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  "PageContent": "<h3>RABTWAGN Musings… | Writings on my bicycle racing, riding, travel, and other random bits…</h3>After a lengthy hiatus from racing, my last race was at the end of June at T-Town, and also the financial and physical toll from the destruction of my vehicle and a crash on the road bike, I decided I wanted to participate in at least one Cyclocross race this season. Another exciting aspect was that Belltown would serve as Amy’s first ever cross race. I knew going into this race that I would not be very race fit despite the fact that I have been riding but not seriously training. Either way I wanted to make the most of the day so I decided to sign up for two fields: Masters 1/2/3/4 40+ and the Men Category 4. Amy would be racing in the Women’s Novice field. Because this would be the one and only trip to a race for the fall I wanted to make the travel experience more enjoyable thus I decided to splurge on the ferry trip across the sound to Bridgeport.In the days leading up to the race I started tracking the weather in order to determine my ideal tyre setup. I got my tubular mud setup down and inflated to serve as a backup. In the end I settled on my Challenge Chicane open tubulars with latex tubes. I was hopeful that the conditions would be dry enough to take advantage of the faster tyre. As a precaution, I also packed the intermediates, the Schwalbe X-One Allround Black/Beige.On Saturday afternoon I packed up the Outback, with tools, cleaning supplies, spare mud wheels, and I also mounted my GoPro mount so I could get some footage of the adventure. Amy arrived in the evening, and we put her bike in the garage with mine, ready to be thrown up on the roof of the car first thing in the morning.Our alarm rang at five thirty in the morning. We managed to drop out of bed in order to consume our morning breakfast before packing our race bags and food into the car, while not forgetting to put the bikes up on the roof. We managed to be out of the house by six forty-five in order to head over to Port Jefferson Village to catch the seven-thirty ferry.As we pulled out of the harbor, darkness gave way to a brisk morning rewarding us with fantastic views over the water, helping us capture some nice photos and videos.Ferry Ride Over to ConnecticutMaking landfall in Bridgeport we were let off the boat early in the queue, and within a few minutes we were on our way to Portland Connecticut. The trip from the port took just under an hour including a pit stop along the way. At the venue, we got our registration taken care of and our bikes ready to go. I dropped the pressure in our tyres down to a Cyclocross acceptable range of about thirty-five pounds per square inch. If this was a muddy race with my tubulars, I would be dropping the pressure between twenty and twenty-three pounds per square inch. At the start/finish we waited for the Chief Referee to give us the go ahead to recon course. Due to a slight delay in the schedule, we would be on a tight schedule to explore the course in order to gain some familiarity with it.I could definitely tell that Amy was very nervous and apprehensive as we explored the course. The course started on a long grassy straight which was half packed with wet dirt and grass. At the end of the straight we made an off camber downhill left turn into a treed area. The turn was slightly sketchy with loose dirts, rocks and some roots. Later in the day some good ruts became very prominent aiding with the cornering. Here we traveled under the trees in a wide section with some loose dirt, but not terrible to deal with. We meandered around a bit under the trees until we dropped out further down to the edge of a body of water. We paralleled the water and then dropped into a short section of beach sand. We then hit a second section of sand with a left uphill to get us out of the beach area. After my first attempt, it became obvious that the best line in this second sand patch was on the left with a huge rut carved into the surface, making this section rideable as long as you did not overcook the turn. After this second section of sand we hit a third section of sand bringing us up to a log to get over. Sadly this sand was very soft right before the log, and even though I could make it to the log before loosing all my momentum I never succeed in hopping the log with out getting off the bike.After the sand section we had to get back on the bike quickly since there was a very steep paved climb that was just brutal on the legs. After toping this short steep hill we turned right back onto the grass, looped around the back of a building bringing us face to face with the barriers. Just past the barriers, we had to get back on right away as we would make a right into the sand of the beach volleyball court and then up a step grassy hill to Pit 1. Being clipped in for this section was essential even though on a few occasions I managed to get through the sand with out being clipped in and was able to get up the embankment while clipping back in.Passing Pit 1, we made our way back under the trees onto a very rocky and root packed wet dirt trail which had a small drop over a bridge and then a log to get over, finally depositing us at the base of the the big run up. This was a loose damp dirt hill that in my view would have been impossible to ride up. Slinging the bike over my shoulder I hiked up this hill amongst the heckling of the fans. Surviving to the top was a challenge, but at the