Greetings from the front range of Colorado, where I'll keep you all posted on what's happening in one of the hotbeds of the American Cyclocross scene, need proof ? Colorado riders took home over twenty National titles at Bend last year ! I was not one of those riders, a few of you may know me from my previous ramblings at this abandoned site, where I scribed my perspective of an overly enthusiastic, middle-aged, middle of the pack, participant with decent bike handling skills but lacking fitness.
I delayed my start to this season due in part for some quality Taiwan time. I was in no hurry to start as summer in Colorado pushes deep into fall and I despise racing in hot, dry conditions which is what was exactly on order for what I pegged on the calendar to be my start to the season.The race was held at the classic Xilinx venue, North of the Peoples Republic. Before I was even to the turnoff from the Diagonal, I could spot huge plumes of dust billowing up from the South side fields. Signed in for 11:15 am 45+ start and struck out to take in the course when I immediately began to strike up conversations instead with everyone I literally hadn't seen since states last year. One lap of warm in and a few nervous openers and I pulled up to the line to hear everyone get a call up that I was in front of last season ( perhaps this delay wasn't such a great strategy methinks). So in a field of 60 or so riders I am placed 2nd row from the back. Whistle blows and we're off on a furious tear up the pavement. I am super pleased with my start as I've weasled my way to a mid pack position. Bunny hop the curb and into the dirt with a duffy right hander around a tree and off a small log. Already I can hear and see panic and indecision among my fellow racers," run it or ride it" ? I ride it, it's not a big deal but as I roll away, I can spot another rider with all his weight on the front wheel and not in control heading for me. He t-bones me and pushes me down, under the tape and off the course. By the time we are untangled and rolling the majority of the group is gone. Well, this has just turned into a training race, I spent the remining 4.75 laps in my 46T trying to get close to the middle again. It wasn't to be as I rolled through in 40th. Not exactly how I envisioned starting the season but I had to start somewhere. Here is some video from a fellow 45 pluser
Originally I had planned on bagging out on Frisco ( too far, too high ) but I need redemption after Xilinx and we'll see if I get on Saturday. On another note, cross in the Springs seems to be taking hold. All previous Wed evening practice sessions were typically a low key affair maxing out at 4-5 riders. This year every week we've had a solid turnout with about a dozen riders including our own former National Champ, Marc Gullickson. Also among fellow SRAMmies in the Springs, we have 8 riders going up to the Ft Collins USGP in 2 weeks ! Very cool to see the seeds sprouting. Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy the site.
