The guys up here are going to do their best to make sure the course is good for the Elite races tomorrow. And, hopefully, I’m going to have to eat my previous words. I think that the course might be fine for the races tomorrow. Today, for the majority of races, the course was just a grind. Not super deep, but pretty deep, sticky mud. But, the last race of the day, won by local Matt Shiver, Trek, the course started drying up pretty good. The temperatures were dropping and the wind was blowing hard, drying up the ruts, while the guys were riding in a line. I left just before dark and they had a Bobcat out trying removing the ruts before they froze up hard. I’m not going to 2nd guess this. I was all for it this afternoon, but I didn’t expect it to dry up as much as it did. There was a good line pretty much around the whole course at dark. We’ll see what it looks like in the morning at 15 degrees.

The afternoon prep team meeting -Tom Schuler and Tommy Matush

Backing the Bobcat to flatten the ruts.

Matt Shiver on his way to winning the final race of the day.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.