top there was a good amount of room for a remount on legs that were completely gassed. We proceeded through a left turn with a downhill rock infested dirt trail which dumped us with a left turn onto a gravel road. This was a nice long straight where I could get aero and just turn the pedals over to clear the lactic acid sizzling in the legs.At the end of the gravel we quickly had to zig-zagged on a dirt section which dropped us onto the meadow below. The drop was a little challenging for Amy. Just send it was my attitude. On this meadow we rolled around at the tree line taking us to a left turn that would send us up a steep muddy climb with a quick right and a drop right back down. Try as I might I was never able to successfully ride this short climb. The best I cold do was to get almost at the top and have to get my right foot to push a few times to get the bike to roll back down the steep drop and back onto the meadow. A few times during my races I would just drop down with out even having my feet on the pedals and worry about clipping back in with much pedal stomping to clear the cleats and pedals.After this last draining bit, we made our way back to the upper field and Pit 2. This was a nice section as it dropped us down to the amphitheater, looping around the back row and off into another easy wooded section complete with two u-turns. A few seconds later, the course dropped us back onto a short grass section transitioning to a gravel covered left hand sweeping turn to put us on the gravely start finish stretch. Past the finish line the course made a right u-turn to put us back on the start straight.Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to finish pre-riding the course I had to cut out at the amphitheater to get back to staging as they had already started the call-up for my race.Masters 1/2/3/4 40+I had no illusions of having a good race. As I alluded to, my training has been off and I have also not practiced my Cyclocross skills so I knew I was going to be quite rusty. As soon as the race started I let all the other folks in my field pile up at the hole shot. I negotiated the turn, and quickly decided to race my own race. A minute behind we had the 50+ and another minute later the 60+. So for the first lap I had to contend with the fast fellows passing me and later in the race I had all the lapping riders passing me. All this passing caused some disruption in my racing, forcing me off the better line to allow the faster riders through.I did decent in the sand sections and the barriers, but I struggled with the big run up and that steep muddy quick up and down. My cleats and pedals were getting packed up so I had to occasionally stomp my feet on the pedals a few times before clipping in in order to shed the mud. One of my big issues I was having was related to my tyre choice. On the loose damp dirt, or partial mud, I was struggling with grip issues, and therefore the little confidence in my tyres was making for some very hesitant decisions through some of the sections.My brakes are also something I have never felt good about on my bike and I can not replace them since Shimano no longer offers a post mount option for the hydraulic calipers. I suppose I can look for some aftermarket calipers that will work with Shimano, but that is for another day. Some new pads help but do not seem to fully solve the problem. The lines have been bleed a million times so it is not air in the system as far as I can tell. After a few laps I figured out how to best manage the brakes, it meant braking on the hoods with no hands wrapped around the bars, all my fingers needed to be on the levers in order to get the travel I required to get the braking working right.In the end, I managed to complete five laps, one lap down from the leaders, in a time of 45:46, with lap times of 8:27, 9:03, 9:30, 9:26, 9:20.Masters 1/2/3/4 40+With the race over I grabbed Amy and took her for another loop around the course. I think this made it better for her, since it seems that she felt less stressed after getting a second look at the features. Tired and hungry, we went back to the car for some food, drink, and most important a change in tyres for my bike. I pulled off the Chicanes and put the Schwalbe back on the rims with the latex tubes. With my second number pinned up we finally returned to the main area in preparation for Amy’s race.Women Novice/Cat 5 (From Amy’s perspective…)It was finally here, a full year (to the day anniversary) https://youtu.be/ZoUA-YbVq3A after Andrew surprised me with my very own Specialized CX bike. With the cancelation of last year’s racing, we waited patiently for this day to come. We were heading to my very first CX race (and Andrew’s first in about two years). Thankfully, Andrew had done a few private CX clinics with me and taught me the basics. On top of that, I had been riding more trails this year in both Queens and Long Island (Cunningham, Rocky Point and Manorville Hills). I felt confident I could at least try this intriguing new discipline.I was approaching this race with open-hearted optimism. Maybe this is something I will actually be good at! Maybe I will find my passion! Maybe Andrew and I will sail into the sunset of Cyclocross racing for the rest of eternity! The idea of being on a bike in nature and getting dirty was to be honest – a very appealing thought (hey, I am Canadian after all). I wasn’t feeling nervous. Yet.We had a smooth journey from Long Island to Connecticut. The benefits of dating someone with strategic