Dec 17, 2007

I made it back in one (frozen) piece from CycloCross Nationals in Kansas City, KS. The second day of racing went better than the first. The conditions were about the same with the 1.9 mile loop covered in ice and frozen solid. Our Trek bikes held up wonderfully, despite hitting a frozen rut about 50 times per race at 15-20 MPH. I started towards the back again, about 120th out of 140 collegiate racers. I ended up passing all but 24 of them in 45 minutes, finishing in 25th. I was pretty happy with the ride and the weekend overall. The National Championships was my first official cross race on a real cross bike so I still have a lot of work to do in the coming years.

I heard ARMY had a protest and because of that the awards for the collegiate omnium were never even given out! I am pretty sure Lees-McRae won the overall after having a great weekend on both the male and female sides. I would guess Fort Lewis got 2nd, but I'm not positive.

Here are some pictures from the trip. They are in order from the departing city of Durango, CO to our destination and podium spot, Kansas City, KS.

(Eight feet of snow on Wolf Creek Pass)


(Sunset in Kansas)


(Frozen town in Kansas)



(I had the most disgusting pure cheese calzone at some pizza shop near Colorado Springs. I clumped all the cheese in my hand to throw out the window but forgot the window wasn't down all the way and the grossness glob of goop ended up all over my car)



(Shannon and her (our) favorite breed ever)


(Chad Cheeny rocking the elite men's race in Jeans, including wallet)

(Todd Wells riding strong to finish third)


(Unfortunately Cheeny's rear wheel froze up and he had to walk it in)


(The crows were deep for the big day. It's great racing with cheering sections like this in the States)


(Troy Wells, left, had an amazing ride to finish on the podium in 5th place next to his older bro representing 3rd. Nice work Troy)