It was perfect timing, as if the cross gods watched over what was to happen. After a blast of a race at Chris Cross on the campus of St Mary University, it was time for Pross-Tober-Fest!
The second annual gathering of muddy basterds to raise a pint (or dozen) to celebrate the season.
Laughs were shared, brats consumed, lies were told, and lives were forever changed.
Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Zoolander for opening up their home and bar to the SKCross team.
Sante'
De Stad stop 2 for Chris Cross:
Depending on your take on what constitutes "real" cross weather, I think Sunday's race/weather basically nailed it for me. Having dodged the potential for this being a real bog fest with all the precipitation coming down last week the course was in remarkably great condition and held really well.
The setting was at Saint Mary University in Leavenworth, KS. Yes, I am sure lines of parallel could be drawn between a private Catholic education and the federal prison system, but I will leave that alone.
With being early autumn the campus was still in full color with the leaves still on the trees and the grass course still super thick and green.
The Cowtown Cycling team led by Rich Anderson changed up the course that we used here from last year. The changes came about due to the completion of some of the construction from last year and the ability to use more of the campus. Whatever the reason, this year's course was fun, hard, and just enough of a technical track to keep you alert and at the ready.
Unlike last year, we started on the grass with a pretty stiff uphill drag into the trees and dropping quickly through a great set of chicanes.
Again, they decided to stagger the start of the Master's classes with 35+ going first. With preregistration came an actual call up with no fuss from either RD or official (wow!)
While AB and I pre-rode the course I took note that the start hill was not that bad and it had a quick drop in following the climb. So the plan was to start top5 and take my own lines through the first down hill instead of risking some getting a little too excited and potentially "stacking it".
The whistle blows and we hit it!
In typical fashion, Studnicki and Plumer go hard with Matt Eastlack slotting in. The start was fast and a bit of a drag, but after all the interval work i had done the week leading up was paying off and I was in control with HR and breathing. Brendan Jenks and a gang of others was sitting on my wheel as we dipped down and started the relentless climbing sections. Funny, in warm-up I hadn't noticed the climbs per se, mostly concentrating on the lines through the downhill corners. The hills definitely took their toll on the field through the 40 min race.
Jenks finally comes around on a fast downhill section right before a tight right hander that had some dangling branches right in the line of sight. (helmet whackers fo sho). We quickly climbed up to the uber tacky double track section. We headed down to a 180 to begin another false flat on another set of double tracks. Just as we set-up for the 180 Tige Lamb bombs the corner and takes another slot from me- damn! Gotta go to work now.
At the top of the false flat, the tracks had major drainage type ruts in them and none were rhythmic, so you just had to pick what you thought was the smoothest for you. Then a tight bend to the left and then a really fun off camber "down-up" that a decent line burned in from warm-ups but could also cause trouble if you weren't staying sharp and focussed as evidence was the bent stakes along the up section o the next lap through.
Upon exiting that section it was a series of switch backs down the side of a hill then through a steep ravine. This could have been interesting with rushing rain water!
Rounding back behind the baseball field, there were more drainage, run off type of ruts athat would just sap any more or speed that you were trying to build on this flat section. Don't get me wrong, you could but at what price of your back? I would later pay that and some interest.
Coming around the farside of the field, was the first set of barriers. Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed was the only rationale I could think of with the placement of these barriers. One was on the base of an uphill grade, then you turn hard right and go over the second one. This is where my body said Nope, not going to play nice with you today." On the first stinking lap and first time through this section I feel something "pull" and strain in my lower back on the right side. Knawing and very painful I keep on keeping on.
After the barriers was another off camber downhill almost 180. There was a ton of skidding and sliding on this section. Some chose to run as opposed to almost coming to a stand still and having to power back up and around.
Past that, we headed down towards the pond after some more rough dirt trails and some fun twisting and turning through the trees.
KB and Joe were trading punches with me on this section and while I was still assessing just how bad I hurt my back, I wasn't about to let anything go. Down across the dam, we dip down for another hard downhill turn and steep uphill section, more weaving through the trees and then exiting out onto the very rustic brick driveway. I am not sure on the distance of the brick (some say cobble) section, but long enough and with enough pitch up to hurt the legs and keep the lungs on simmer.
Upon exiting off of the bricks a small drop in and left hand turn to the second section of barriers just before the Start/Finish line:
Going through the S/F line Kyle puts down a little move and it stings to stand to go with him, but I also know that if I don't that's the race for me, so I grit it out or as I tell others, HTFU!
The remaining laps were trying to claw my way back into the race and continue to put time into anyone behind me, which I did for the most part.
It was an extremely demanding course and the bitter pill for me was that my legs were at the ready to do what I was asking of them, but the back was causing an internal war that was unrelenting and caused anxiety upon approaching every barrier section. The extent of the pain wouldn't be known until i climbed off my bike after the race.
The good take a ways were that I can begin to feel some race fitness building and my handling felt solid as well. Maybe someone behind can/will correct me on that...
AB had a solid race and gained a spot in the Womens Open race and felt like her racing is progressing and continuing to get that all invaluable experience.
After climbing of the bike, I reach for my pants and begin to pull them on OUCH! Yep, the back is in full on revolt mode. Any bending over was causing excruciating pain. My legs and arms were good, but it was the lower right side of my back, just off my hip that was just unbearable...and still is.
No worries, I have an appointment with Dr JET, and all will be right with the world.
So another round of cross racing in the books and more fitness gained for next year's road season.
On tap (pun intended) for next weekend is the venerable Boulevard Cup classic held out in WYCO county park. Mike promises a smooth course..."old" race directors rock!
Thank you for reading,
JB
(Thanks Prosser!)
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