Cross Tip #1

The start matters, a lot. In Frisco this weekend, I was pumped for a good one. I had a good call up, second row, and I like that hole shot. its a tough hill and people tend to die on it. Last year I hit the dirt in the top 10 and it defined my race. So, I was ready.

The whistle went and I slammed on the pedals and missed. I slipped and the tip of the saddle went a place that we need not speak of. Ow. I got going at the back of the group and hit the top of the pavement with no where to go, at the back. I must have hit the dirt in the 40's. Not good. David Weber posted a video of the end of lap one. let's talk about how important this start is, i was 1:45 back. Almost 2 min on the first lap. There was no where to go out there. The single track started with a fast descent, then single track through the mulch, by the time we got to a passing zone we were way strung out. 1;45 in about 7 min of racing. Not a good place to be.

I fought hard throughout the day and kept moving up. There was a spot mid race where I caught Brian and Jan. Great right, but then I relaxed and they were gone. Just so dumb. It took me another 2 laps to get back up there. Cross is about being so focused even though you are cross eyed. I am still working on that.

The last thought for the week is about how our brains play tricks on us. I was feeling like this year was just terrible compared to last season. I remembered the top 15 and top 20's from the end of last season but nothing else. I looked up some results from last year and I am right on target this early in the season. Also, the fields seem deeper. That's good and it helped the confidence.

On Sunday I did some motor pacing with Garrett Getter. I had never really done it before and man, was it cool. Cranking down 66 at 60k/hr is such a great feeling. I highly recommend it. Furthermore, Garrett is the man. he did a great job of keeping me on there and it was a great day.

New Belgium Cup this weekend. I'm hoping for a better start.