Cowbell Challenge

This past Saturday was the Cowbell Challenge. The race was held on a private farm in Davidson, NC. Velosports assembled a team to take on the 4 person open division. We had Billy McCracken, Nathan Wyatt, Jim Clark, and me. The venue was great and we had a pretty good spot to set up our mini camp.

The race started at 10 am, I would be first to go. I lined up as close to the front as I could get (they were letting the pros take the front line). I went off as hard as I could, I wanted to get a shot at the bonus prizes that were being given away (King of the Mts). I started making my way towards the front down the gravel road, I made the first right hand turn and made friends with the gravel right off the bat. I checked my bike to see if it was ok and continued on, everyone was asking if I was alright, but I didn't have time to think about that at the time. I saw blood dripping on my shoe, but I wasn't going to look. I was a little gun shy to start the single track, but that went away as I caught traffic and tried desperately to move up.

The entire middle part of the course was tight twisty single track, it was great fun but hard to make up time, and there was definitely no place to pass unless someone "let" you by.

The last part of the course opened up along some fields and speed was possible again. I opened it up as fast as I could and passed a dozen or so more before getting to the only steep climb. I passed a couple more up the hill, went through the make shift "slalom" course, up the last climb and finally to Nate waiting for the hand-off.

We had to switch an ankle bracelet to our next rider, I was terrible about getting it on and we probably lost 15 seconds or so every lap.

The guys were awesome, Nate tied the fastest lap, and we all stayed pretty consistent. We had no real issues except for Billy messing up his fork. We had a great day and ended up first 3 laps ahead of the second place team.

Go Velosports!

State Championships

On Saturday we got educated by Andy's teamate Rich Harper, I felt good for most of my race but bonked at the 70 mile mark. Made my way in slowly.

On Sunday the pace was faster causing all of the breaks to be brought back, I felt good for the race and stayed with the lead group up until the finish where I realized I had burned 1 too many matches chasing down 2 breaks and going off of the front at least 3 times. It was a good race.

Mountain Sports Festival

This past weekend was the Mountain Sports Festival. Velosports was putting on races on Friday and Saturday. Friday was the road and fixed gear night. I was racing in the "A" category and finished well in the races, but no wins.

Saturday had "fat tire" and fixed gear night. I ended up with 6 wins out of the eight events. I had an awesome night. I got to hang out with the team after the races and have a good time. No long drive home afterward, it was an awesome night. I can not wait until next year.

Track Race

Last Tuesday was the fixed gear race. I ended up tied for 2nd thanks to Frank, Kirk, Leslie, and Erica. I will be moving up to the "B" category.