My motto is simple- you have to get out to find out. I love to get outside and get moving, the activity is just a consequence of what I'm feeling, the weather and what my friends are doing. I ride mountain, road and cross bikes. I've done 13 Ironman races. I ski alpine, AT and nordic. I SUP and surf, though both pretty poorly. Trail running is a blast, and of course camping is cool. But getting out isn't always about getting outside. Get out of your comfort zone at work and in your personal life. Take on a new project, make a new friend or just try that new restaurant in town that always smells good. Enjoy your life, you've only got one shot and the clock is always ticking.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

A race of firsts

Today I raced my 2nd cyclocross race of the season in Co. Springs. While 80 degrees isn't quite 'cross weather, you take what Mother Nature gives you. The course was dry, loose and mix of some wide open flats a few stretches of pavement, some not so technical barriers and super sharp corners. I felt good warming up and was gunning for the win.
Clearing the barriers (some pros hopped this)
As we lined up for the Cat. 4 start, there were only 10 guys racing. I was bummed about this because the bigger the fields the more points are available for upgrading. Again, you have to take what you're given.
The start was at the bottom of a paved hill before turning 90 degrees onto the course. I got a good start and was 3rd going into the first corner. I got by 2nd place and kind of sat behind 1st for a bit. I knew I was more fit than he was since I was stronger on the short climbs so I passed him and took the lead. Half way through the 1st lap we hit the wide open flat section. This is just your typical multi-use trail and you could really get moving. There was one turn that while not too sharp was tough because the path was loose, the speed was high and there was no banking.
I lead into the turn then before I could blink I was on the ground. My front wheel had washed out and I hit the deck. The 2 riders immediately behind me passed as I was getting up and re-mounting the bike. My left shifter was bent, but other than that the bike was OK. My shoulder and hip took the brunt of the impact but there was no break, just torn skin.
Looking up I could see the 2 riders were still well within reach. I put the hammer down and before we came back through the start/finish I was back in first.
Taking my first victory
I rode steady, and certainly a bit more cautiously, but still managed to pull away. I lead it home for the victory, taking my first victory ever along with my first crash. It seems ironic, but that's 'cross for you.
After my win I visited a very nice EMT who cleaned out my road rash with some iodine and scraping. It didn't hurt nearly as much as she told me it would, so that was another plus.
I won $15 to Chipotle and some valuable upgrade points for my effort. Tomorrow's race should be larger and more competitive. I just hope I'm not too stiff, but I'll give it a go.
Post Race medical attention
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