Other Notes from Murrsyville

I meant to include a few other details in my initial post about the race, but didn’t. First, the bike performed flawlessly. I swapped out the Campy compact double crank I used during the summer and fall with a standard ‘cross crank set. I never shifted into the big ring–I now understand why many racers don’t even run a front derailleur. No mis-shifts in the rear, either. The brakes (IRD cantis) worked quite well, too, despite the fact I adjusted the rear on Saturday evening (I have a rocky relationship with cantilever brakes). I used a set of Hutchinson Pro Series tires (borrowed from my boss), run at about 35 PSI. No issues there, either. I think I was pushing the limit of inflation (or deflation, if you will) in the rear, but I didn’t flat, save for my incident prior to the start.

So, the season is officially over. Biking will be limited to the commute for the next month or so, I think, unless we get some really, really nice weather (doubtful). A brief of review of the season:

Highlights

  • I started racing.
  • Sixth place finish at the first race at the Oval that I didn’t get lapped.
  • Six (I think) top ten finishes at the Oval.
  • Fourth place at Strongland.
  • First place, C race, Murrysville Cyclocross.

Lowlights

  • Completely exploding at Mingo Creek after an ill-timed effort (first lesson learned).
  • Getting lapped about twenty times during my first race at the Oval.
  • Oakmont Grand Prix.
  • Fort Cherry Road Race. That was over even before it started.

I don’t think I could have asked for a better introduction to the world of bike racing. The ACA deserves a pat on the back and a shout out for their C races at the Oval. The officials and marshals really helped me out this season.

Next up is planning for next season. I’m sure how much proper “training” I’ll do this winter, besides just riding. The week day hill training seemed to make a difference in my power and overall fitness, and given the sort of workout I can get in less than hour during my lunch break, that will be an important piece of the puzzle next year. I’m also looking for a proper road bike. The Monocog will likely be sold, and the Cannondale will remain a ‘cross bike for next season. My rough plan for next season looks like this:

  • Do one or two of the Mingo Creek series.
  • Steel City Showdown, if it doesn’t happen on Easter Sunday.
  • Race at the Oval (duh), with an eye on maybe moving up the B races at some point (there is, I should note, a practical side to moving up–the B races begin at 6:15-ish, meaning I don’t lose an entire evening at the Oval).
  • Fort Cherry (assuming it happens again).
  • Oakmont Grand Prix.
  • Strongland.
  • At least one road race in the eastern part of the state.
  • A race in Colorado, maybe, if we do indeed travel out there.
  • A few ‘cross races.

I also have some news regarding team membership for next season, but I’m not ready to spill the beans just yet.