SpongeDad

Weather looks cool and dry. It was a giant mud bath last year. Not eager to repeat that.

I'm riding the C race again, then hanging on the back 9 for waffles and beer.

Nice course review: https://www.cxhairs.com/tag/cxhairs/

RacerMike

.Never raced this venue before. Doesn't look terribly spectator friendly (one view per lap) so the family will probably stay home. I'll be doing the B-Masters race and hope to hang out a bit afterward and maybe get some pics of team mates in the Elite Masters race. Also not really looking forward to a mud bath, but will deal if that's what it comes down to. Aside from a a few small, steep hills looks like it will be fast if dry. Hoping for a better showing than Charm City.

mzeffex 

I'll be racing in the 4s as well in the Juniors 15-18 open.

I can't believe I signed up for two races on the same day. I'm so effed.

SpongeDad

I think the weather will comply, but honestly, it was so ridiculous last year it was actually funny.

knucklesandwich

Any opinions on SS gearing for Ed Sander with the expected conditions, vis a vis the Charm City course? I raced 42x20 last week and was fine, maybe a tad undergeared. I did Ed Sander last year but on a geared bike and the mudslop was vastly different than what we're looking at this week, so it's hard for me to remember/compare.

Crack Monkey

Undergeared, as in you were running out of gear? Then I'd stick to 40x20 for Ed Sander; maybe bring an 18t or 19t, and leave time to swap after warm-ups. The gravel climb is fairly long and the two (three?) berms before the backside descent are much slower on foot. If it's at all wet, be extra prepared to dismount and run (see comments about Gawdzilla in the video above) - that applies to everybody, but especially to SS where you lack gears to power through thick mud or up the climbs.

Mike - you are correct that the course doesn't loop back on itself. That said, the back-nine area (the muddy run-up) is a fun place to spectate. Plus, they have beer and waffles. Not the best family (w/ kids) venue, but if they aren't doing anything else, and it's a nice day, it's not bad.

Spongedad - shame on you. Cold rain, mud, and more cowbell, please.

mzeffex 

There's a gravel climb?

Greeaaaaatttttt

Just what I need; another part where I will most likely fall over.

SpongeDad

Another day exploring my lack of fitness (but at least better than last year). A touch of rain in the morning, but really nothing to comment on. What I love about this sport is that I learn a little bit every race.

Today's lesson: pedal smoothly (no coasting) through corners without touching the brakes and you can keep up with much stronger riders who are braking and blasting. All those 90 degree turns and some bike handling finally dawns on me.

RacerMike

I sucked. This should have been a course for me with all the power sections but I have no fitness. Wrecked in the gravel right after the pit and got some road rash for my effort, but feeling lucky compared to the guy who wrecked right behind me in the power section and then lay there in the ditch for 40 minutes before being carted away by ambulance. I hope he is alright. Oh, this was my 11th race and my first DNF...I abandoned after 3 laps because my back was killing me and I was riding alone at the ass end of the field so I figured no sense in suffering for another 3 laps. Saw at least 3 broken chains, two on the climb up to the tent at the back nine, and a lot of flats. Free beer and waffles were awesome.

SpongeDad

yeah, my boys were all into the free stuff (not the beer). I think I might be able to get my 10yr old into cross if I can find a bike small enough.

Was wondering where you were. Sorry to hear about the crash (although that was Cal's favorite part).

I signed up for Master B races tonight starting with Tacchino - 1 minute late, and I was 52nd for DCCX. Cross is now officially popular.

mzeffex 

60th in the 110 or so cat 4 field, third in the much smaller junior field. Satisfied. Ready for Hyattsville.

RacerMike

No Winchester, mzeffex? Looks like you conquered 2 races in the same day quite well!

ljrichar

One of the 1st lessons I learned in CX.

SpongeDad

I think I was beaten by younger brother of the not old enough to drive teenager who lapped me last year (and is now doing well in the B races).

Yet another reason to do the Master's series. At least then I can hope that the bastid with a mortgage passing me will have a heart attack before the finish.

mzeffex 

Can't get down there. No car. My mom won't let me take hers, and she won't come along for almost 2 hours in the car.

motorcade

If it's the same two brothers, the older one IS old enough to drive now (might not look it) and took 5th in the B.

SpongeDad

Them's the ones, which makes you the dad who will be crushing me in the Master B's no?

motorcade

HAHA! Same game plan as usual...hammer it and try not to crash and/or break the bike. Not too worried about crushing people. It's the most fun you can have on 2 wheels!

Retropean

This was my first race. It was a blast! Lots of people taking photos.. anyone find any pics floating around out there?

RacerMike

Check the results page on crossresults.com there are a ton of links to picture galleries.