206: do you wanna dance?

Due to a prior commitment many of us in the DCCoD and C3 families were unable to make the run up to Long Island for the weekend. That did not exclude us from racing this weekend as locally there were a number of fine options.

Originally I had planned to bag the weekend from racing all together. However the reality is that my opportunities to race cross are growing fewer and fewer as the season begins to wind down. For this cross racer there are just three weeks left, so how could I allow one to slip away.

Perhaps a little more tired than usual, Jan and I loaded up the toaster and headed out for Leesburgh, Virgina in Tacchino Ciclocross. Monkey was busy at work today, and didn't make the trip.

though there were a few options closer, the opportunity to show up to a race with Jim's hand in it, and a chance to guilt him for bagging the Fairhill race, was just too good to pass up. I also was excited to have a chance to race with a number of my teammates in the master's race: Auer, Nystrom and Jan. Thanks to Ken and all the Coppis for a fine race.

Well, for me, my friends that chance to race with my teammates lasted all of 40 seconds. That's how long my race went before my third eye rotated into my chain, knocked it off as it bounced, and in the process twisted a link. It took me a good minute and a half to get the chain back on, and then I hobbled to the pit. At the pit Norman and Sweet Johnny looked in disbelief as I rolled into the pit.

"what the freak are you guys doing out there?" Norman exclaimed. Unbeknownst to me, Auer and Nystrom had tried to take each other out both requiring a pit on the first lap. That's right folks C-3 Sollay had 4 guys in the race, and three of us had to pit in the first half lap.

Auer fought back to 2nd, Nystrom ended up getting back with Jan, as they finished 10th and 11th. I was so far back it took me two laps to catch anyone, then was able to pull back a few more riders finishing a disappointing 17th.

Frankly I had good legs today, I liked the course, I was cornering very well, and had power in the tough sections. While wrestling with my chain, and third eye, I kinda realized that my hopes for a good result were pretty much in the shitter. I also realized that I only have 3 races left this year, and frankly, I love cross and wanted to make the best of it. I spent the next 56 minutes turning myself inside out, and having a ton of fun.

Gwadzilla summed up the race for me as I desperately tried to bring back Roger Masse on the last lap. " I know your not happy with the result, but you had a great ride today..." Just after he said that to me, I was finally with in striking distance of Roger's wheel and proceeded to yard sale it, letting him get away.

I am very frustrated with my result, however pleased with my effort. Sadly 2 of my last 3 races have been in the category of "moral victory". I am riding well right now, perhaps the best cross of my life. Very frankly, I am tired of moral victories, so in the next two weeks, with a couple of more goals still hanging out there, moral victories will not be acceptable.

Props to Norm and Sam who had breakout efforts today, both making the podium, and Rich (RBB) who one the 35+ 3/4 race at Whitmores.

Oh yeah, Ethan and Meghan had an absolutely beautiful wedding. I was so honored to be a part of the festivities. Congratulation to you both, you are dear friends, I wish you the best.

thanks for reading.

fatmarc