Cyclo-X

The second season of Without Limits Cyclo-X kicked off today at Union Reservoir in Longmont today. We woke to a 43 degree sunny morning in Boulder and we got to Union for the expo to 28, 20 mph wind and clouds. Breeze and I set up the expo for Breeze Bars and huddled down.

2 hours later we were frozen to the bone. Both shivering, I took to putting on my cycling stuff just to stay warm. That did work and the wind died down a bit, but it took its toll a bit. Racing and expos are tough to juggle and I took turns with Breeze watching the table while the other one of us warmed up or changed. We did, however, get great feedback from the 5 questions with Greg Keller on www.mudandcowbells.com last week. In the end the expo is always worth it.

It was a fun course. The boys, Tony and Lance did a great job with what they had. We saw some dirt, some grass, some highspeed turns, sand and the old BMX track. I guess I gotta work on my pumping as I lost time there every lap.

We lined up for a fast dirt road start and I got a decent one and hit the first turn in the top ten. As we settled through some fast turns I was back to 14th but happy on the tail end of the front group. On lap two someone midday in the pack pulled a Holicky and butchered the sand section splitting us off. That was fine by me as I was with the usual suspects. Harshman, Mickewicz, and Ariel Brown. Unfortunately, by lap 5 it was my turn to stumble in the sand and I waited way to long to dismount. I put in a chase, but they were gone.

Alone in the wind is a crap place to be, but I wasn't ready to drift back to the next pack because it was 10 or so guys, too big. Luckily, Ariel came up to me and we worked well for 3 laps or so. Honestly, he saved me. I needed the push. I put in a surge with 5 to go and Ariel dropped off, due more to a derailleur issue than my power and again I was alone. That chase pack splintered though and with one to go I felt safe. Will Iaia had other plans and he rolled me up in the last 4 corners. I think that was due to the fact that he dropped out yesterday and had all kinds of extra energy today, haha. Yes, i said it Will, toughen up, this ain't triathlon. He out sprinted me to the line and I walked with 15th. More Cup points and I'll always take points.

Not sure what to do next. I may shoot out to MA for the UCI race next weekend and see my family at the same time. Not thinking I can get UCI points, but could win a little money and seeing my family for T'Giving would be great.