Cyclocross - Record Broken

1,393 racers today at Alpenrose Cross Crusade CCX in Portland.

That was an incredible day of races -- many thanks to the organizers, staff, volunteers and sponsors.

If anyone is wondering what it's like to race among 1,393 riders, it's a lot like this:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2570/3982473655_509eaba9a8_o.jpg

But only for the first lap or so. It was total chaos and insanely fun. Starting dead last in a group of 141, I managed to work my way up to 106. Another guy in my call-up group finished 15, so I guess starting position isn't everything.

One of the best reasons to get faster and move up, the fields are way smaller

I'd have to add it up to be sure, but I think 141 may have been the smallest group on the field at one time (because of several categories racing together). For starting position within a category, it looks like my best bet would be to put on a little bit of weight and join the Clydesdales. There were only only 58 of them. :thumb:

...but it felt like there were more than 58 Clydes. Kind of like a choice between surrounded by 141 squirrels or 58 buffalo. It wasn't too bad until the speedier C's started passing, then it got a little tense. But very fun overall, everyobdy was taking it a lot more seriously than the Blind Date at the Dairy series, IMO.

The squirrels analogy is way to apt for the beginner field yesterday, at least where I was at (somewhat behind Andy by the end of things). Lots of fun though, and learn a bit more each race.