It’s already started.  Everyone keeps telling me how great it is that the Nationals are so close to where I live.  It’s not that simple.  Time becomes the big restraint.  Yesterday I was in KC for nearly 9 hours.  Today much longer.  Then the weekend.  I’m not complaining, mind you, but as a rider, it kind of wears on your mind.  

The course was kind of slick for the B race yesterday.  Riding later in the afternoon it had firmed up some, but still had some technical corners.  Driving back last night, it started raining.  I’m not sure how much it rained at the course, but it is not going to be dry for the races this afternoon.  It is sunny and is supposed to be in the lower 40’s, but that isn’t going to do it.  It should be alright for me.  I’m usually pretty good in those conditions.

Better get back in to KC.  Race update later, after the race, after the party.

Today was the 1st race of two for me this weekend, the Master’s race.  I’ve kind of been nervous about this for a better part of a week.  Not sure what that is all about.  I usually don’t stress about things out of my control.  Anyway, it’s going to be a busy weekend.  It was good to get today over with.  I won again.  The course changed up a ton hour by hour today.  It was slick and tricky earlier and it got dryer and dryer throughout the afternoon.  By the time we raced, there was no technical part of the course and the ground was a wet sponge.  You had to pedal the descents, no rest.  The officials held us on the line pretty long, like 30 minutes.  I have to remember that the starts in Master’s events are much slower than the Elite race.  Anyway, my plan was to ride pretty much as fast as I could to the top of the climb, 1/2 lap and then see where I was.  I was a long ways ahead.  So far, that I didn’t have to kill myself the rest of the race.  But, Mark Noble who finished 2nd, rode a good race and kept me honest somewhat.  My lungs are abit torched now.  Went to another “social function” tonight and got home pretty late.  Washed the bikes after midnight of course.  OK.  Enough.  Pictures from the last bit below.

Pets always know by the packed bags. (Bromont and super cat Wink)

Stack of bikes in the garage.

Mud and Blood Bash with Andy Jaques-Mayne. Jeremy Powers in the background mixing the music.

Bike racing on soggy carpet.

Winning photo from a ways back.

Awards podium.

Richard Sachs and me afterwards.

A Michael Fatka sighting out of the state of Iowa. Eli and Bromont accompaning.

Awesome junior finish!

Best usage of a signed Steve Tilford card I've seen recently.