CX Racin'

Today was CX#5 at Livermore and weather could not have been better. I've had a crappy week of riding prior to the race, a super sore back muscle, and not much sleep, but it turned out ok. My typical strategy lately has been to start off slow and build momentum each lap. I'm not a podium finisher, but I like to do better each race, have negative splits, feel good and feel fast. After a pre-ride this morning, I decided to throw out my typical strategy and go for the "all-out" approach on lap one. There was a log obstacle on the course that was sure to bottle-neck some of the pack and I didn't want to be a part of that on the first lap. The whistle blew and I launched out into the front group... around 8 or 9th place. We made our way around and through the grass, jockeying around and trying to hold each other off. When we back on the dirt and headed towards the log, I knew I needed to back off a little to give my self some jump space. Sure enough, people started to slow and I had to adjust my jump technique a little to make it through. I was however able to pass a few guys who apparently struggle with technical skills. After that lap I had more room to completely bunny-hop the log at speed and widen the gap between myself and the guys behind me. Rob Stark ended up catching up and passing me in the 2nd to last lap, but I bridged that gap and almost caught him in the end. Rob's in the 45+ group, but it's alway fun to see if I can beat him. Not today.

Great race, ended up taking 9th in a field of 25, which feels good considering the crappy training week and a messed up back. Last night, I thought about bailing on the race and letting the back heal, but decided "what the hell" and went for it anyhow. Glad I did. Feel better now...

Mad Cat Gift Card - Mad Cat Bike Shop - Your bicycle shop in Sacramento featuring Giant, Kona, Felt, Niner, Ventana and more!

Mad Cat Gift Card - Mad Cat Bike Shop - Your bicycle shop in Sacramento featuring Giant, Felt, Santa Cruz, Niner, Ventana and more!

New WTB Silverado

New bling! You'll see this on my CX bike soon!



(Sent via iPhone: Apologies for my conciseness) :-) Mike Upchurch Owner Mad Cat Bicycles 2645 Marconi ave Sacramento, CA. 95821 (916) 488-8588 voice (916) 488-8595 fax www.madcatbikes.com