Hub Labels Cross Classic (Ft. Ritchie Cross)

Dear Readers,

Pulled into Fort Ritchie and parked next to Mike Birner. I'll admit as he came over to give me a hug, I wasn't 100% sure he wasn't gonna put me in a headlock. But sure enough it was a hug. I like hugs, although I've spent sometime in headlocks too.

I have never done this race before. The venue was really cool. The course was fun, bumpy, and I'll admit I didn't love it warming up, but at speed the corner to corner action required you to stay focused. Cheers Joe Jefferson and team.

I had expected a slop fest, even had the baby limus all set up on one of my bikes, but the course was in great shape. One little soft spot, but no water, no mud. I like mud, but you know, not having to totally clean my bikes doesn't suck either!

As I waited to start my course inspection, one of the Junior Jr races was finishing up. A young girl from Baltimore Youth Cyclocross had a flat and was running it in. Her teammates- probably 20 kids all adorned in the yellow and red team kit ran along side her cheering. You've never seen a kid with a broken bike running towards the finish line with a bigger smile on her face. Kinda gives you hope for humanity...

But I digress- here's how my race went down:

There were 24 or so racers. I was lined up in the third and final row. Jon Hicks(Sportif Group) graciously offered to swap with me on the second row. I declined but appreciated the offer.

The race took off quickly, we came off the asphalt and onto the grass, the field filed into single file behind Mike. I charged up on the inside and moved up to Mike's wheel just around the first corner.
I'll admit my brain was squirming a bit as we worked through a tight section, after charging from the back row  up to second  wheel the voice in my head- all hopped up on courage and adrenaline was shouting "Go Man! Go Man!"

I know better, I know to be patient... but what the hell- I charged off the front. First time I have lead a cross race since 2012. It was pretty fucking magnificent.

But it wouldn't last.

At the end of the first lap a group reeled me in and dispatched me. I settled into a nice group with Peter (NCVC) and Jonathan (AFC).  Mark (SRAM/SANTA CRUZ) was chasing in no man's land. Peter and Jonathan were throwing down watts at me. Jonathan went to the front of our group, and I clung onto his wheel for dear life, Peter seemed to come off our group a bit.

With one to go, I followed Jonathan across the line. We hit a tight series of 180's and figured it was now or never, I passed on the inside and stood to accelerate out of the corner. Much to my surprise I had a small gap, which I was able to maintain to the line, as Jonathan never let me ease off the gas...

it was a good race, super fun battling/riding with those guys. I was exhausted, and really damn stoked.

my first podium since 2012. I was pretty damn happy, I won't lie.

thanks for reading.

respect
fatmarc