Labor Day Cyclo-Cross Classic

photo by Micah.


The season is officially underway, as yesterday was the "Labor Day Cyclo-Cross Classic" which took place at North Seatac Park which holds a ton of Northwest cycl-cross history.
The day was cool temps with breezy conditions but alas, no rain. I have to admit that I was a bit nervous before my start since I always started the early part of the season a bit slow and then working up into the front by October. My goal was top half, since I haven't raced any type of bike since last January. I lined up on the front row and upon the judge say "go", I was into my pedal and had two pedal strokes already in, when I heard the others just getting clipped in..."nice!" With the easy hole shot but being concerned to not go to early, I just got into a rythm as we rolled around the start/finish area of the venue and up the crazy steep/long runnup! After the runnup, we climbed up through some fairly technical single track and I was still in the lead. A little shocked to say the least. At the top, Tom Phillips came around and just walked away. In the next lap a few more came by that were now in this leading group of about 7. Nothing really exciting emmitted from my race but by the end, I was able to finish with a solid 5th Place. Considering that most of the top guys were on hand, I felt pretty good and was surprised on my fitness level so early in the season.
I have to add, that I chose a tire selection that I had yet to ever ride on. I rode the Challenge Grifo XS (semi slick/file tread) clinchers on dura ace wheels. I had about 40psi in the rear and 35psi in the front. I would have run them lower, but the pinch flat hazards at North Seatac are like nowhere else...brutal. The tires were crazy fast and still gave great traction in the dry to tacky conditions. I absolutely loved these treads.
Special thanks go out to DP, Micah, and Don for working the pits also, I love the ocnfidense that these guys give and the cheering they provide. Yeehaw, the season is underway, and I'm feeling good with the first one done. Gotta go....time to get out for another training ride.
Thanks for reading.