Beer, Bikes, and Snow

I had two races left on my calendar for the 2016 season.  These would be the last two races before Nationals. Solstice CX and Limestone CX at the Kiln were both in Emmaus, PA - Solstice was a new venue for me and I had only raced Limestone once, a few years ago (which was 2013, in a few inches of snow).  After taking a few weekends off for the holiday and recovering from being sick, I was looking forward to seeing friends and getting back out on the CX bike. When I arrived at Solstice, there was a light coating of snow on the ground.  I got out for a pre-ride lap, noticing that the ground was frozen and the corners were icy.  I talked to a few others about the conditions, what pressure to run, and what lines to take.  I went back to check out one section and ate it on a corner.  I knew this race would be one that was slower but required more handling skills. As the day progressed, temperatures rose enough to thaw sections of the course, creating a...

With the MAC series over, I've been looking to fill my calendar with some new-to-me venues in order to keep pushing towards Nationals .  Lucky for me, the PACX series keeps going to mid-December.  This past weekend I headed to West Chester, PA for their 2nd CX race of the series. I arrived early enough to get in two laps before the first race.  I heard the course had some climbing and that was true.  Some off-camber sections and flowy turns.  But that wind. This was a race that I wanted to hide if I could. Since it was blustery cold, I sat in my car in between races rather than watch.  Oh, and I've now decided it's not necessary to arrive uber-early only to sit in my car (rather than spectate). I rolled over to the start, noticing how much tape was down from the wind.  A bunch of us huddled together to stay warm since we were out in an open field. Pre-race huddle - photo by B. White We lined up, waiting until the 1-minute warning to s...

I've heard great things about Crossasaurus Awesome CX race hosted by Philadelphia Ciclismo .  This year I made sure to put it on my calendar as a not-to-miss race.   Since the PACX Master's category starts at age 45, I had to register in the Elite class.  I had some personal goals but most importantly, have fun. Since I had never raced this venue, I arrived early to get in a few laps in between races.  I was fortunate to grab a parking spot near the pit and sand area.  Sunshine and a breeze dried out the course.  It had some fast swooping corners, some wooded technical sections, steps, a drop, and a small sand section. All of the women were staging and racing at the same time.  Since this was my first PACX race, I had last call up.  I was the only one in the 2nd row, which was very lonely.  I lined up behind my friend's wheel and listened to the official give instructions. The whistle blew and we were off.  The first corner was ...

Last year I couldn't wait for CX to end.  The combination of a long mountain bike race season and new CX category left me feeling...burned out.  I thought about how I could change the 2015 year to avoid this and have fun. Since I wouldn't be competing at Nationals this year, I was able to end my mountain bike race season early enough to have some "fun" over the summer before training for CX.  I managed to cross a few "to-do's" off my list - climbing Bear Mountain, climbing Sunrise Mountain and High Point, downhilling at Mountain Creek, and just riding for fun with friends. I also adjusted my goals and expectations for my CX season.  I mapped out a total of 16 races for the season. I chose races that were relatively local and most lined up to be back-to-back on the weekends.  I supported the "home grown" races of the New Jersey CX Cup and one PACX .  I also did most of the MAC races, with the exception of Charm City. I finished all of my...

My first Town Hall (TH) race was two years ago. I heard that there was a lot of climbing.  No big deal, right? My climbing legs didn't fail me that day and I enjoyed the course.  Last year we missed TH for Gloucester but this year...I was back. I arrived early and was able to get out for a few pre-race laps.  It was misty, making the grass slick as well as the little wooden steps on St. Luke's Staircase.  I practiced different lines, knowing that if it stayed wet, it would be a place that would bottleneck. By the time our race lined up, the sun was shining and the temps were rising. I had a first row call up, lining up next to some of my favorite ladies.  The mood was calm and ladies were laughing.  Before I knew it, the whistle blew and we charged up the staircase. Somehow I found myself toward the back of the group but cleaned the little steps with no problem.  I made my way up, passing friends who gave me shouts of encouragement.  That...