Nationals Wrap Up

From what I have read and seen, this years nationals was bigger and better than ever. Huge fields, great racing and big surprises everywhere. My predictions were not too bad and we will see how things go for worlds.

Congratulations to all those Utah folks who made the trek and it looks like things went well for all. Since they haven't found a venue for the 2009/2010 Nationals maybe Utah should throw their hat in the ring. We might be lacking a classy venue that can handle that kind of traffic but I am sure we could some up with something nice. That new Rio Tinto Soccer stadium looks real nice and since it sits empty half of the year they mine as well put it to use. Plus they already have bleachers, food and beer available.

It finally started snowing so maybe I can make some turns before the end of the year.

DFL

That's right and for those who don't know that means Dead F*&%$#! Last. I started the morning off by spending 5 hours at work trying to get 160 kids, coaches and parents organized with Jr. Jazz. Next I rush home, grab my bikes and gear, get everything into the truck and Emily and I head down to Draper. I barely make registration and thankfully the folks at SportsBaseOnline let me sneak in at the last moment for which I am grateful I think. If they would have only said No, I could have drank beer, hung out with Em and friends and rang a cowbell. But of coure not, they let me in so I could suffer.

The short story is I didn't really warm up, made a lap around the course, had an uphill 1/4 mile or longer start, hung in there for a lap and then completely exploded. My back felt like I had someone punching me for the whole race, I couldn't respond to any attack, I flatted and swapped front wheels, the weather was hot, the uphill climb sucked and someone needs to call the wambulance.

Too bad things all fell apart for me since this is the first race Emily has seen me race in this year since she has had rehearsels on Saturdays all fall. At least she got to hang with the girls in the sun drinking a beer. Thanks to Karen for running around yelling at me and way to go Jason for putting the hurt on me.

All in all it hasn't been too bad of a first full season in the A's. Ton's of room for improvement and it's great to know what's possible. "Last Call Cross" is in a few weeks and hopefully the weather will be crappy.

Best of luck to all of those out racing at Nationals in Kansas City.

Cross action a go go

With only one series race left and the Last Call Cross Race in January I guess it's time for a little update.

So far the season has been great and I have been getting worked pretty good running around for 60 minutes with the Men's A's this year. I have been single speedin it up until last weekend. I finally have gears and what a difference it makes when you want to ride some of the runups or cruise a little faster on the flats. I am not giving up the single speed since I love the challenge and the benefits too.

Cutthroat Cross was a big success and everyone loved the course. Thanks to Team Rico for the course design.




It's great to have a new course around and hopefully we can pull off another team race.

For my cyclocross race predictions I have the following.

U.S. Nationals
Men Todd Wells, Tim Johnson, Ryan Trebon
Women Georgia Gould, Katie Compton, Sue Butler
U23 Danny Summerhill, Mitchell Peterson, Adam McGrath
Juniors Connor O'Leary
Mens 60 Lew Rollins
(you gotta chear on the locals)

Other Utah folks that are gonna ride strong and place high:
Bart Gillespie, Ali Goulet, Art O'Conner, Matt Ohran, Eric Rasmussen, Tanner Cottle and everyone else I have forgotten

Worlds
Men Sven Nys
Women Katie Compton
U23 Danny Summerhill (One can hope)

At some point it may snow and we may get to ski, so pray for snow.