Sunday, November 14, 2010

UTCX State Championship Race

Saturday was the UTCX State Championship race. This was the first time I've seen them bring in a drumline and I really like it. All cx races should have a drumline going forward. (of course, by the time the SS and B's go, everyone is gone)


Racing on a golf course was one the highlights of the 2010 season for me. It was just fun. Roller coaster type course, almost all grass, a nasty climb, some off camber corners, and some barriers.

I've come to accept that I'm usually racing for scraps in the SS group. Podium finishes are pretty much out of reach. Coming in 4th or 5th is the goal.

I managed to squeak out a 6th place finish and was mildly happy with that.

I don't consider myself an experienced cross racer and I really haven't put in the right kind of training to be good at it. But I could see that changing next year. The addiction is getting worse and worse with each race.

The races are cheaper, more family friendly, shorter, and the bikes (at least mine) are much cheaper. What's not to like about that?

6 comments:

JZ said...

Congrats, 6th aint bad at all. Did you change your gearing for the course? That hill would have been brutal in my usual 42x17. I hope they can keep the venue.

I would have been there to battle it out, but I couldn't make the 3:00 p.m. start time so I raced my MTB in the Masters A group. I loved the course and I think the MTB was perfect for it. I really want disc brakes on my cross bike.

I believe I finished 11th, but they completely left me off the results. Bart and gang lapped me like I was standing still.

Rick Sunderlage said...

JZ- I was bummed you didn't race SS. It's been fun to battle it out with you these past few races.

I ran my usual gear 39x16 and it hurt on the climb but came in handy on the flats.

Grizzly Adam got a cool pic of you (posted over on his site). 11th in the Master A's is solid. Nice job.

I'm already excited about the next time they run that course. Best cx course yet.

Kyle said...

Is your addiction getting worse and worse, or better and better?

Rick Sunderlage said...

Kyle- Are you asking ME or my wife?

JZ said...

39x16? That would have required some serious work. That is about the same as the 42x17 I am running and I was very glad for gears for that race. I commute on my SS cross bike and I really feel the longer climbs.

I hope UTCX can convince more golf courses to allow cross racing. They really do make great venues.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on 6th, tough group of SSer's! Going to add drumline to wishlist for chicrosscup