Crosswinds Blow

I pride myself in being able to ride and race in just about any condition.  Yes, part of it comes from necessity if racing in Oregon but through racing cyclocross I've realized that if you can capitalize on the conditions and psych others out you've already beat them.

Climbs, descents, gravel, mud, snow, freezing rain and excessively long races:  I'll do them all.
Cross winds:  f*** that.


If you get a chance, take a look back at my report from OBRA RR State Champs last August.  Notice the brevity?  Not like me, right?  That's because that race still haunts me; 25mph cross winds, a shattered field and 50+ miles of balls-out chasing.

Now, simply repeat that only add rain and some college racers.  You have my past Saturday at the OSU RR outside Corvallis.

Dear UW rider, you look pudgy.  Still, congrats on the win.
Hell of a lot better than I managed
(photo stolen from Wheels in Focus)

Very short report:
-Collegiate A (way out of my league)
-20mph crosswind
-race starts
-immediately guttered
-balls-out pace (I'm talking 500+ watts 30 seconds into the race)
-200m in I'm ready to quit
-break rolls off the front
-I try to bridge with PSU guy
-we blow, spend 6 miles soft pedaling waiting for the field to catch us
-the break is gone and instead of chasing, people are attacking in the field.  Why?  Beats the hell out of me
-I roll off the back at mile 16
-join up with UO friend and soft pedal the rest
-get lapped by Men's A and B fields
-don't care
-head into the finish on the lead lap
-get yelled at by UW (insert nasty word here) after finishing
-go recover from hypothermia

In short, a terrible race.  Enough said.