CX Season Wrap

There seems to have been a lot of accusations of "sandbagger" flying around this year. I had this term leveled at me in serious fashion even though I did not win one single race this year- a lot of podium spots but no wins. Give me a break. STFU and ride hard. Yeah, there are a few 3's that need to cat up, but like myself, I'm sure they're apprehensive, if not downright scared, to jump into the Open field. I catted up anyway. I'm a 2 now and we'll see what happens next year. Luckily (Ha!), I'm old enough to race the Masters if I so choose. I want to race where I'm challenged. I think the best race is where you're on the brink with a guy in front who you're chasing and a guy behind you wanting to take you out. I just want competition that makes me faster. I'm pushing for a 2/3 race next year.
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Seems I race cross much better after a few beers than without. Not sure how that will translate to road... just kidding.
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Race of the year? For me, it was Barnyard Cross in Manhattan. I scored a first in the SS class and even though the usual suspects weren't there from KC, it's nice to race your hands as you cross the line. Looking forward to next year's race. I'll start a rumor: This might be the KS State Champs race for 2010- I hope so.
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Best venue ever? St. Mary's, Leavenworth. Amazing. The perennial cyclocross playground. I won't miss a race held here. Won the C.4 Championship there last year and the C.3 Gold there this year, so it holds a special place in my heart. I'll take my grandkids there someday...
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I love my Curtlo cross bike more every time I ride it. OX Plat w/ banana stays. Stiff it is not. Don't understand why anyone would want a stiff cross bike. My SS it considerably stiffer and it's so much more of a bear to handle on course.
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I did 3 SS races this year and turned in a win and two 2nd places on my On-One Pompino w/ Origin 8 carbon fork and 39-18 gearing. Funny, After lap one or two on the geared bike, I settle into one or two gears anyway.
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Team Colavita had a big cyclocross contingent this year and that made me very happy. Steve V. was most impressive. His relentlessness and methodical improvement were inspirational. Andy W. scored the C.4 KS State Championship. Brittion slugged it out in the Open class. Joe and Adam were always a threat. Nathan and Eric E. were always there to throw down. And Eric Stull? I think Stull's case was classic Love/Hate with cross. I hope he goes again next year. Jane had some great rides too. We need more girls in cross!
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Looking forward to next year; Masters, Open, SS, whatever... Now begins the long, hot road "training" season.