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CX Nat's

Last post 12-14-2009 11:22 AM by Russ Speirn. 5 replies.
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  • 12-11-2009 10:14 AM

    CX Nat's

    Well there was no mud.  Instead there was slippery snow and icy corners.  Totally different riding.  The course was a gas, very technical, a series of trying to get up to speed and then trying like hell to keep the rubber down in the corners.  I took a lot of work to keep the rubber down and I'm sure it cost me a bunch of time.  This morning after I think it was a good experience and great fun.  I won't try to describe it further because I think you'll be able to see lot's of video.  During Sal's race the top of the runup froze and the off camber remount had riders falling and sliding down the hill that followed on their backs about 20 feet.

    The scene here is like Cross Crusade on steroids.  Announcer screaming, spectators everywhere, Huge expo (i'll see today) and it was really great to here Cross Crusaders yelling for me.

    Richard Marantz placed 4th in the 65 - 69 Cat. Only 16 of the 23 entered showed up for the 60 - 64 Cat. and I place somewhere in the to 15.  Note to self:  be fitter next year and save some of it for Nat's.  I don't know where Sal placed but I'm looking forward to his report.

     

    • Post Points: 12
  • 12-11-2009 12:14 PM In reply to

    Re: CX Nat's

    Russ: good job, sounds like a very interesting course in which part of the victory is just finishing in one piece.  Looks like Richard had a great outing.
    • Post Points: 3
  • 12-11-2009 1:52 PM In reply to

    Re: CX Nat's

    Great job racing Russ - you are an inspiration to those of us who didn't make the trip - I'm putting this race on the list for next year!

    • Post Points: 3
  • 12-11-2009 7:17 PM In reply to

    Re: CX Nat's

     Hey, Russ, thanks for posting and keeping positive attitude - sounds like scary crazy COLD fun!

    • Post Points: 6
  • 12-13-2009 8:52 PM In reply to

    Re: CX Nat's

    First race this year that I was totally nervous about during the warm up.   I never raced on snow before.   Pre-ride at 8am was slippery of course.   I started towards the back row since I just got a USA license and joked with a new Cross Crusade racers I recognized from the B+ crew.    We were all out there for the experience, have fun, and not kill ourselves.

    First lap - complete chaos.   Big crash right out of the start chute.   Took a bit to run around it.   Corners were crazy with people sliding all over.   The downhill after the big run up was an off camber ice rink - ran it.   Of course things settled down after 1st lap.   I was starting to get the feel of racing on the snow.   I was picking guys off in the 3rd lap - things were getting good.   However, the course was only 1.5 miles and the top guys were WICKED fast (Tim Butler, was the top local at 21st).   I got yanked towards the end of lap 3.   Quite a few B master guys I recognized in the "pulled crowd".   We all headed to the tents for a beer.

    Great experience.   Will be that much better in 2010.

    • Post Points: 6
  • 12-14-2009 11:22 AM In reply to

    Re: CX Nat's

    Paul, my hat's off to you racing in that big field.  Great attitude and yes I believe we will all do better next year. 

    • Post Points: 3
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