QUAD CROSS

My ass, courtesy of Russ Campell.

My first year of cross, Quad was one of my first races. Last year, I couldn't make it, and I was sad.

Reborn in a new venue slightly farther from the highway, I had no idea what to expect, but Newbury Comics had painted barriers orange, so I knew something was up.

Last Sunday was also the unveiling of the new Ride Studio Cafe CX team gear. I'm excited to say that the road team is carrying over into the fall this year.

Staging for the world seems to rely on Crossresults now, and somehow my points warranted a second row start. Most excellent. The whistle went off, and Rob Hult hit a landmine or trampoline or something and exploded about five feet from the start line in front of most of the field, including myself. After de-tangling my bike from the mess, I started pretty deep in the #BRKZ, though it only lasted about 20 seconds. After a minute or two I rode with Josh Friedman to make him feel better, but I needed to pass a lot of people early on to make up for my "start debt."

I'd like to point out that, while a little short, the new course at the Maynard Rod and Gun Club was super fun and took advantage of the terrain very well. The "woods" section played well to my ability to "ride a bike," with the pumping sections and the mini barrier before the small incline.

After passing a few people I finally had a decent gap and rode with Curtis Boivin for a lap or two, but I managed to put time into him in certain sections and once we hit the power section after the barrier / off camber turns I was able to get away.

Weeeeeeee

For the last 5-6 laps I rode alone but could see David Wilcox and Mark McCormack riding together and playing games. I tried to pick up some time but ended up sitting 10-15 seconds behind them for the rest of the race, arriving on the line in 8th place. A very satisfactory result for my first cross race this year. And I almost lapped Ryan Kelly.



On another note, Josh Friedman and I will be doing an introduction to cyclocross clinic this Monday the 19th at 5:30pm at East Rock Park in New Haven, CT, in conjunction with his sponsor The Devil's Gear.