Veldrijden - Columbia

2 weeks late on this one. Pathetic. Mark French of Quantum MESA Cycles race team setup a great course utilizing all the features of Bolm-Schuhkraft park. The course had everything a course should. Sand, Mud, Hills, Single Track, Stairs... even a creek crossing.

Unfortunately the turn out was very small for every race. With the season being traditionally over everyone went to CXMAS. I certainly cannot blame them for that because CXMAS is pretty rad. This also caused something else to happen that I don't think has ever happened at a local CX race. The "A" race was the biggest of the day with all the guys getting ready for Nats and Worlds. Me being one of those people.

Anyway the race gets going. My legs felt pretty good I guess but I wasn't riding the course right. There were a couple sections that allowed for huge recovery. Then there were other sections that would absolutely spike your HR. Specifically riding up the steep hill along the fence, then running up all the stairs, then riding slight uphill in zoysia grass heading to the start/finish line. That section throttled me every time.

Not sure why but it took me a few laps to figure out where to rest and where to go hard. After I figured it out I felt like I was putting in some pretty good laps. The only problem I had during the race was my own fault. Approaching the steep climb along the fence mid race and accidental bumped my front shifter causing it to shift to the small ring right at the base of the climb. Thinking back on it I could have still rode it but when it happened I thought I had dropped my chain.

The last few laps of the race I had noticed that the gaps between me and Yielding were staying the same as we passed going opposite directions. I know he was having an off day but it was still encouraging for me. So I crossed the line 7th out of 13.
Not great but all the guys in front of me are always in front of me.


Photo - Mike Dawson


Photo - Mike Dawson
The creek crossing was a cool feature but I rode it pretty timidly because I didn't like the feeling of my front wheel hitting of the rock bottom.


Photo - Dan Singer
Looks like was afraid of getting creek water in my mouth.



Here is a great video of the race. I know this has been posted other places but its worth it.

Up next is Masters Worlds in a Louisville. My race is pretty small which kind of sucks. There are currently only 29 riders signed up so there isn't even going to be a heat race. Just random draw for call ups, straight to World Champ main event. Not sure what to expect. I know there are a couple super fast guys but most of them I'm not sure about.