Cameron Park Blowout

[onegeardoug]

I'm still a member, so I can write race reports...right? Went to Waco, TX to race my first Cat 1 race since....ever. Last time I raced a geared mountain bike, it was called Expert. 2008? I've had a long summer of moving, travelling and vacationing. Sloth and indulgence. I came back from vacation 2 weeks ago 3 lbs over my previous all time MA winter high. And, I've only ridden 7 times in the last 4 weeks...all in the last 8 days. Needless to say, I don't have any fitness. So I had no illusions about what would happen today. The only reasons I went is because I wanted to get in a good hard workout and I wanted to see what the MTB scene was all about in TX.

The course was 7 miles long, mostly single track, very flowy and twisty. There were 2 sections where you descended a ravine, swooping left and right on high banked turns. Mostly short punchy climbs, but 2 sustained efforts. It rained last night, so the hardpack trail was firm and tacky, but not muddy. In other words, it was PERFECT.

Raced in the Cat 1 40-49 with 16-18 other guys. They called up pre-reg, so I was on the front row...where I didn't belong. I had an excellent cyclocross clip-in and sprint off the line that would impress, but a mere 10-15 seconds later I was completely in the red. The wheels fell off, I went backwards, and was basically all alone the rest of the race. Except for the female pro that passed me. On the first lap. And 4 guys from the group behind her, on the second lap. I'm pretty sure I was DFL. Or, maybe DFL + 1. No matter, I had a good 1:30 workout and I got some good skillz work.

Cross season starts 10/4 & 5.

[Smudger]

Nice one Doug

[rusto]

Keep posting reports (and keep racing). It will be further enticement for those considering Austin in January...