I raced cross in Helena yesterday and lost. I got a new bike last Thursday, which has been killer! It is the
Seven Mudhoney thanks to the sponsorship of
Seven Cycles and
Canyon Bicycles. Mike fit me in late August and the fit is perfect.
On Saturday, I did some openers and the legs felt great. The lungs opened up a bit more and I was able to get past the wheezing that has plagued me all fall. The reason for this is two-fold: I have been diagnosed with asthma and got an inhaler and I finally convinced AJD to give up cigarettes! Just kidding on the latter.
So race starts on Sunday and I immediately pull out of my pedal. I am immediately second to last, but the group stays pretty much together for the first lap. Through a nasty headwind, deep grass, slightly uphill section I powered ahead of several folks up to about 5th. I had a couple of guys on my wheel for the next few laps, but they never came around. All was good, the guy in front of us appeared to be cracking and since it was about halfway I started to ramp up a bit. Then I lost the front wheel in some sand in a corner and crashed. Brad who was right on my wheel ran over my bike--mostly the
Reynolds SDV wheels I was riding.
After collecting myself, I grabbed my bike and was unsure of the damage would be. Both wheels were dead true and without a scratch, as was the frame! I had to pull into the pit because my shifter cable had come lose and then I was rolling again. I finished in 9th of nine finishers (eleven starters). The bike needs a little attention to get the shifting right again and be sure all is in order.
Sleep last night was painful and the rash I have woke me up everytime I moved. Plus, my left thumb is jacked up. I must say I was pretty lucky to not get hurt and have my equipment hold up so well! State championships in two weeks should be fun! Especially once I figure out how to ride the killer bike I have!
Thanks to Canyon, Seven and Reynolds for making this possible!