Wednesday, December 29, 2021

State CX Championships @ Sylvan Springs- Master 40-49

After the slaughter fest at Spanish Lake and all the running on vacation I knew the only thing left to do before the last race of the season was to recovery and try to stay sharp. I snuck in some short rides with bursts through the week and then went out and rode hard the Saturday before the race to tune up. Given my fitness level, preference for morning workouts and the realization that I'm 45 years old now, I decided to give the masters race a shot. 

The course was hilly again but more punchy then the reverse direction a few weeks prior and the downhill section was like a slalom course, which suited me well. It was grippy but slightly wet but I had pretty good confidence with the pressure I had reduced to. 

I didn't last long in the front group, nor did I try, and settled into mid-pack, which is where I stayed for most of the race. I was passed by the 50+ winner, Mike Morgon,  Quindry and Bobelak. After the first few laps I was putting time on the 40+ field chase group, dangling in the same position with Quindry and trading blows with Bobelak, who had hit the deck hard early on and seemed to be riding conservatively. Bobelak definitely had the power on the paved climb but I found I was able to catch him and ride his wheel back down to the base. In hindsight, I should have gone around him on the descent portion of the last lap but in my old age I must be losing testosterone and was happy just to be racing a race within the race. I never used to think about passing when I had a chance, but for some reason, confidence probably, I found I was doing this a lot since I started back... that's going to change. Anyhow, I rode Bobelaks wheel all the way to the barriers and we went through at about the same speed. He made the turn first, click, click and that was that. Felt good to be racing but where is the asshole I used to be? Need to aquire that fire again.