Return to Granogue

Dear Readers,

October 2011 was the last running of the Granogue Cross race. I was proud to be a member of that promotion team that brought Granogue Cross to life for 10+ years. That last year was very hard: UCI double,UCI Junior race coupled with other things going on in my life it, made for a brutal weekend. When it was over, I was exhausted and relieved it was over versus exhausted and triumphant. I felt like I struggled through that entire week just spent.  During our run, we established Granogue as the crown jewel of the mid atlantic cross scene, and one of the best races in the country.  That 2011 course was what I felt was one of the best Granogue Courses ever. (Chapeau Tom McDaniel and Lauri Webber) I was bummed that I didn't get to race that course in 2011.

Nick Sears  runs the barriers. I'm practicing what will be my best area this cross season-

Cheering!  Not Heckling... Kelly Cline Cheer Coaching is paying off!  

Late last fall, a group of friends who has always helped Velo Amis in the past, stepped up and wanted to bring Granogue back into the Mid Atlantic fold. Granogue would be returning to the fold for 2014.

Granogue is very special place. Racing cross there has always been an incredible experience. I was super stoked to have the opportunity to preview the Granogue 2014 course this week.

Spent the evening chasing these guys around...

 Here's my review of the course: It is rad.

I joked with the promoters (Lisa, Paul and Benny) that this was by far my favorite Granogue course ever.

This guy is taking to cross like a bee to honey...

(I)Paul smiled and said, "that's because you aren't promoting it isn't it?" I smiled coyly. I'll admit that not promoting allowed me to play much more freely on the course. Bombing around the estate, I appreciated the fresh look at the course that was taken. Best described the course is the same Granogue but in a totally different way. I am really impressed with the fresh look Paul, Ben and Lisa have taken at the venue.

A series of shadows in the park...

Riding around, I suffered as only someone who has struggled to propel a bike across grassy fields could understand. It was wonderful. The course is challenging and incredibly fun. It's hard:  there is elevation change, running,off camber, and hard bike driving sections.  It is completely different from anything that has been there before, but at the same time it's Granogue. After previewing the course, I am really excited for race day and the new tradition that these guys will be forging.

still smiling. What a great night.

respect
marc