn't get my skinsuit zipped back up in time for the start

This was the 7th race in the PACX Series, held on the grounds of Renninger's Market. I parked in the grassy field and took note of the retro looking port-o-pottys. The course looked flat, a welcomed change from the past few weeks of racing. I checked in at registration and headed back to the car to suit up. A set of rideable logs had me feeling very uneasy after the warm up lap. They were featured in other races this season and every time I had to dismount and run over them. That was not going to be an option if I wanted to win today. The second time out on the course I went directly to the logs and practiced, which had me feeling a bit more confident going into our 2pm race.

The field was small, but there was a handful of strong women to contend with and I knew this wasn't going to be easy. I got a decent start (for me) and entered the course in fourth. Around half way through the first lap I made a pass in the corner and took the lead. There's nothing like the feeling of being chased for forty minutes...taking advantage of every opportunity I had to get out of the saddle and sprint gave me a bit of breathing room as the race progressed. I crossed the line in first, earning my first cash pay out, ever!

The top spot on the podium felt good, but ever better was the feeling I got after speaking with some of the women who race in the elite field. These women are always willing to offer advice, whether it's gear selection, how to ride a log or what tire pressure to run on the course. They've all been in my place at some point in time. It won't be long before I join them.

Kutztown CX Post Race Beer: Southern Tier Warlock

I heard a rumor that this was better than the other pumpkin offering from Southern Tier, Pumking. I think it all depends on your taste. This was good. It tastes similar to Pumking, but the finish is different. If forced to choose I'd still go with Pumking.

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.

West Chester Cross Classic

I probably should play the lottery tomorrow...either that or we'll be getting a foot of snow some time this week.

Last weekend I raced a double...Saturday was early and Sunday was late (and shorter). This weekend, Saturday was late and Sunday was early. I arrived at Bayard Rustin High School to preview the course before the 9AM race. After doing more climbing in 8 miles than on a 40 mile ride in South Jersey at Star Rock CX, my legs were not happy...but they had no other choice.

When we lined up, I noticed that a few of the ladies that I usually battle with had moved into the 1/2/3 field. This increased my chances of doing well, but there was still some strong competition in the 3/4 race. 

I got a decent start (for me) which meant that ten people didn't fly past me and stayed in the lead group for the first lap. Mid-way through the second lap I took the lead, but there were still two ladies close by...too close for my comfort. On the third lap I got some breathing room thanks to smooth transitions and a few short, hard efforts on the straightaways.  One last technical section through a rock bed and I was home free for my second win of the weekend. I still can't believe it.

We waited around for a long time, but they finally called us up for the podium and I was handed a bag of goodies...so much stuff that I still haven't finished sorting through it. The best part of all of this was sharing the podium with four other great ladies. I look forward to seeing them every weekend from September to November. I love CX.

West Chester Cross Classic Post Race Beer: Southern Tier Pumking

Hell yeah! I bought two bottles of this last month and was saving it for a special occasion.  It is my favorite pumpkin beer...cheers!