I’m not sure that racing today at the UCI race in Louisville is the proper venue for me to get back into cross this season, but that is how it is going to be. Yesterday I had a good time leading a cross clinic for a couple hours late in the afternoon. There was a good turnout, something around 30 or so riders. Tim Johnson and Peter Weber did a kids group that had maybe twice that many. It was super cool.
The course is many grass, no real mud, but tricky in a couple off-camber places. I’m having a little trouble picking my bike up over the barriers and up the stairs, but I’m sure I’ll be fine during the race. It seems like after I use my shoulder a couple times, it starts working better somewhat. It is funny how little pains aren’t even on the radar screen when you’re racing.
I have no UCI points, so I’m going to be starting close to the very back I assume. There are 64 guys registered for the Elite men’s race at 4 pm, so that is going to be around 8 rows back. That is fine. I’m going to hate it when I get to the line, but that is the way it is, so I’m going to have to deal with it.
Just about everyone good in the country is on the start list. Plus a couple good foreigners. One thing, I’m pretty sure I’m not going to have to sit up and not finish in the top 15 to avoid UCI points. There is almost no chance for me to finish that well. I have no plans on going to Master’s Worlds in January anyway, so having UCI points isn’t really an issue now.
If you want to watch the races live on the internet, Cyclingdirt.com is doing live coverage. I think you have to subscribe, but I’m not sure. Here is a link to their website. The women’s race is at 3 and the Elite men’s race at 4 pm EST.
I’m going to go for an hour or two this morning on my road bike to try to loosen up some from the flight and standing around all day yesterday at the course. I’ll be fine today, but will probably be stiff, sore, tired, etc. on Sunday. Riding around on grass at speed is really hard. I had sort of forgotten how hard until I did it yesterday.
The clinic was a good time yesterday.
Looks like there is going to be a little air action tomorrow afternoon. Wonder if he travels with his shovel?
Ryan Trebon went off a little yesterday to Velonews about Ryder too. I have to applaud him for that. He was making the stairs look easy.
But, you don’t have to run them if you have the skills.
Be safe out there.
Mr. Tilford,
Since you appear to be the leader of the pure cycling world and all other things cycling then why don’t you ever promote anything in Kansas City? Why don’t you promote health and fitness through cycling in KC? Why not become a leader instead of just heating up the keyboard on here? Why not promote a big annual ‘cross event in KC? Put your money where your mouth is, you know?
DS- are you blasting a guy who spent his entire day teaching the sport to others?
DS- you’re an idiot.
I don’t claim to be that smart, but I believe ST is from Topeka. However, Louisville isn’t anywhere near Topeka or KC for that matter. I just figured that someone with so much much energy to continually cut down others for disgracing cycling without being proactive in your hometown area to promote said sport could be construed by some mere mortals as slightly hypocritical. Just saying.
DS, short for dumb $hit? ST instructed a clinic in KC last Sept and years past.
https://stevetilford.com/2013/09/06/cyclocross-clinic-tonight-and-tomorrow-in-kansas-city/
Captain Obvious, really, that’s all you got?
Really cool night race here in Topeka tonight and ST finishes 39th at some Kentucky race. I’m not claiming to be his life coach or anything, but his local legendary status would have been a welcome sight. Too many kids with lazy, fat bastard dads running around the midwest. Maybe someone like ST could make a difference.
Yes. DS…you’re right. Steve Tilford should do more for cycling, racing and rider development.
He hasn’t done enough.
Please continue to make excellent points, DS.
Dear DS:
You have no clue..
Steve taught an excellent workshop on cyclocross skills and even let us tag along for a tour of the course. While touring, he pointed out tricky spots, and how to handle them(in several different manors). He was kind and generous with his time. A true bike dude who wants to shear his love of cycling with everyone. And to top it off, it took a look @ my back break and fixed with a smile. I believe that is the true definition of a gentleman.