Monthly Archives: January 2013

Elite Nationals D-day

This entry was posted in Racing on by .

Today is Elite Cyclocross Nationals. I’m gonna be watching. I’m hating it. But, I really can’t race. Well, I’m pretty sure I can’t race, but not positive. But, it doesn’t make any sense at all to risk my arm completely falling off, thus making my chances nil to compete in Louisville instead of slim.

The course, I don’t know. I haven’t been out there. It could be good or terrible. It snowed last night, so that adds to the uncertainty. It’s going to be a memorable day no matter what.

I’m writing this at nearly 1 am. These days get away like crazy. I spent most of the day at the course watching friends compete. I came back to the hotel and rode the trainer for 30 minutes, just to unwind some. My arm wasn’t good for he first 20 minutes, but felt a little better towards the end.

I went over to see Steve Myrland’s and did a little electric stem on my knee and shoulder. I hope it makes the swelling go down on both, to see what the real damage is. Then we went and ate at Brasserie V, on Monroe, and finally ended up visiting Catherine at the hospital late.

There is a chance that Catherine is getting released later this morning before the races. As long as her lungs hold their volume until the morning, then she can get out. That would be nice.

So predictions- Katie Compton, obviously. And Jonathan Page for the men. I wanted to pick Tim Johnson, but I think Page will ride better under the conditions. No matter who wins, it will be an epic day.

This is Shad Smith leading off the pavement in the 40 + race today.

This is Shad Smith leading off the pavement in the 40 + race today.

I'm not sure I've seen more mud on a cross bike before.

I’m not sure I’ve seen more mud on a cross bike before.

This is Calvin Jones, from Park Tools, and Kent Eriksen, Eriksen Cycles.

This is Calvin Jones, from Park Tools, and Kent Eriksen, Eriksen Cycles.

Bromont was hating life when Trudi was standing in line for the bike wash.  I took him back to nap in the van.

Bromont was hating life when Trudi was standing in line for the bike wash. I took him back to nap in the van.

The jury is still out about this.

The jury is still out about this.

Steve Myrland's is a dog friendly place.  Here is Trudi, Bromont and Emma.

Steve Myrland’s is a dog friendly place. Here is Trudi, Bromont and Emma.

We had frites and Belgian beer before dinner.

We had frites and Belgian beer before dinner.

Finally, we took a bottle of wine over to the hospital and drank it with Catherine late.

Finally, we took a bottle of wine over to the hospital and drank it with Catherine late.

Elite Cross Nationals

This entry was posted in Racing on by .

Hi-It’s late again. We went out for sushi with Jay Thomas, Matt Shiver and a bunch of other Trek folks. Then headed over to the after race party. Yesterday was a little crazy. We broke Catherine out of the hospital to make it in time to get over to the course to watch both the women’s and men’s races. The course changed up like crazy. For the women’s race, the mud melted and it stuck to their bikes. If you didn’t have two bikes, there was zero chance of finishing. I heard a story about a women that went into the pit and stood in the bike wash line, while she was actually racing, and then going back out on the course and riding. Before and during the men’s race, the course hardened up a ton. The last couple laps were super hard. The men’s race was very good. Anyway, the results are everywhere over the internet. I’ll post more later. Here are some pictures of yesterday.

Catherine getting released from the hospital.

Catherine getting released from the hospital.

Matt went by the mustard museum and bought $90 worth of mustard to take home.

Matt went by the mustard museum and bought $90 worth of mustard to take home.

Just a small sample of the course conditions.

Just a small sample of the course conditions.

Trudi and Bromont picking up a snack between the races.

Trudi and Bromont picking up a snack between the races.

Katie Compton on her way to winning her zillonith National title.

Katie Compton on her way to winning her zillonith National title.

Jonathan Page riding the downhills super agressive.

Jonathan Page riding the downhills super agressive.

Arm wrestling at the after race party.

Arm wrestling at the after race party.

More arm wrestling.

More arm wrestling.