Wasn't sure I was going to make the race when I woke up on Sunday. My 'IF' was still hanging in the garage crankless! (It's been 2 weeks since I broke the spindle on my XTR. Warranty takes forever.) So after breakfast I thought 'F' it.
8:15 A.M. I call my boy Spike and asked to use his bike. "If you want." he said. Not knowing I was planning on racing his fine 19" KHS that he acquired by exchanging a pack of gum for it. No-not really. Not sure what he traded it for? It came outfitted with a Marzocchi Bomber fork, front disk brake, non-functioning computer and fully functioning bell .
8:30 A.M. Back at home swapping pedals, adjusting the rear brake and trying to stiffen the fork.
8:45 A.M. Trucks loaded and I'm on my way to Addison for a 10 A.M. start.
(skip ahead)
9:45 A.M. On the bike for a quick pre-ride to see how the bike handled. After the first climb I realized I forgot to adjust the saddle height, so I was a bit low. At the top I took a quick right and dove into the single track to check tire pressure. When I hit the asphalt 2-way towards the start finish I saw the Elite go by. OH SH!T I'm going to miss my start.
10:03 A.M. I stash a water bottled by the lap counter and head to the line. I pull up and hear 15 sec. GO! I hit the first climb mid pack? I settled in and felt surprisingly comfortable. I stayed with the guys ahead of me for most of the first lap. Then I got to the single track on the back section, just after the asphalt road. The bike was all over the place. I lost the guys ahead and let some from behind pass. Lap 1 down in 29:38 / sitting in 10th or 11th
Laps 2-4 - Lap 2 started well until I caught a group of 5-6 riders in the first set of single track. Sat on and waited for the pass(s). Finally cleared them after the 2 track along Lake George Rd. then settled back into rhythm. (Fast Forward) Kept moving through riders and feeling more comfortable on the loaner, until the last climb out of the lake valley when my thighs started cramping. I had to shut it down and survive. When I tried to push and chase they seized more. Lap times 30:26 / 30:16 / 30:23. Consistent. I finished 6 of 18 and think I can meet by time goals for P2P and Ice Man (weather permitting).
Still some work to be done before then. CX will help me with faster starts. I know if I can stay with the leaders for the first 10-15 minutes I will finish better because I won't get held up.
Waterford CX 1 and 2 this Saturday. Time to learn some more from the faster guys.
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