Ham Lake

Not so just in:

Cooler temps so I was forced to break out the leg-warmers. Again with the bad start. At least I'm clipping in with no problem. I can't believe I actually admit to that. Ham Lake is always a tricky start. You get funneled into a thin line right off the start but this year they added a chicane to stretch things out even more. Once we hit the road I popped it into the big ring, grabbed the drops, tucked my head and went all out. I knew I had to make up some serious time if I wanted to ensure a top 20 spot. I was successful in passing a ton of riders only to find myself soloing the rest of the race. I may never stick with the lead group but I always have a blast. Ended up 18th overall.



This weekend will have me up in Taylors Falls and not at Buck (I think?). Too bad 'cause the Grizz is going to give the cross thing a try but has to work on Saturday so I'll miss his maiden voyage into Cyclocross heaven. There's always next year?

Lake Rebecca Recap

What a great race. The start was a little hairy, didn't get the hole shot I was looking for. Dan and I should have been a little more agressive and butted our way in line before the start. Oh well. I too had a little problem getting blocked out on the first run-up only to lose my chain bouncing up the hill. That kinda blew my chances of bridging the main group. Next time maybe I'll think to check it before I try to remount. It did however make for some fun reeling in. I eventually found myself battling with Mettler,I think, and some other guys from Alan and Birchwood. We just kept going back and forth. I'd blow them away on the barriers and hills but they'd always catch up and eventually pass me. The finish:I got up the final hill looked back and saw no one. After lining up the slight downhill into the finish and grabbing my big ring, I made one last look back. Crap! I had picked up a bogie. I picked up the pace a little only to looked back to see him gaining ever so slightly. He looked to be a little stocky so a didn't want to lead him up to the line only to get smoked. It was now or never. "Bridge to engine room, FULL POWER!" I just ducked my head and cranked. I took off like the Millenium Falcon making the jump to lightspeed. I was able to hold him off only to find my legs on the verge of blowing up like the Death Star. Wow, what a great finish. It could have been for second to last place and it would have been just as exciting. It's always awesome to have a sprint finish even if you lose out in the end. At least for now.I have to leave for Chicago this Sunday at 4:45pm. Not sure if I'll make it to Boom Island. We'll see.

Orono CX

Turned out to be pretty nice conditions. The field was rather large, 65 riders I think. Started off strong staying with the lead pack again for the first lap and a half. Pulled out ahead of Dan only to get reeled back in. After getting reeled in I started to fade missing a break that Dan took full advantage of and that was the last I saw of him. So, I managed to latch on to a group of two and sucked wheel for a while. Soon I realized they were moving too slow so I decided to make a break for it. Was successful dropping one of the guys but the other one from Birchwood was too strong. It came down to just he and I at the finish and one lap around the track. this is the part I love. Just like what you see in all the pro races. I knew I had enough to do battle but unfortunately do to my inexperience when he decided to wind up for the sprint I couldn't shift into my big ring. So he gapped me a little. But I caught up to him as we exited the turn. I could have made a play at the line but like an idiot I dropped down into a lower gear and spun out(gear wise). Anyway, it was a great race,better than last week, and an exciting finish.

Next up, Lake Rebecca