Vision Quest: Asheville Cyclocross Nationals 2016

Dear Readers,

It's Thursday afternoon, January 7, 2016. I'm sitting at my kitchen table, still reeling and trying to capture my thoughts and feelings about what has occurred over the last few days. This has been the culmination of a quest that started two years ago when USA Cycling announced that Nationals were coming to Asheville, NC. Craig and I committed that we were going to make that trip. Monkey smiled and said, "Nationals in January are fucking stupid!" We laughed that time, and every time since that she has smiled a Cheshire smile and repeated it.  "it's funny because it's TRUE!!!"

The Biltmore Estate provided a beautiful, and unbelievably picturesque back drop to without a doubt the most technically challenging, and frankly hardest cross course I have ever raced. With it's steep run ups, challenging off cambers, wicked drops, and slick corners- it was an incredibly fun. The Biltmore course proved to be challenging and flowy and just perfect.  This was a course that a number of people referred to as "one that will be talked about for years" It was so rad...

USA Cycling and the Asheville organizers took a lot of heat over the communication, and organization of the event in the weeks prior the races. I'll admit, while I cautiously kept a positive outlook- I had some concerns. My last nationals experience (Madison 2012) was not a positive one. Part of that was me, part of that was the low production value of that event...

All stresses melted away as Craig and I arrived at the venue Monday afternoon. We quickly met up with Kelly and D-Lowe. We set out to preride with Paul, Ray, Kelly, and D-Lowe. We shared insights, and lines and helped each other suss out the course. We followed that evening meeting the rest of my Deluxx teammates, Featherblog, Dennis (I've been following around for 20 years) Linda,  and Consorto for what Sean Runnette would call "the last supper".   It was the crowning jewel of an incredible day.

Photo Credit: Sean Runnette

Tuesday morning, we easily got back to the venue and met up with the crew to pre-ride again, this time focusing on alternate lines. As awesome as Monday was, Tuesday proved again to be incredibly fun as we worked the lines that may not end up being our first selection, but based on race chaos needed to be explored. As we wrapped up this open course session Craig and I took off to find the Mansion house. This was a worthy ride, and one I am glad we took. Words can't capture:

We wrapped up the day pitting for Luxxy, Mr. Joe,  Dennis and Ray as they all rode to top 20 finishes in the 50+ non-championship race. I was inspired by my teammates turning themselves inside out, and battling the best our country has to offer in that race. The passion and drive they displayed makes me proud to be among them.  Ray made a huge move with 1 to go to land on the podium taking 4th place. At Dinner that night, he couldn't stop smiling. I couldn't prove it but I'm guessing he was wearing his medal under his sweatshirt at dinner that night! Who am I kidding, I would have worn it like a badge!

photo credit: Doug Gray

Wednesday morning 12:30 am... the middle of the freakin' night... I race in 11 hours...

I went to bed at 9, but am wide awake now.
My mind is racing.... I'm visualizing how I want my start to go... my heart-rate is jacked up. I'm thinking about Madison, how awful I was. Since my unplanned break in November, (awesome knee flare up) I have been drilling myself to get it right here. My results in December suffered, as I never felt fresh. Was it worth it? I start to question did I play this right? I think about going over my bars on the chute down from Cemetery Hill when we were throwing ourselves down it during our Monday pre-ride... I can walk it, No, I can't this is a spot I have to ride... It will be cool... calm down dude... I try to control my breathing... It's just another masters cross race... It's just another masters cross race. No big deal... but I'm jacked. I'm nervous. I've worked hard, it wasn't easy to keep the weight at 170 over the holidays, but I did it. Holy Fuck, I have to get back to sleep... Finally, I drift off to sleep...

Morning is here.  We join D-Lowe, Kelly and the Evolution Crew for breakfast. I can't eat, I'm so nervous I might puke.

We head over to the Deluxx compound and catch up with Johnny and Joey. Craig gets on the trainer. We cheer for Consorto and then Wes and Nick in the next race. I want to puke I'm so nervous.

Craig gets a great start. I'm on the trainer. Blondie plays in my headphones... I like Blondie... I find this kinda soothing. "you could tell I was no debutante"  Craig has a great couple of laps...  he is killing it. This is his first nationals. He has had an amazing year. I have loved watching it unfold, and I'm loving watching him race. He's with Lazar. Stay with Jay, Craig, stay with Jay... I'm so proud of him...

photo credit: Ronni Vetter

He finishes on the lead lap... an incredible ride.... so Stoked...

I head for staging. Try to be cool with Stevens, Auer and Kelly. I'm freaking focused. It's on...

Photo Credit: Jean Sears

I'm staged in the 8th of 17 rows, I know the start is going be some chaos. Too many good racers, everyone has got skin in this game... I got off smoothly and narrowly avoided a couple of ugly crashes early in the lap. I raced the race I wanted. Pushed hard when I could, pedal as much as possible. I hear Reuther in my head "don't stop pedaling, don't stop pedaling" I feel good. I am assured that my efforts and sacrifices have paid off... For the first time since Fairhill, I feel like myself. I'm aggressive coming off the hills- I over estimate my technical abilities, because that's what I do, but I keep the bike up-right. I wanted to leave it all out on the course, and ride my best race.  Chasing one dude the last lap, through the barriers I stand and charge for the line... I get him... I crossed the line exhausted, knowing I had accomplished my goal. I turn and hug the guy I just chased down that last lap... Not sure he was ready for that... The vision quest is complete. Fuck Yeah, I love cyclocross...

Photo Credit: Rebecca Lewandowski

Photo Credit: Rebecca Lewandowski

After my race, I was pretty much an emotional ball of mess. Joy, pride and relief over came me. Craig and I hugged back the the Team Deluxx Compound and we both got all choked up. The Vettori's are a passionate bunch, and passionate competitors. This was the culmination of a journey we began along time ago. The culmination of an amazing season. This was my hardest season ... I've never had injuries like this year... This was also my favorite cross season ever...We cried tears of joy. We cried tears of relief that we accomplished what we set out to do. We cried tears of gratitude for the all support and sacrifices our friends, teammates, wives and families had made for us to be here. We were utterly exhausted...

As Richard Fries called the 50+ riders to stage, we composed ourselves and headed to the pit to work for our friends, who had worked for us. More hugs, apple juice (wink, wink), and tears followed as we shared our experiences with our friends, and cheered those who continued to race.

This was an awesome trip, and experience. I am still amazed. I'm still on cloud 9...

Special thanks to D-Lowe and Kelly for all their support- made the event for us... thanks to Paul for pitting for Craig... thanks to Johnny and Joey for the great tent camp spot. thanks to all my mid-atlantic brothers and sisters for your help and support.

Thanks to my amazing wife, who help guide me, told me when I needed to suck it up, and when I needed to just chill.  I hug her as soon as I see her and I didn't want to let go...

Thanks for reading.

respect
fatmarc