Saturday, was more fun than Sunday. I would say an 8 out of 10 on the fun scale. It certainly hurt much worse, I thought I was going to pass out after my race. I got beat by my arch nemesis (now friend) Ben B. He was rolling really well. One Highlight - my wife yelled "last lap", I listened - I laid it down for most of that lap, only to find out it wasn't the last lap. That hurt. The bike was great and the new Griffo tires are the bomb. They stick like glue and roll like butter. They do make a difference and they are just clinchers. Plus they look cool. Lots of guys racing. Lots of fast guys racing. I had a high heart rate max of 190. Wow, it does go that high and I didn't die.
BioWheels/United Dairy Farmers Harbin Park International” (UCI C1) - October 12, 2008
Sunday - more owee - about a 6 on the fun scale, but way way more guys racing in the 3 field. My HR max and average were down from Saturday and the legs felt pretty strong. I just didn't have the gas and mental anger in the pedals, like I did Saturday. I think about 65 or so lined up. I was further back in the starting line up than Saturday - oddly enough I think I finished where I started. I did pass some guys, but just didn't get out of the gate very well, got bogged down in the first turn, when I should have been on the outside of that instead, guys were all over the brakes (not supposed to use brakes in cross) which caused a little mess in the first corner, then the shit was strung out and no place to pass till the hill climb through the actual finish line. I did "beat" my arch nemesis, Ben, but it really doesn't count, since he bailed after lap 2.
Some lessons to learn from over the weekend: 1. ride aggressive for good starting position. It's all about elbows and body leans - hold my ground - don't find gaps > make them. 2. Pick my line for the first corners to avoid dumb guys on their brakes. 3. Work for good position at the start, but don't go full out - then work to not let anyone pass. 4. Arrive at race early enough to ride at least one full lap. 5. If your wife is yelling last lap, don't listen - listen for the damn bell. 6. when the temperature is 80 degrees, carry a bottle for the first few laps and drink from it - then dump it. 7. Power pedal through the sand - every time - no letting off - no soft pedaling - I will be confident everytime through that stupid crap. 8. Don't let anyone cut me off in turns - ohhhh I hate that - since I handle my bike pretty dang well. 9. Don't sit on anyone unless they are overtaking other riders - it will slow me down. 10. Race and ride like there are no more races.
I'll add to this as I have time - been a busy week, still playing catch up at home with being gone on our little beach vacation in North Myrtle, SC and then being gone all weekend racing. Someone please come run the vacuum and dust. If only I had a monkey in the basement that knew how to clean. A cat wouldn't work, they don't do anything.
Some lessons to learn from over the weekend: 1. ride aggressive for good starting position. It's all about elbows and body leans - hold my ground - don't find gaps > make them. 2. Pick my line for the first corners to avoid dumb guys on their brakes. 3. Work for good position at the start, but don't go full out - then work to not let anyone pass. 4. Arrive at race early enough to ride at least one full lap. 5. If your wife is yelling last lap, don't listen - listen for the damn bell. 6. when the temperature is 80 degrees, carry a bottle for the first few laps and drink from it - then dump it. 7. Power pedal through the sand - every time - no letting off - no soft pedaling - I will be confident everytime through that stupid crap. 8. Don't let anyone cut me off in turns - ohhhh I hate that - since I handle my bike pretty dang well. 9. Don't sit on anyone unless they are overtaking other riders - it will slow me down. 10. Race and ride like there are no more races.
I'll add to this as I have time - been a busy week, still playing catch up at home with being gone on our little beach vacation in North Myrtle, SC and then being gone all weekend racing. Someone please come run the vacuum and dust. If only I had a monkey in the basement that knew how to clean. A cat wouldn't work, they don't do anything.
