Best start line ever...behind the school so we could spread out so all the cat 4 women were on the front line. We started 2 minutes behind cat 4 men whom I tend not to like to race with as they pass in unsafe manner. I was hoping today's course with standard cross width course would avoid that issue.

Start and see the fast women just pull away. I'm towards the back but behind some who was cautious. I found out later it was her first cross race. I wanted to pass her prior to the technical wooded section as I like to control my speed and ride the hard section my way which tends to be safer. I got into the wooded section and went faster than in warm up, and after the step descent make the right turn and ended up way to far to the left of the path which had a plastic 24" fence that would not protect me if I went into it with a sharp drop off. There was a dip on the left side of the path where the path just drops off, I went over that, amazed that I didn't crash, fall or something else terrible, made the 160 left hand turn and was safe and on the path. I yelled something like "wow I fookin nailed that was amazingly awesome".

Out of the woods have to go up hill mostly next half of the course. Around tennis courts to big run up then start lap 2. Leader of men's race passed me early on in my second loop he was flying. I was a bit worried when I got to the wood downhill section guys would try to pass me in there and it wouldn't be safe. On the steep down hill I'm braking and my brakes squeal loudly, this guy says it is easier with more speed, which I do a little but again almost get in the spot where the path falls away, get around that fine but at next 160 don't quite make it and go into the woods. Another guy says more speed isn't always good...he was there encouraging & cheering me and other on each loop. I agreed with his thought.Rest of lap two was uneventful. One lap to go..

Last lap more cat 4 guys are catching me, and most are saying something encouraging. What a pleasant change from last race I did with cat 4 men. Short steep hill is hard each time but keep my weight forward so wheel stays on the ground. Over last barriers and into the woods again hoping no guys try to cut me off in technical spot...ride the section pretty much the same but don't make 160 turn well again but farther than loop 2 but that means I'm heading into a tree but avoided that.

Almost done but all up hill. I can tell time off hurt me as those who I am normally near in cross races were out in front of me and I made no gains on them. Last time up the steep run up, when I dismounted somehow I spun around away from my bike so I was facing left and my bike straight...it was funny. Someone said nice ballet move...remount and push to finish..only near cat 4 men. Finish and sit on the ground panting loudly knowing I worked hard.

Need to work on starts, work for hole shot more need to do 15-45" hard intervals.

Sat on the ground, caught my breath, chatted, and did a little easy riding.

The fun part of racing cross is the atmosphere and bit wacky attitude everyone has.

Funny when done I sat on the ground and took off my helmet, put it back on when going to noodle around and thought why is my helmet so wet...all the pads/strapes were soaking wet from sweat.


Limited riding last 4 weeks and lots a lot of fitness. Those I normally compete with were well ahead of me today. I do this for fun and it was hard and a great time.


Nice location with plenty of parking and indoor bathrooms. Location of National Cyclocross championships back 20 years ago. Wooded section was a bit sketchy and tough riding but also exciting.