Congratulation

Congratulation to Doug for his 8th place finish yesterday in the KC cyclocross out of 44 competitors in his age group. No doubt a wild ride in the snow!

Way to go Doug! Keep setting the bar for the rest of us.

Doesn't that cross bike have 29er-type wheels? I'll go out on a limb and predict Doug will be riding a 29er by July. Man, will he fly!

Thanks Lurker (Another Lurker on the list!), and TR. Let's just say that the 2007 KCCX Nationals will go down as one of the most epic races I ever participated in. Imagine dirt that becomes mud, that then freezes overnight to become a mud icecube. Add two inches of snow, wicked off-cambres, barriers, steps, one big ditch that started off being rideable but became a "ender" trap. Throw in the fact that the USCF started all the 50-54, 55-59, and all the other master ages into the same race on a 1.9 mile loop, which caused a total "cluster F--k" on the course and made passing almost impossible. The USCF official apologized for the "bad judgement" and stated that they would correct that for next year. While I'm throwing things in let me mention that I started on the last row and was the last racer called up because I didn't register until the last minute and your starting order is determined by: 1st-returning placefinishers from 2006, 2nd-Order of registration. The only funny thing about that start was the 20 guys that whiped each other out on the first ice corner cause they were probably roadies and didn't have a clue about riding in these conditions. It was a great day to be a mountain biker. I ended up losing two places on my second lap when I endo'd in the ditch and dropped my chain. I repassed the two riders but couldn't get my bike to shift in a big ring on the pavement and they were able to pass me because they had a higher gear.
It was a wake up call for me and learning experience. I could never really get into the race because of my starting position but you can bet I'll register the first day next year. I watched so many races and picked up technique and learned about equipment. The cross racers and fans are so much fun. Of all the bike disciplines I've raced, this is the most fun. Why not, the course is short and switches back alot over the same area making it a great spectator sport. Cross is the fastest growing cycling discipline in the USA and the midwest is getting a great reputation as a cross location.
It was pretty interesting hearing the comments from all the people attending and the racers about the course and the event. The term I most heard was "Epic" and "Toughest X Race I've ever done". This from Eastern riders who ride "technical courses", Mountain racers that ride the cold, and western riders that ride in the mud. I think for 2008, I'll be racing my mountain bike till Sept. then I'm going to start doing power workouts and get ready for cross. I hope some of you will think seriously about cross next year!