Ara's So Cal 'Cross Report!

Raced in a CycloCross race for the first time on Sunday and it sure was fun. Thanks to Joy, who runs Big Wheels Training, for letting me borrow her cross bike and giving a small clinic to beginners before the first race of the day. Getting a lesson on the proper way to dismount and remount was crucial to competing in Cross races. Thanks again Joy!

Luckily I lived close enough to the event in LA that I biked there and back home. Good warm-up and cool down. The course was long compared to other cross events (was told) and had some techie sections. Going to get some slack for this but I did sandbag and entered the Beginner 4 race. Never been on a cross bike, never raced in cross, I was essentially a beginner. With family and friends there we lined up and took off, all 74 of us!

Had a decent start in the top 30 and slowly started to pick people off after the first lap. Did not trust the bike and tires on those hairpin turns. Second lap felt much better and more comfortable on Joy's bike and started to move up and compete in the top 10. On the 3rd lap, with a shout from my brother that told me I was in 5th, I knew I had a chance to get atleast top 5 now. My endurance is good and had good power, all I had to do is open up some space on the technical sections because they were catching me on the flat straight aways.

Broke away from 6th by couple of yards and started to put the hammer down on the steep short climb when BAM back tire pops! Not only was the tire deflated so was I. Took it with a grain salt, its all good, had my fun, and I guess it is karma. Shouldnt have sandbagged.

Overall, it was a great experience. For sure I'm want to do more Cross this season to get more power for mountain bike season. Thanks to the core workouts we've been doing my lower back had no pain at all ! Gotta work on my flat terrain speed.

Thanks again to Joy for letting me use her Cross bike. 17 month old nephew had a blast out there throwing a Kenda Water Bottle everywhere (quality testing), Mr. Margve and Mr. Sarquiz for supporting us all. Vegas Bob showed up also, had to ride home before he raced. Bummer.

To all our sponsors : Amino Vital for keeping us hydrating and primed. Sigma computers, Xpedo pedals (talked to Kevin), Royal Clothing and gloves, Ryder sunglasses, Voler team clothing, and Kenda Tires.

Until next time, love you all....

Fuzz