Apple 'Cross 2010

Ahem. So - never did get that race report up for the MRC race a few weeks ago - but it was an uneventful performance, except that I raced the super-bad-ass 1/2/3 race, which puts the pedal to the metal for a whopping (by 'cross standards - long) 1 hour. Speaking of pedals....

... Well, never mind. A flat tire and a broken pedal made it technical, let's say.

On to better days! Today was perfect cool fall weather. Dry and sunny, but windy and chilly. The race being on an orchard was a treat, so the whole family piled into the car and off we went. In the "what race category should I race in today" internal dialog, I chose the Masters 35+ 1/2/3 race, mainly to race with James and the other older guy hammers.

'Cross Racing Advice

I'm not sure if I should be using this open forum to be giving specific advice to one person, but I feel that perhaps my tips can help anyone racing cyclocross, both newbies and veterans.

MRC 'Cross

As the cyclocross season is in full swing, there can be multiple races every weekend. Stronger riders will race both Saturday and Sunday, while losers like me usually pick one day. This past weekend, I was stuck because I wanted to attend both the race in Portland, ME, my old stomping grounds (as in, I was stomping the books and studying all the time), AND the race in Lancaster, MA. What to do, what to do? Initially, a merry band of fools had planned on racing in Maine, so I figured that would be the day. I pre-registered, then the plan fell apart, and soon I was the only one planning on head downeast. I was thinking about forfeiting my race entry, skipping the solo drive to Maine, and instead doing the closer race in MA, but I was still undecided. Then Mother Nature intervened.

We interrupt this lazy off-season to bring you a cyclocross race.

After the SM100 I was done, cooked, kaput. I wanted to forget about all things bike related and just drink, eat and be merry with fall festivities. My indulgence and gluttony was in full swing when Rob tried his first cyclocross race in Gloucester. At the time, I was totally content to have a beer and cowbell in hand and cheer on from the sidelines. As I watched the race, I could see the pain and anguish in the faces of my fellow teammates as they suffered through the course followed by the unmistakable twinkle in their eyes at the finish and accomplishment of surviving. Then came the post-race camaraderie when they shared war stories and talked about the carnage. I quickly realized...I was jealous.

The Night Weasels Cometh!

Click here, and click NOW to be taken to a wonderful world magic, wonder, romance, intrigue, and of wet, muddy, night weasels. They are like a plague and pestilence, wreaking havoc where-ever they roam. They must be stopped.

2010 Gran Prix Of Gloucester Report

Gran Prix of Gloucester - No Rain / Much Pain!

The 2010 Chapter of the now infamous Gloucester 'Cross Race, aka New England Worlds - is in the books. With slowly building end of season fitness, I signed up the instant registration opened as this one fills up fast. This would be the one weekend I'd lay it all out on the line. My good friend, Rich Siemer - was going to make the trek from Washington, DC to experience the mayhem first-hand. He's an avid Mid-Atlantic CX'er and a very skilled technician. His Ritchey 'Break-Away' bike was awesome - fitting in what looked like a regular suitcase. Racer-X head honcho and event coordinator extraordinaire Dave "yes, why not - I am trying yet another bike/handlebar/accessory set-up for the first time in a monstrous event" Alden-St. Pierre would not only race, but snag a stellar tent & crew spot on the start/finish line next to the Factory Cannondale guys. He'd also assume duties in the cheer, wrench, shoot, video document, and heckle the rest of us section! I mention these two guys up front for good reason; they both play / have played a pivotal role in my cycling meandering and evolution (if one can call it that). The other character in this plot - besides the assorted Racer-X hooligans, is the other New Mexico CX transplant - Jamie Ryan-White.

Gloucester

So as earlier mentioned David had talked a few us into trying our hand at cross racing. First off, thanks Dave! One for talking me into it even when I swore I would never race cross, and two for setting up the Racer-X tent where we could all use the central location to house our goods, etc..... You put a lot of work into these events for all of us and I wanted to point that out. This is the face that Dave would give if you try to thank him!

"If I get just one person hooked on
cross.... thats all the thanks I need"

So normally I write in my blog more about diabetes management, as that is really my focus. I have come to terms that for the most part I am the 'middle of the pack sport guy', and that is ok. My goals are all focused around managing my diabetes on the bike and in general. That being said, cross racing was going to introduce a whole new set of challenges for me.

GP Gloucester 2010

I started my 2010 Campaign for Cyclocross Mediocrity this past Saturday at the Gran Prix of Gloucester, one of the largest ‘cross races in New England.

It’s one of those races that limits the individual race categories to 125 racers, and they sell out, with riders on a wait list. It’s one of those races that has riders in the lowest category (what should be analogous to “beginner”) traveling hundreds of miles to race on their bikes worth thousands of dollars.