Anyway, on to the race report…The course was run in a different way this year than in previous years. The race course is a mountain bike specific designed trail meant to be run in a clockwise direction. This year, the race organizers decided to run it in a counter clockwise direction. This made the course quite different; when run clockwise, the whole course is fairly easily cleanable. When done counterclockwise, there was a short section of hike a bike uphill. Total distance for one loop is 6.4miles and I did each of my 3 laps in about 32 minutes each.

I raced in the collegiate category. The collegiate field was small in this race so my group started with the single speed category, which was also mixed in with the sport aka Cat 2 racers. Off the start command, I was on 4th wheel. The initial few miles of the course were rolling fire roads that were easily pace-line-able. After a couple of miles, it was down to just me and one of the lead single speed racers. He and I rode together for the first 2 of our 3 laps until he had to stop because of a flat tire. At this point in the race, I had a very comfortable lead over the other racers in my category and was concentrating on riding clean and not making too many mistakes. I did donate a bit of blood to the course when I stupidly tipped over after missing my pedals after the hike a bike section on my 3rd lap. In the end, I came out on top to get only my second win of my racing career. I felt like my winter training (aka Cyclocross season) helped out immensely with my good form in the race as well as the 20 watt added benefit of the Church of the Big Ring socks.

Next race is on February 7th so until then, keep it in the Big Ring!

Hail Eddy!!!