S.C.X. #1/Evergreen

Well I was hoping for a great first race in the Seattle Cyclo-Cross Series today. In fact I had a good week of preparation and even had some time to relax and get plenty of sleep over the last 2 days. My warm up and pre-ride of the course went and felt fine, and the Bicycle Centers/Collision 1 Squad even had a good strategy plan for the race.
Unfortunately, my race did not go at all as planned. I didn't get off to a good start and was back in 10th or so place at the base of the first run up. For some reason I could not generate any power today, and nothing felt totally smooth. I tried to hang for as long as I could thinking my legs might come around and catch me back up to my teammates. Instead, I never found what I was looking for and had to settle for 21st place which was well below my goals and abilities, but alas that's all I earned today. I packed up my pride and started thinking of what I need to be doing this week to prepare for the MSG #2 next Sunday in Issaquah, and making sure that at the next SCX series race, I get down to business.
Other than that, Kristi had a great race and chalked up her first win of the season, as she powered away from the field to win by 25 seconds over an Idaho racer. Very impressive!

Holden, went head to head with the 10-12 year olds (as an 8 year old) and had a good ride working his way up to a good finish. Good job Holden. Also, my good friend Gino, raced his first 'cross race ever and rode like a champ. Way to go!
I want to thank my teammates at Bicycle Centers/Collision 1 especially Dave Pearson, and Micah for their work and professionalism in the pits. It gives me confidence to know that they are there for us. Even on the rough days.
Talk to you soon.

Papa?

So where does the nickname "Papa" come from, you might ask? This goes back to the 2001 'cross season. Kristi and I had just had our son, Holden, born. A good friend and local race announcer, Nathan Keiger, was happy for us as new parents, and at some point during that race season, Nathan started referring to me as a new proud papa, and began introducing me as Chad "Papa" Berg. The name stuck, and though it made me laugh, it was something to be proud of. After all, not everyone is fortunate enough to be a Dad.
So here we are 8 years later, and I am addressed commonly as "Papa" on the race circuit by some folks I do not know and kids who know nothing different. Nicknames are a funny thing, cause if done right, you shouldn't be able to pick your own. But if you're lucky enough, you might not mind the one you have been given. I'll chalk it up as luck, and appreciation.
Thank you Nathan!

A blog, really?

For the 2009 cyclo-cross season, I'm going to be trying out this "blog" thing! I have alot to learn, but I'm looking forward to keeping this up to date with pictures and how my racing season is going. All of this in an effort to keep my family, friends, and sponsors in the know. I will continue to keep the posts coming all the way through the U.S. National Cyclo-Cross Championships in Bend, Oregon.

Wish me luck!