I did not post my USGP race because it was something I’d rather forget. It wasn’t that things went badly but more that it represented the bottom of a slow downward spiral since this start of the cross season. I felt for this season I had trained reasonably well and after my first two races felt confident my fitness would improve, but it didn’t. there was a moment in USGP where I was riding in the front of a group and someone, in the group, yelled – “are we on a Sunday stroll?”. At the start of the race I felt as if I was half asleep only going through the motions because I’d paid to be there. Any time I felt I was warming up I’d get passed. Each lap I kept looking back to ensure at least SOMEONE was behind me. There always was, but moments later I’d look back again to see them all backed up behind me. They’d pass and I’d try and stay on the the last wheel only to loose it on the first corner. There are many factors but the sum of it all made for an unpleasant day. So on Sunday for the second USGP I called a friend and we went for a leisurely ride with a stop for coffee in the middle.
Fast forward to Nationals. I was nervous, hesitant and not 100% committed. The snow, cold and ice only served to shake me up more. My race was at 9:30am on Saturday. I arrived Friday to watch many people crash hard. I just wanted it to be over so I could finish the season and move on to other things (XC Skiing). Saturday morning arrived and I headed out at 7:30 to pre-ride the course. It was beyond slick. Many others had also come out with the weak dawn light to slide around. It was almost comical. I did two laps and went home crippled with fear. As 9:30 approached I headed back out to warm up a tad and then line up. 127th to be specific. My goal was simple, no injuries and try to place somewhere better than 127th.
The sun had come out and there had been a race just before mine. Unbeknown to me the course had softened quite a bit. The gun went off and all 200 of us took off in a flash. At the start there was a pile up, I can still hear the sound of tires, metal and many grunts and exclamations. I was far enough back to react and not fall prey to the carnage. My main worry was the group behind me (although there were not that many people to be honest). Having survived I navigated around the blur of bikes and people. By the time I as on my bike the group ahead was rounding the first corner. A quick sprint and I was on a wheel.
Much to my delight the course was surprisingly tacky and fast. I moved up the field passing, passing, passing. I felt great. Each corner I’d shoot the inside and get the lead of those in front of me. On the first lap I ran the hill on the far end and even ran it all the way down the return. This worked great the first lap but proved to be more effort than was necessary. Subsequent laps I would ride the whole thing as was everyone else.
Feeling great and completely enjoying myself it was about lap 3 or 4 that I came down a sharp drop off and heard the oh so telling sound of Pfffffft sffft sfft sfft followed by the jarring sound of dirt and rock to metal when only separated by a piece of rubber. Time to run… To be honest I feel like I’m a good runner and can hold my own speed wise, but somehow with a bike on one shoulder and hard ass shoes with metal spikes on the front I found every step felt like a hammer to my heel. By the time I made it to the pit I had lost a good 15+ places and literally strolled up to the Shimano tent. They reacted with speed and efficiency while I took a moment to gather myself.
Back on the bike the rest of my race went just fine. I regained a few of my lost places due to the flat but otherwise felt like my first Nationals experience was a success. Final result 75th.
That same day Sabine and I went XC Skiing with the dog. While I was tired from the race it was great to be on ski’s surrounded by clean white snow. I have great plans for next year…I know, I know, I say that every year but I honestly feel like I learned more this year than any other.
