Once again, to the tree people who read my blog, I apologize for the radio silence. I’ve grown lazy and undisciplined in my updates. To continue that thread of laziness, here is a super condensed update of the last few weeks:
October 29-30th weekend: Another double header!. Last year I did exactly one double header weekend. This year I’ve done four in a row! One might think that the DS is getting sick of that, but she has been a great sport about it and MIGHT even be having a good time coming along. That may have something to do with Colorado being so beautiful and the venues being cool for spectating.
Day 1: Colorado Cross Cup. Great race at Boulder Res. It had been almost exactly a year since I first did this course when house shopping in 2010. There was some great mud, but the course felt very similar. Unfortunately a bunch of fast guys showed up and kicked my booty. I held on for 9th, but it was a slog. I didn’t feel like I had any stamina in this race, and I left this race wondering if my season had peaked. Still a great day on the bike though!
'round the muddy bend and up the runup!
c.c.c.craaaazy mud! ok maybe not but there were some slick sections.
Day 2: Boulder Cup. This race was held at the much vaunted Valmont Bike Park, which I had never visited. I can officially say after having visited that Valmont rocks! While this course continued to beat me into oblivion and handed me my worst result this year (outside the top 10). I had a fantastic duel with a gadiator named Ciro, and only his unfortunate intersection with a junior racer prevented him from vanquishing me. Valmont was a total roller coaster course through. The hills weren’t good for me, but that didn’t affect the fun factor of the twisty descents, awesome sand pits, and monster truck worthy mud bog. The 75 foot set of stairs probably contributed the most to my suffering on the day.
Finally some real mud!
Dueling with Ciro
Beautiful course, beautiful day!
More reports coming as time allows!