Another Cyclocross Season?

Well, I decided to give cyclocross another go this year. Last year I started okay but a club ride crash ended the season early.

This year, my first race was the Central Coast Series #1 at Manzanita Park. While the results show I DNF'd, I actually finished 19th or 20th but was passed by the leader of the 35+ (Alan Coats)just as I entered the final corner of the last lap--I hate when that happens.

In any case, I haven't trained seriously for racing since 2005 so my expectations haven't been all that high. However, after three cyclocross starts and two mechanical DNF's, I'm at a crossroad: Do I pack it in and just do the usual off-season fun rides until the road season starts again? Or do I get serious and do some cyclocross specific training and keep plugging away?

Cyclocross has always been a bit of a "specialists" game and does require a fair amount of specific training to be even remotely competitive in the top categories. And, I must say, I just haven't been all that motivated on the bike these last few years and haven't really done any serious training. However, cyclocross is an event where you just can't hide the lack of training. You have to work at it or suffer the consequences.

So, I'm going to Vegas this weekend for a family function and will obviously not ride the bike much for a few days. We'll see how I feel when I get back. I did order some new carbon tubular wheels last week to help solve one of the DNF issues I've had. I'm not sure I can solve the motivational issues. Maybe the new wheels or the time off the bike will help, we'll see.

Okay, shut-up and ride!