The cross season started a bit differently for me this year. I was in Cali and Oregon for swim meets a big chunk of July and August. Breeze and I were married August 20th and despite my best intentions there was more fishing than riding during that time. Understandable I believe.
But there was this thing out there...Cross Vegas. I was registered and I would have about 2 1/2 weeks to see how ready I could be. My fellow Apex Coach and my personal coach, Allen Krughoff, got me set up and I went for it. Good training for a couple weeks and then a little test out at the Queens of cross race the weekend before the Wednesday night of Vegas.That did not go as planned. I dropped the rear wheel from the drops in the first yard of the race, laid it down once and flatted with 2 to go. I barely avoided a lapping and left the day shaking my head more than a little. Why did a race so nervous? Why was I making rookie mistakes? Why didn't I like it?
All valid questions with one simple answer. I forgot why I race. I was so worried of what other people where going to think of me that i forgot about me. I race well happy and when I'm having fun. A picture of Robson from that race was a reminder. Dejan took a picture of him while he was tucked in 3rd after his own issues. Robson's face in the camera, hamming it up, tongue out. Now I remember, racing is fun.
I got more help on Monday. I stopped by Colorado MultiSport for some glue and valve extenders and saw fellow crosser Geoff Nenninger who had raced Vegas last year. I asked him if it was worth the trip. His reply was to say, "fans 6 deep on the run-ups, a wall of noise for a bike race you are in. yes, its worth the trip. i was in for Vegas and I was going to have some fun.
We rolled into Vegas on Tuesday night, checked into the Palms and settled into sleep. I slept like a baby. i do that when I'm excited, it gets the race there sooner.
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