Boss Cross #3

I decided to go out and try my luck in the CAT3’s at Boss Cross #3.  I first have to start off by giving Joe and company their props for designing what I thought was a pretty good course.  The starting line was a long wide straight away that gave plenty of room for the field to jocky for position before the first turn.  There were a couple of corners that were a little tight and narrow (hint: if the tape needs to be fixed every lap, that is a good sign that the corner is a little too tight – not a complaint, just an observation).  I lined up in the second row of the 18 strong field after a quick practice lap.  I hung in with the field for the first ½ to ¾ of a lap, but just wasn’t feeling like I had any power.  I really need to warm up for at least 30 minutes on the trainer prior to racing, but I got down to the venue a little later than planned.  So, I decided not to chase the whole day and just ride the course at speed and work on my cross technique.  I did want to at least ride fast enough to not get lapped or finish last.  With about 3 to go, I was feeling a little better and decided to hit the gas.  As I approached the barriers and started my dismount, my cleat did not dis-engage immediately and I almost crashed, but was able to save it at the last minute.  I thought it was strange, as my dismounts have been pretty good this season.  On the next lap, I could see I was making up ground on the guy in front of me, but had the same thing happen at the barriers again.  Turns out the bolt on my cleat had come loose, so the cleat was moving with the pedal when I was trying to disengage.  Admittedly, I never check my cleats until I start to pull out of the pedals because of wear.  So I don’t know if I forgot to torque the bolt tight or what.  After the second mishap, the wind was out of my sails and I just went fast enough to hold my position.  I ended up 17^th for the day and I didn’t get lapped (see earlier goals).  I was really hoping my comeback to racing would be a little more productive, but I think I am resolving myself to just working on my fitness and getting my racing groove back on.  

I have 3 goals this season:

1)      Don’t get lapped

2)      Don’t finish last

3)      Finish every race

 

The results will come, but they may have to wait until next year……