And since you dig the build concept....
The frame was just too slow and low in the bottom bracket to be a good racer. But it enabled me to go out and try my first CX race. After a few laps, I mostly just tried to stay out of the way of the leaders-- cat 5 geared raced with an open group of SS. I had fun, though!
Sorry to the C&V'ers who have seen me post this a bunch.