Red Rocks Snow and Mud

Going into the race I felt good physically, but I was having a hard time getting my mind into it. I had a good start and was about 6th wheel going into the hole shot and was able to move up to 3rd during the first run-up. Dave K. with Rocky Mounts (the same guy I beat in the two-up sprint at the Rez) was racing like he was shot out of a cannon and created a big gap right off the bat. Dan, Brian, and I formed the chase, but didn't make any progress on the leader. After about the 3rd lap I started to have problems clipping into my pedals, which made navigating the course a nightmare. I couldn't hold a line, was sliding all over the place, and was getting super frustrated. At one turn through the start/finish area a pulled over and got off my bike to see if I had any cleats. There was snow, mud, and sand clogging up the bottom of my shoes. I was so grumpy at this point I came real close to not even getting back on my bike. After getting my shoes cleaned out the best I could, I got back on and finished the race and was able to reclaim some of my lost spots and Finish the race in 17th! Good times? Not so much...