Dang it

Words that seem to flow easily off my tongue today.


Perfect day for cyclocross with temp in the high 50s, sun out, and a large participation.  I arrived at the Kirtland Park before 11 for my 12:45 race to ride the course and figure out any challenging sections.  The course was quite a bit different than last year, all for the better in my opinion.  I slapped the ground on the amphitheater on the pre-ride of the course and that seemed to set the tone for the day.  I was hoping for a decent result as I have been actually riding my bike besides races (well 1 day a week) so part of my fitness has came back over the last few weeks.


Lap 1 began and I was caught up in traffic with about 30 riders in front.  Safely down the hill, around the high speed corner, and then the slight uphill around the tree.  To the right was a concrete barrier on the side that caught my attention.  That 1 sec of fear coupled with the group bunched up caused me to oversteer and come down hard on my shoulder.  That was definitely my nastiest CX crash and one that is still causing pain.


I get back on and start working my way past riders when crash #2 happens on the amphitheater by the tree.  That combines with a chain drop and riders passing me by.  Back up and pulling pack a few positions.  I then start hearing my rear wheel bouncing around in the frame.  On the run up the steps I look to see my rear skewer bouncing around and only my brakes grasping my tire and keeping the wheel from falling out.  I stop and adjust the skewer, few more positions pass.  


Then on the 2nd to last lap I nearly fall down the steps while trying to ride up the dirt on the side.    Another dropped chain and few positions.  


Dang it to wrecking all over the place at a great course, on the last race of the series, with perfect weather, some fitness back, and the family there.  


After 2 great courses back to back, I still have the CX itch.  Will look to scratch it in PA at the 2 races in Raccoon Township coming up.