It's been 7 years since I last raced Cyclocross. The main reason I stopped is because my chronic back pain hurts the most when doing 'cross. I also needed a break after racing road and crits all spring and summer. And finally as the weather gets colder and wetter (perfect conditions for 'cross aficionados) I get less interested. But it's mainly the back issue.
Why did I attempt this hardcore intense racing discipline again? Well, I bought a new 'cross frame to be my new winter bike since my old Litespeed Appalachian was looking at retirement. And after building up a pretty nice Salsa Chili Con Crosso it was just screaming at me to race it at least once. The Salsa couldn't "just" be a rain bike. It's a bewdy with decent components and I thought I'd give it a go.
I practiced my mounting and dismounting with Rick up at St. Ed's. I just couldn't seem to hop on the bike. I always did a little stutter step or dragged my foot behind. After about 50 attempts with Rick suggesting I start really slow and simply swing my leg over I finally started getting it down.
Initially I was riding my 700x35 tires with 60 psi up at St. Ed' but Rick talked me down to about 52. When I showed up at the race yesterday a teammate talked me down to 44 and I'm glad he did. I was nervous about running low, but it was fine. It helped absorb all the bumpy terrain and helped with traction in the corners. No pinch flats.
I pre-rode the course a couple laps and thought it was great. There was lot of fun single track with a few swooping corners and some fun downhill stuff. Of course there were a couple run ups and one was very long, loose, and steep. And the infield near the finish had two barriers to dismount for. I enjoyed the warm up with no back pain.
At the start I hung at the back of 20 guys cuz I figured this was just for fun and I wasn't going to be in contention for a podium spot anyway. As soon as we hit those first barriers (less than a minute) I wished I had gunned it for the front. I got stuck behind a big cluster bungle of riders falling all over themselves. I got into a rhythm and was able to ride a short steep hill that followed a loose downhill with a 180 degree turn. Most everyone else was having to dismount. Right after that was one of the two "real" run ups so had to shoulder the bike. Soon after that I was cruising through the single track and riding fairly well, but my HR was basically through the roof! I was nearly at my max most of the first lap and probably came across in 11th or 12th. My back held up.
For the second lap I couldn't keep up that intense pace so backed it down a notch or two and got passed by a couple guys. I have a whole new respect for 'crossers now. I can't believe the high end cardio you have to have to finish well. It's way above what my system is capable of. During the second lap my back started hurting which I expected, but it wasn't too bad yet. On my pain scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst pain imaginable) I was at a 6 by the end of lap 2. I was in about 15th at this point for the third and final lap.
Shortly after starting the final lap my back hit a "8" and I was done. An 8 for me means I'm having trouble pedaling let alone going hard. I basically was forced to soft pedal the last 2 miles and came in 18th out of 20.
(In four of the races throughout the day our team had 4 wins)! Rick had one in the Masters 1/2.
All in all I'm glad I did the race, but probably won't do any more unless I can get Redd and Mo to join me for one. Or if my back didn't kill me so much I'd be inclined to do a couple more. I'm starting some new PT for my back. Hopefully that will help.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Monday, July 30, 2007
Locks of Love Donation
I spent the last 2 years growing my hair out longer than I usually wear it. The intention was to donate the minimum 10" to Locks of Love for the disadvantaged kids who lose their hair due to different illnesses. I didn't want to cut my hair short like all the typical males afraid to express themselves, so I wanted it to be at least shoulder length. I managed to get 13.5" to help enhance the life of someone less fortunate.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Ravensdale Race Report July 9, 2006
Wow, it's so cool to have so many Zoka teammates getting such great results! But like J Dub said, as long as you're having fun out there that's what counts. Well, maybe our sponsors wouldn't think that, but you know what I mean.
So, case in point, I did not finish well but I consider my race yesterday the best one I've had all year. It was a great course, the weather was awesome, people stayed upright, it was well organized, it was about 20 miles further than I've ever raced before, my back held up, and as Tom and Christine mentioned I had a great chase back to the field.
Both times up the Wall I felt relatively fine and passed most people around me, but I was toward the back when we started and got totally blocked by several slower people. After the second time up Tom, Gary, and I had a little ground to make up and we did that no problem on the down hill.
At about the 45 mile mark some vice grips flew up from the road and took a hold of my left hamstring. I actually yelled in agony as I literally couldn't pedal. I coasted to the shoulder trying to release the lock jaw grip on my leg. One of the follow cars asked if I needed help as I looked like I was having a seizure as I tried to straighten out my leg. I watched the peloton ride out of site.
I managed to get back on the bike and slowly got back up to speed. I put my head down and just kept at it. I reached way down deep in the race wallet. My only hope was if the pack slowed up for a bit which had been happening previously. I gave it everything I had for 4 miles and finally started closing in on them. My last effort to reconnect was spurred on by the 3 follow cars as they cheered me on out their windows!
Once in the pack I was able to recover. But at mile 60 going up the final hill with only 2 miles left my right quad decided to go for the death grip and once again I was off on the shoulder absolutely unable to pedal. Damn, 50 meters more and I would've been over the top and finishing with the pack.
I was well hydrated leading up to the race and drank plenty during so I think it was probably my lack of training at that distance. Most of my races this year have only been about 40 minutes.
I must mention I felt bad for Gary since he wasn't in the break and nobody would really work with him to bring it back. I went to the front once and worked with some Ti guys, but if I had any hope of finishing I wouldn't be able to do much with Gary. So, Gary, being the cool guy he is, helped us C/D guys out in the end and Tom got that great placing!
