Hope that everyone's Thanksgiving was bountiful and joyous!

I thought that I'd catch up on my racing, and provide some entertainment.

This year has given me plenty to be thankful for; in life, as well as racing.

In the major CX series that will include the State Championship on Dec. 1, I've won the first four races. With a good showing at State's, I should be able to wrap up the series, with the final race on Sunday as backup if needed. I have a good shot at the Championship, but a rider who has been tearing up the 35+ guys this year is racing in the 45+ race, as he has turned 45(race age) this year.

In the series that I won last year, I got creamed in two 35+ races, and a forth & second in 45+.

In the Eagle Island series, I was leading in 45+ going into the last of three races, and the video shows what happened next.

( action starts around 1:40 or so )


The first clip is me getting taken out by the banner pole at the end of the 35+ which I'd raced after DNFing in the 45+. I'd turned to jokingly ask the race official if I could go home now, and over the bars I go.

In the crash, I'd buggered my knee up enough that I pulled out. After some time riding around, I figured that the knee was good enough to have a go in the 35+race. Turns out it wasn't. I made it thru the race OK, but two days later, it was the size of a cantalope. Now, after lots of ice and rest, all is well. Went for a mtb ride after an early turkey dinner, and it's good to go.

I hope that you all have much to be grateful for, and that you enjoyed sharing some of my leftovers.

Ride On

Bill

Nice race video. The video shows the race ebb and flow that takes place due to mistakes, rider skills and rider strengths. Whats the story with the little cut bank the camera guy kept failing on? Great video catch with the guy getting his glove in the brakes. The course is much faster and open than the courses in North East Ohio. We have off camber turns, switch backs and yucky descents with 90 degree turns at the base. The only big ring course I did was the state champs in Columbus. Personally I would rather race your course.

Good luck in your series champs.

AJ, thank you!

I am thankful for plenty - and knowing you and the others here - and to be connected with all of you - it truly a bounty.

Happy Holidays!

A Jet,

The Eagle Island course is very fast, but they can make it twisty, turny if they want to. The other venues in the valley can often have sections that are more like a rat maze then a cx course. I prefer something in the middle, sort of like Goldilocks. It's a pity that they don't care what I like.

As far as the sand berm, it really wasn't a big deal. You needed to lift the front, pop over w/o clipping a pedal, and turn to avoid the tape. I think that Chris was trying to take the tape out of the equation by hitting it square. Instead of following the line that everyone had burned-in, he stayed low, and tried to turn into the berm. As you can see in the video, he's still working on his sand technique and would washout the front wheel before the bump.

Thanx for the luck, I'll need it.

Sarals,

If you keep working as hard as you been up to this point, you'll be leading the Pain Train sooner, rather than later.

I wish I had your work ethic.

You are too kind, thank you!