I didn’t redeem myself from Saturday.  I don’t know what I was doing out there for the first few laps.  I struggle on that course in Wissahickon. My start was good, but I let off the gas a bit to early and on that course you have to keep fighting for every inch of space in the first few laps because of all the corners.  My tire choice was poor and I was creeping so slow for the first 2 and a half laps.  Finally I hit the pits and changed bikes to a different set of tires and wheels.  Started to go fast again and moved through all of the pylons that had blown themselves up.  The effort was to late though, and I couldn’t get back up there. 

I am totally bummed about the weekend.  I didn’t score any points that are so important and it was a great opportunity.  I did however get some good photos  on cycling news, check them out! My legs felt very tired for some reason.  Hopefully I can recover and be going good for this weekend at the first USGP in Louisville.

Lame entry, sorry, a little bummed about my weekend. Should come around o.k. with some good rest.

Yesterday was one of those day where you want to call a do over or a re-do.  It was an awesome course, great conditions, and lots of good UCI points and money on the line.  My cross form has been getting better each week and I was looking forward to the race.  The stage was set to have a good ride and a great time.

Breaking my chain was completely my fault.  I just tried to drop to many gears and shifted hard when I was basically sprinting at the start.  Not a pro move.  As the announcer Richard Freeze put it ” I was given a lemon, and I had to try to make lemonade out of it”. I didn’t.  My legs felt pretty good and I moved up quick enough for the first few laps by myself.  I actually didn’t feel to good though after about 25 minutes.  Even my back was beginning to tire and I never have lower back issues.  I told myself I would try to get back into the top 15 with four laps to go, if I was there then I would continue and try to get some points.  I made it up to 20th and the guys in front were all fast and I didn’t think they would be easily beaten after chasing for the whole race.  My decision was to pull out of the race and save it for Sunday.  I am kicking myself now.  I have the case of the what if’s.  I am very grateful for the support that everyone gave me during my short-lived chase effort.  The announcer, the fans, and the Felpel’s.  I stayed with them during Philly week this summer and they came up to race and watch.  Zac and his father David jumped right in there and had my pit bike ready.  I usually never have to pit, and here I am the first one to have a mechanical.  Thanks for being there, you were awesome!

Today we race over in Ludwig’s corner.  It is another UCI race today, only a C2 though so not as many points and the same amount of good riders.  I am hoping to gain some points back that I missed out on yesterday.  Hopefully the race today will go flawlessly and that my decision to pull out early and save the legs pays off.  I must say that I still feel a bit tired today, even after a short effort. 

Thanks again to everyone for helping me out yesterday with the cheers and the support in the pits.  I had a great time at the race.  And although I have yet to have a good ride here in Granogue, I will return next year for sure.  Wish me luck!

Just got back from the race… Here are the results as I saw the race go down.  I broke my chain at the start line, two pedal strokes into the race, the 1k run to the pit, “not so nice!” More later after the shower and new chain install.  Here are the results that I saw.

1. Tim Johnson 2. Jeremy Powers 3. Barry Wicks, 4. Jesse Anthony? 5. Chris Jones, 6. Jacob Parbo, 7. Troy Wells,  Don’t know the rest in there sorry!

Last Wednesday in upstate New York, Wells and I were doing a hard effort around the course in a park that we had set up when this old lady comes out screaming at us. “What are you doing? You can’t ride here!”  I yelled back at her while barely able to breath “Why not, it’s a park?”  She was so angry after she screamed at Troy and got the same answer “Why not, it’s a park lady!” Good answer Wells.  We went over and talked to her after we had cooled down a second. 

There was smoke coming out of her ears and she was breathing fire, and snakes in her hair too! “This park is for kids, and people to walk, and play, not for bikes.  I called the police to come talk to you”.  I asked her, “Why can’t we ride here? It is municipal use right and there are no signs?”  She was red in the face and stuttering, “You….j.ju.. just can’t!”  I am thinking, give me some good reason lady.  “What are your names and where do you live?”  Hmmm!  ” I’m Ron…., Ron Burgandy and this is Brian Fantana” as I pointed to Wells.  Anyway, long story short we got the boot!  The park superintendent came and talked with us and told us that they don’t even let the little kiddies ride in the park.  Fair enough, still no great answer or reason as to why you can’t ride your bike around in circles hopping on and off it in a city park. Anyone?

I am up in Delaware, or down in I should say.  Who knows where I am, all I know is that this is the place you send your credit card bills.  The UCI C1 Granogue race is today on the Dupont Estate.  I am feeling pretty rested and ready to race.  It poured all night last night and the sun is out now so hopefully it dries things up a bit.  I am a fair weather cross racer as I have said before.  I don’t mind the mud at all, just hate the tractor pull mud and starting a race in the rain is no fun.  It can pour down buckets, as long as it starts after the gun goes off. 

I am looking forward to the USGP next weekend in Louisville, Kentucky.  Still looking for some host housing there for myself and teammates as well if anyone has 3 beds available.  Shoot me an email.  Thanks for reading. Look for a post later on the race.