21, 4..... and 1.

the number sequence is a follow-up to this post.

I won my first CX race. Woah. I just went for it with 2 laps to go and it worked. My $600 'mad-props' rig and its little engine held off the cast of main characters that week after week has schooled me.

And what does 1st place in the weekend-warrior, young-geezer category get you, aside from burning lungs, tired legs, pats on the back, friendly handshakes and high 5's? It gets you a: a) Muddy rig, b) waffle-pancake mix, c) water bottle (from one of my own sponsors), and d) a very cool cowbell (left over from a different race/event). Cool shwag aside, I'm really psyched about coming up with THE race-winning move and the fact that it worked.

Let's see if I can do it again the next couple weeks. I'm getting addicted to this offroad madness.

more cross!

Ugh. This past weekend I got my butt handed to me by a race course that had more tricky off-road  parts than I knew what to do with. I hit the deck WAY too many times, more than in any other outing.

Crazy eye of the tiger!

Picture 2 is of a really loooooooong stretch of sand. I was able to ride it completely only once. I like how I seem to be the only one really stressing over the deep sand, while everyone seems very much in control.

I will improve my grip in the sand if I grit my teeth! ARGHH!!!!!

It was a humbling experience. Hope to do better next weekend.

Halloween is not too far away now....

Donovan and cousin Matty

19, 33, 12, 9, 7....

Those are my placings so far racing cross this season. I think I'm getting the hang of it, and every outing provides a chance to learn, and try new things. One thing I need is to be more assertive at times, though it is hard to throw caution out the door while sprinting hard and bumping around with guys that have 50-75lbs on you. Well, that and I need better off-road skills. Definitely helps when you get a call-up for the start so you are not racing from behind.

If you've never tried it, you gotta get out there and give it a whirl.