2011 Cyclocross Season Recap

I think 2011 cross season is a wrap for me. My first 'season' at this crazy sport consisted of 12 races, 12 weeks, lots of pain, and lots of fun. Yesterday was the last race of the SCX series, and a malfunctioning rear derailleur made for a lack-luster race. Ugh.

This tasty mud isn't doing anything for the pain.

At the end of the day, I walk away from the Cat 4 35+ line-up, with 11races, 8top 10's including 2 wins, feeling really lucky to have raced hard with tough guys way more talented, in racing conditions that continue to scare the daylights out of me, and managed to generate some results. Most importantly, I walk away with a group of great new friends, and look forward to tearing up the mud with them at a slightly different time next year.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Malakoff

Now, where are my swim trunks and my areobars?

winner, winner, chicken dinner # 2

Woah, man. I won my second CX race this weekend. After a slight mechanical (rock loged in cleat) netted me 9th the previous weekend, I got really motivated to try and grab the win at Woodland Park. I think it had to do with this race venue being just 10minutes from my house, and that my family had made a firm threat to come out and see the madness.

"Let's see those fists in the air!" said the announcer

I am pretty new to the CX scene, and in/around Seattle, there's 2 groups that do a great job putting on races. Now, I don't know if one is more 'true to cross roots' than the other, but I do know MFG courses are awesome and wide, and have lots of flow and speed to them. I enjoy them more than SCX venues (probably cuz I lack the really good offroad skills).

Opening the gap...gas, gas, gas, baby! Run it wide open...

Donovan gave me a thumbs up from the sideline b4 the start, and then it was GO time.  Got a good start, made a move on lap 2, and then poured on the gas and held off the hard charge of the MFG series season leaders. At the finish, I gave a hug to pretty much EVERYONE within reach, and then went to celebrate with a nice brunch with my family and my good buddy Joe, who had a respectable race as well.  It was way cool to catch a glimpse and hear Theresa and Donovan cheering every lap. Thank you Lizzy, Matty, Jesse, Lindsay, Jeff, Tate, Andrew and all 900+ other people for all your cheers while braving the chill. And thanks for reading!