The Boulder Cyclocross series kicked off today with perfect cross weather -- 50's and rain. The beach party at the Boulder Rez couldn't have been more painful as there was plenty of riding and running in the sand. Dan and I arrived about two hours before start time. After registering for the race we watched some of the 35+/4's in order to get an idea of the race conditions and potential race strategies. After that we set up the ez-up and began our pre-race preparations. A little Fredies warm up gel for the legs, and a dry set of clothes. I spun on the trainer for about 20 minutes and then we decided it was time to take a couple of practice laps and do a course inspection. The course basically was divided into two sections. Fast pavement and sand. Connections in-between the two consisted of some gravel/dirt cross country sections. After a couple laps on the course, you could tell that it was going to be a tough day. Riding through the sand sections was difficult at best and there was a lot of running to be had. After finishing warm-ups, I changed into a dry pair of socks, ditched the rain jacket and headed for the start line. I wanted to get to the line early, as much of a cross race can be decided at the start. The race started quickly and I was able to place myself into the top ten or so racers. This proved to be critical as there was a crash early in the first lap that pinned down about half the field of 60 riders. After about half of the first lap I was able to move into 5th place and held that position for the first three laps of the race. The sand and surf began to take its toll and over the next three laps I seeded six positions. As the bell lap rang, I gave it everything I had and was able to protect my position and finish the race in 11th place. Dan was able to achieve all of his race goals and finished in the middle of the pack at 26th. Next up will be the Broomfield Interlocken East Park for a new east coast style venue. Lush, power sucking grass, lots of green, thick grass to make you beg for the good 'ole Colorado hardpack tundra.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Beach Party!
The Boulder Cyclocross series kicked off today with perfect cross weather -- 50's and rain. The beach party at the Boulder Rez couldn't have been more painful as there was plenty of riding and running in the sand. Dan and I arrived about two hours before start time. After registering for the race we watched some of the 35+/4's in order to get an idea of the race conditions and potential race strategies. After that we set up the ez-up and began our pre-race preparations. A little Fredies warm up gel for the legs, and a dry set of clothes. I spun on the trainer for about 20 minutes and then we decided it was time to take a couple of practice laps and do a course inspection. The course basically was divided into two sections. Fast pavement and sand. Connections in-between the two consisted of some gravel/dirt cross country sections. After a couple laps on the course, you could tell that it was going to be a tough day. Riding through the sand sections was difficult at best and there was a lot of running to be had. After finishing warm-ups, I changed into a dry pair of socks, ditched the rain jacket and headed for the start line. I wanted to get to the line early, as much of a cross race can be decided at the start. The race started quickly and I was able to place myself into the top ten or so racers. This proved to be critical as there was a crash early in the first lap that pinned down about half the field of 60 riders. After about half of the first lap I was able to move into 5th place and held that position for the first three laps of the race. The sand and surf began to take its toll and over the next three laps I seeded six positions. As the bell lap rang, I gave it everything I had and was able to protect my position and finish the race in 11th place. Dan was able to achieve all of his race goals and finished in the middle of the pack at 26th. Next up will be the Broomfield Interlocken East Park for a new east coast style venue. Lush, power sucking grass, lots of green, thick grass to make you beg for the good 'ole Colorado hardpack tundra.
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