I'm always amazed that usually less than 1/4 of the guys out racing (that don't have a teammate in a break) won't go to the front and help drive the pace. I really can't believe it. And I can say this cuz I generally do go to the front and do what I can. But so many guys never go to the front and they also don't place at the end either. Oh well, it's up to us I guess.
For you PR regulars I'm skipping tomorrow night. My back and legs need a little more recovery. Cheers.
Z "cramp from hell" Dog
So, case in point, I did not finish well but I consider my race yesterday the best one I've had all year. It was a great course, the weather was awesome, people stayed upright, it was well organized, it was about 20 miles further than I've ever raced before, my back held up, and as Tom and Christine mentioned I had a great chase back to the field.
Both times up the Wall I felt relatively fine and passed most people around me, but I was toward the back when we started and got totally blocked by several slower people. After the second time up Tom, Gary, and I had a little ground to make up and we did that no problem on the down hill.
At about the 45 mile mark some vice grips flew up from the road and took a hold of my left hamstring. I actually yelled in agony as I literally couldn't pedal. I coasted to the shoulder trying to release the lock jaw grip on my leg. One of the follow cars asked if I needed help as I looked like I was having a seizure as I tried to straighten out my leg. I watched the peloton ride out of site.
I managed to get back on the bike and slowly got back up to speed. I put my head down and just kept at it. I reached way down deep in the race wallet. My only hope was if the pack slowed up for a bit which had been happening previously. I gave it everything I had for 4 miles and finally started closing in on them. My last effort to reconnect was spurred on by the 3 follow cars as they cheered me on out their windows!
Once in the pack I was able to recover. But at mile 60 going up the final hill with only 2 miles left my right quad decided to go for the death grip and once again I was off on the shoulder absolutely unable to pedal. Damn, 50 meters more and I would've been over the top and finishing with the pack.
I was well hydrated leading up to the race and drank plenty during so I think it was probably my lack of training at that distance. Most of my races this year have only been about 40 minutes.
I must mention I felt bad for Gary since he wasn't in the break and nobody would really work with him to bring it back. I went to the front once and worked with some Ti guys, but if I had any hope of finishing I wouldn't be able to do much with Gary. So, Gary, being the cool guy he is, helped us C/D guys out in the end and Tom got that great placing!
I'm always amazed that usually less than 1/4 of the guys out racing (that don't have a teammate in a break) won't go to the front and help drive the pace. I really can't believe it. And I can say this cuz I generally do go to the front and do what I can. But so many guys never go to the front and they also don't place at the end either. Oh well, it's up to us I guess.
For you PR regulars I'm skipping tomorrow night. My back and legs need a little more recovery. Cheers.
Z "cramp from hell" Dog
Time to update. Finally!
It's been over 6 months since I've posted anything here. I had an issue with my PC, but beyond that I've had more pressing matters to attend to. Stuff won't be sequential but I'm going to start adding pics/posts as time permits from the last half a year. Oh, and Liza is sick and tired of having her butt be the centerpiece of my blog for so long!
Friday, July 14, 2006
Friday, June 23, 2006
Seward Race Report 6/18/06
Written by a teammate, Trevor.
That was a hoot! Zoka places two in the top 5 and takes all 3 primes at the Master's State Criterium in the C class. We had no real plan before the race, other than to be attentive and see who was motivated. Ken "The Animal" quickly demonstrated he was ready to go by attacking the first lap. Two laps later, Z is charging up the hill. The rest of us get to sit in. Nice.First prime and I drift to the front. I jump hard and the pack promptly throws in the towel. Drift to the middle and let Ken, Z, and Tom control things. Second prime and Z puts in a big attack. Tom follows along behind a TI Cycles, just in case. Score: Zoka 2, pack 0. Chris and I continue cruising along mid-pack. Third prime: Ken jumps hard only to have his chain start skipping. He's lunging and cursing like Lance on Luz Ardiden. We figure his chain is busted and he's gone. Suddenly, like the Phoenix, Ken arises from ashes and claims the prime!Now it's three to go and everyone's getting twitchy. Chris and I start moving forward. Bell lap and Ken moves to the front, while Z brings me forward. Two riders are away, but they're coming back quickly. I jump a little late, chasing a Byrne and a MoMoney up the hill. Close, but not quite and I'm in for third. Chris is right behind in fifth.
That was a hoot! Zoka places two in the top 5 and takes all 3 primes at the Master's State Criterium in the C class. We had no real plan before the race, other than to be attentive and see who was motivated. Ken "The Animal" quickly demonstrated he was ready to go by attacking the first lap. Two laps later, Z is charging up the hill. The rest of us get to sit in. Nice.First prime and I drift to the front. I jump hard and the pack promptly throws in the towel. Drift to the middle and let Ken, Z, and Tom control things. Second prime and Z puts in a big attack. Tom follows along behind a TI Cycles, just in case. Score: Zoka 2, pack 0. Chris and I continue cruising along mid-pack. Third prime: Ken jumps hard only to have his chain start skipping. He's lunging and cursing like Lance on Luz Ardiden. We figure his chain is busted and he's gone. Suddenly, like the Phoenix, Ken arises from ashes and claims the prime!Now it's three to go and everyone's getting twitchy. Chris and I start moving forward. Bell lap and Ken moves to the front, while Z brings me forward. Two riders are away, but they're coming back quickly. I jump a little late, chasing a Byrne and a MoMoney up the hill. Close, but not quite and I'm in for third. Chris is right behind in fifth.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
The start of our hiking/camping trip along the coast
Albert is behind me trying adjust some things better. I had way too much with me and a new misadjusted pack. Pretty much a newbie to extended primitive camping.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
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