M.F.G. #3/Starbucks Grand Prix

What a day!

Sunday was filled with so many good things and great weather that it will be tough to make a long story short. We woke up Sunday morning in a Fred Meyers parking lot sleeping in our new True North O.S.V. following a late night wedding in Seattle on Saturday night. We made our way to Lake Samammish State Park and set up for the 3rd round of the MFG Cyclo-cross series. We got a good spot to set up the new O.S.V. and right away had numerous people come check it out to feed their curiosity. We had lots of interest and gave out numerous brochures and business cards. Sumner RV has stepped up to be our regional True North support team, and it will be easy to send people their way for their great customer service that we have witnessed first hand.

It was a great surprise to see my in-laws show up unexpectedly. They decided to come over to watch the race from Wenatchee as a suprise. They are our biggest fans, and we love having them at the races. The course was absolutely beautiful in one of the best 'cross venues we have ever been to. Though the course was flat, it was filled with high speed tight turns, lots of roots in the trees, putting green quality grass, and the biggest sand pit section we have ever seen. I would guess that the sand section was nearly 100 yards long running the length of the beach. Ouch!

I lined up on the front row, and got a perfect start. I got the hole shot and led the field for the opening of the lap. Half way through the lap, the top contenders began to come through, including one of my team leaders, Todd Morse Tucker. The course was lined with great fans and spectators and the head to head racing was superb. During the race I was able to work with another teammate to work over a couple of riders to our advantage. The sand section was faster to shoulder and run than attempt to ride and we had to complete that section no less than 10 times during the race. Brutal, but soooo cool! At the end, I was able to outsprint the guy in front of me on the home stretch to end up in 12th. Not exactly a top result, but definitely getting better compared to last week at Evergreen and I felt pretty good and smooth the entire race. There was one intance though, when I hugged tight to a tree and hit my right forearm and shoulder pretty hard knocking me out of my flow for a bit. I can say, that I'm feeling that tree today in my shoulder for sure! What a fun fast course.

Congrats also to Kristi for working hard for a 2nd place in the Elite Women's race, my teammate Todd for getting a well deserved 3rd place, and our son Holden having a good fun race in the junior field. I have to say, that the highlight of our day, was being able to work out of our True North O.S.V.. The tunes were bumping, the coffee, rice, and pasta was cooking, and it was nice having a place to change, and just chill out inside for a moment after the race to collect our thoughts. What a great addition to our race season. Our next race will be next Saturday in Steilacoom, and then Beverly Park (Seattle) on Sunday. For now, I'm gonna finish this cup of Jo, and head out for a crisp October morning spin, to loosen things up and begin to prepare for the "Double Weekend".

Talk to you soon!