Cherry Blossom Stage 4

So, no recap for Stage 3.  Easy 4-corner crit, stayed safe and burned as little energy as possible.  Tried making my way to the front but kept loosing spots so resigned myself to hanging on the back.  Yeah, not the ideal spot but it was safe.


Stage 4:  2 small circuits, 2 big circuits, 41 miles, how bad could it possibly be?  The proper answer is "holy f*** what the hell just happened."

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're gonna bonk, do it right.

I would like to start with noting that I've never really bonked before, I've had rides where I've gotten tired or just haven't been feeling it and been on the edges of a bonk but never really bonked hard.  Take for example the last time I rode Pumpkin Ridge (65 miles or so) near the start of base miles.  It was one of my first rides back and I probably should have started with something a little shorter/easier but it seemed like a good idea at the time.  The last 10 miles up Thompson were rough; gear-grinding, teeth-clenched and then I got passed by a couple of 60-year olds...  Regardless, at the top I caught my second wind and made it back just fine.  Not today.