The weather change today is the big news here at Cyclocross Nationals. Yesterday it was just cold. Like in the 20’s all day. But the course was dry. Today it’s a completely different beast. It rained last night and is still raining. It is barely above freezing, in the mid 30’s. Super cold considering the conditions.
Yesterday I didn’t see much of the races. I did get to see Paul Curley win his master’s race. I read somewhere it was his 26th National title. I didn’t get a chance to see local Kansan, Tom Price dominate his race and win his first National title. Tom has had super bad luck the last few seasons and it was great to see it finally come together for him.
I did get a couple hours in yesterday, even though it was below 30. I rode by and saw a bike shop in an Airstream trailer, in downtown Austin, then rode across the river on South Congress and meandered my way over by the course and then did a short loop through town. It is always fun doing a city ride in Austin.
Trudi and Bromont came down along with our sponsor, Matt Gilhausen from Tradewind Energy. Matt and Vincent are racing this afternoon at 2:45. Matt hasn’t see the course yet. I think it is going to be hard getting a rhythm on this course when the course is wet. It is going to be super slick and tricky.
I’m trying to decide if I want to go out and ride the course some with these guys before the race. I think I’m going to have to, I really can’t stop myself. It will get me a better read for spectating the next couple days, since that is what I am now, a spectator.
Tom Price winning yesterday.
Paul Curley on his way, riding his signature disc wheel.
Brian Robbins Airstream Bike shop down by the river in downtown Austin.
Jeremy Powers cheering on his buddies from New England yesterday. He says he’s feeling pretty good.
Trudi pinning on Vincent’s numbers this morning.
Bromont is very happy he made the cut. He always does. I’m not sure what he’s always worried about.
I’ve seen a bunch of people collecting pecans off the ground around town. This one guy had a little roller tool, with a cage, that collected them off the grass. It is sort of funny, but seeing all these people collect them made me want to pick a bunch up and fill my jersey pockets. I resisted the urge though.
Deep profile Zipps and disc wheels on CX bikes and some ppl are complaining about riding SS with blocked gears!!!? Kinda funny…
A disc rear wheel on a cross bike? Really? The highest speed you might see is 20-25 mph, and then it would only be for a brief moment. What’s the point? Help me understand
Did Brian Robbins do that zany “I live in a trailer down by the river!” routine?
Is there going to be a live feed for Sunday’s races?
It’s not a disc as you know a disc. It’s Mylar covering..like used for shrink wrapping boats.
I hope Paul continues to use it. It’s a constant for Paul. If you notice the Bar End shifters went to Di2 and the steel Stevens frame is now a Carbon felt. Cross won’t be the same if the rear wheel goes as well. 🙂
Congrats to Paul on another Jersey.
Winning Nationals are great for Paul! He doesn’t have to worry about the tax man for the prize money!
Stevo, bought any pecans lately? Like gold! They don’t grow on trees, you know . . .
But does he still have the helmet mirror? Part has always wanted to knock that off
Pecans are great, just don’t park under a pecan tree in the spring or you’ll regret it – and it’s not the nuts, either…
The only constant that the steel bike is gone is that he’s still racing cat 3 – or has he upgraded?
Steve,
Stop in at Home Slice Pizza on South Congress for the best pizza in Texas (if you are willing to brave the line).
Did you see who won an age class championship today? So much for clean American cross racing… Omerta rules!
Who?
where are all the spectators cheering these guys/gals on ??
Just spoke to my daughter who races at noon thirty today… And can’t say that she is to excited for the cold wet conditions.. Guess that is cross racing..
The big news is your teammate is signed up to defend Kanza title & you have not signed up. Still time?