precision skills is we can stick to a good schedule and it is usually well thought out and organized. What a treat! Papers were printed out for the ferry ride and a timetable was established. I am not the most organized person, so to have that in my life is invaluable!The ferry ride was spectacular. We arrived a little after sunrise and got the car in line for the loading. Since we had the bikes on top, we lined up with all the tall cars and got to park in the middle row.After enjoying my first ferry ride across the Long Island Sound, we arrived in Bridgeport and made our way up to Middletown, CT. The race was at a YMCA camp facility and we arrived with wiggle room to spare. We pinned up and ate some snacks.At this point, I was still woefully ignorant and looking forward to this thing called Cyclocross.Then… We rode the course. Prior to racing you can do what is called a “recon” lap or two. It’s a smart way to get to know what the course is like before the race goes off.During the recon lap, I struggled with the running parts and got winded when I had to shoulder the bike. This was not boding well. I panicked on a very steep descent and went off-course into a bush. Also, not a good sign. I had trouble getting any speed or traction during the entire course.I returned from that practice lap in a total panic. I can’t do this, I thought. Nope. No way. Not happening.Luckily, Andrew had to start his race pretty quickly after that practice lap, so he was not around to see me panic. I so wanted to be his dream CX girlfriend that day!I turned to our team chat group and voiced my concerns. Luckily, one of our Pink Rhino teammates Brittany was logged in and encouraged me to just try it. She reminded me this was just an adventure. I calmed down (a little) and started taking videos of Andrew racing to get my mind off the impending doom.Thankfully, after Andrew’s race, we were able to ride the course again. I felt more confident after doing the course a second time and at this point, knew I could handle it but probably not with any speed.Then it was my turn to race. I must have looked pretty nervous as I lined up with all the other women and was glad to be in the back. I tried to slink even farther back as the elite racers jockeyed for position.In that first lap, I proudly employed some tactics Andrew had taught me. When it was time to jump over barriers, I dismounted by swinging my leg over while the bike was still moving. Thank goodness at least Andrew got to see this part! When it was time to climb the big hill (heckle hill?) I shouldered the bike and crossed my arm over to grab the bar. This helped a lot with balance.The course was a cacophony of textures, terrains and grades. There was seldom relief from the madness. A 1.8-mile loop of sand, grass, gravel, roots, rocks and vertical climbs make the course feel more like an obstacle course than a bike race.I was on my third round when the leader finally lapped me. I was so relieved. At this point, I was dead last – even the woman on flat pedals who had leap-frogged and chatted with me for the first two laps had long since abandoned me. Now, with the elite riders mixed in with me, at least I wasn’t alone and could blend in a little better. I could slow down as needed to navigate the unfamiliar terrain without the added shame. All was good; I was in a suffering groove. I let people pass me chivalrously when they needed to, cheering them on as they floated by. I was beginning to enjoy the journey.That’s when I almost slid down the hill.About halfway through the course was one of three steep climbs. This short but fierce hill was manageable for some riders, but I walked it. I could feel one of the elite women at my heels as I pushed the bike up, trying to keep my footing. We crested at the same time. I decided to scoot over slightly to let her descend first. As I moved over to let her pass, I lost my footing and went crashing through the tape, my bike toppling on top of my body as I tried to catch myself with my right foot. “You got this! Just get back up!” yelled the rider as she whizzed past me down the hill.“I’m fine, just keep going!” I encouraged her, as I struggled to remove the bent stake out from under my derailleur. The tape was left in a tangled mess. My first tape twist! I was so proud! I got back onto the bike and I swear I heard the Rocky theme song as I blazed around the corner, through the trees and into the finish line.Three laps down, I was sure I only had one to go! I looked at my Garmin and tried to calculate how many more minutes until the cutoff. I could squeeze in one more lap, I thought. Energized by my tape fiasco, I was ready for more.Then, I hit the sand patch again. I tried to ride through it but got caught midday and almost fell over again. My muscles were tired, and I was losing control of my balance easily. I picked up the bike and threw it over my shoulder, bruising it in the process.My internal Rocky theme song was slowly dissipating.By the time I got to the muddy vertical climb I was thinking of just getting to the finish line and that would be the end. Four laps! I can do this. It was well past minute 40 when I was approaching the end and I was sure that Joe Kidd and the other officials would take pity and pull me from the race. As I rolled across the finish, I looked at them and they said nothing. I see Andrew at the turnaround and roll almost to a full stop. “Do I have to go again?” I look at my boyfriend with pleading eyes, willing him to say, “no babe, you are done.” Instead he says, “one more time.”I let out a soft whimper. A little cry… but I can’t quit. I really don’t want to quit. I go back out for my final round. I think I may have walked most of it.Somehow, I managed to make it to the end just in time to see Andrew head out for his second race. I chatted with some of the elite women at the end and they encouraged me to stick with it and not give up.Overall, I would say it was a fun experience. I raced a total of 1:00:53 (one hour) with five laps clocking in at: 11:56, 11:42, 12:30, 12:48, 11:57.It was challenging and such a different feeling than track racing. Look forward to trying it again with a little more training under my belt.Great things about the day:Traveling with Andrew who is totally organized and so good with schedules and timetables and getting things accomplished.Andrew sharing one of his passions with me.Watching Andrew race twice.Having a partner who pushes me gently outside my comfort zone and does it with love and support.The DJ at the event playing Beastie Boys while we raced.Watching both the sunrise and sunset from the ferry.Developing a whole new level of respect for this sport.Not great things about the day:Developing a whole new level of respect for this sport and realizing it takes a lot of hard work not to suck at it.Women Novice/Category 5Men Category 4I cheered Amy on during her race, and got a whole bunch of photos and videos. I knew that she could use all the support and encouragement to get her through this crazy bike race called Cyclocross. Sadly I could not be there for her at the finish since I was already in the starting grid and ready to roll off. In fact, the Chief Referee started us just as Amy was about to cross the finish. Starting this race, I felt that I had a slight advantage of being quite familiar with the course, but on the other hand I was already feeling trashed. The back end of this field was a bit slower, better matching my pace. As usual I let the rest of the field clog up at the hole shot, but in that first wooded section I was able to keep pace. Hitting the sand, I made some good passes, including one guy who got beached and while dismounting he ended up kicking me in my right forearm.Up until after the mid point of the race, I was engaged in a battle with a few other guys which made it for a fun race experience. Trading passes and pushing to stay ahead or to catch always makes it more engaging. The heckle run up was just as miserable as in my first race. On one climb, I playfully snapped back at the crowd that I should be at home raking leaves. That did not dissuade them on piling on the heckle. At some point the bike washed out from me I think it was on top of the short muddy up and down and it scraped my whole right shin. I pressed on trying not to loose a beat. Later in the race when the race leaders came around to lap me, one of them caught me on that muddy up and down right at the top and barked that he wanted to get by. I snapped back saying he had to wait since I was literally starting my drop. At the bottom there was plenty of room for a pass.With two laps to go, speeding through the amphitheater, flying by the pedestrian crossing, a small child, probably about two, poked into the course as he was about to run across with out looking. I almost had a heart attack and yelled since there was no way I could stop in time. The mother was in hot frantic pursuit of her child. Luckily the child stopped and nothing bad happened. Finishing lap five I had one more lap to go and I was exhausted. I almost washed out making the u-turn just past the finish line but was able to catch it. My arms, shoulders, and legs all hurt. My last time up the run up, was more like a crawl up. I kept hearing sounds behind me and I assumed it was the riders I was battling with. In the end I had put a bit of distance on them, and what I was hearing was my mind playing tricks on me.Finishing my sixth lap, I slumped over my bike and was glad the suffering was over. I completed the race in 54:57, with laps of 9:02, 9:09, 9:06, 9:17, 9:17, 9:06. I must say this was more consistent than my first race. In order to get through the race, I do not think of the whole course. I just keep focused on the actual sections I am riding. Basically, I compartmentalize the course. If I have to think of the whole course it is very easy to panic and feel demoralized. Every lap I try to improve each section. The tyre choice in this second race was the right one. I had better grip and with each lap I was trusting them more and more, thus allowing me to be more aggressive.Men Category 4In the end, it was a fun day of suffering in the saddle. It was also super special to be able to share this with Amy. I am super proud of her taking on her first Cyclocross race, and finishing. Amy is amazing and I love sharing these experiences with her. Cyclocross is hard and what she did deserves respect. If my situation had not changed this summer I would have embarked on a full fall Cyclocross program, but, alas, this race will have to do for this year.Our return trip was relatively uneventful. I am glad I booked the six thirty ferry as we would have not made the earlier one. We arrived at Bridgeport with half hour to spare, enough time to get Amy some coffee and a pretzel for me. We arrived back at my place in full darkness, just how we had left in the morning, which is typical of fall racing season.Quick snack before ferrying back to Long Island",
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