Cross Update

Just a quick update on my cyclocross season so far this season. My first CX race was in Hagerstown, MD on Oct 5. It's a allot different from the racing I'm used too. As with most racing you suffer but this is a different kind of suffering. I've done about six more race since then, I'm having fun and still learning. I've been placing pretty consistently in the middle of the field. Last weekend was a bit of a surprise to me I placed in both races.
Saturday I went with Sam Morrison to Morgantown, WV for the Carrera De Los Muertos (race of the dead). This was pretty fun course and it had a good turnout with some really fast guys. I had a good start and Wes, Gerry, Steevo, Gunnar all pulled from Sam and me. Sam and I were battling for quit a while then, after about lap 4 I rolled my front tire and had to stop in the pit for a tire change. I caught back up to Sam and he too had a flat because he was on his pit bike. He was having some trouble with his chain coming off and I manage to pass him. Then with 2 laps left I flatted in the rear. I just keep riding and Wes and Steevo both lapped me. But still managed to finish 5th. Here's some pictures and more race info http://www.spiralspark.com/philmeaux/thrilla/

Sunday Gerry, Sam and me went to Cleveland for Bike Authority Team Lake Effect Cyclocross race at Kirtland Park. This was one of my favorite courses so far. It had a switchback section the led down to a ampithearter. First course this year that didn't have any barriers but it had three dismounts per lap that were all stairs. One was a short set the other two had about 25 feet. One thing I've learned is that a good start is very important in cross racing. I had a great one today and was first into the turns and up the first flight of stairs. It didn't last long until I was past by Gerry, Paul Martin, Ernesto Marenchin, Shawn Adams followed closley by Sam and myself. Early on I was right behind Shawn and seen him flat. I stayed with 10-15 seconds of that group for about 20-25 minutes. Then I made a few mistakes and they pulled away from me. I hung on and was able to finish 4th OAL. I was very happy with how I rode today I hope it contuines. Here's some more race info http://teamlakeeffect.net/default.aspx

Justin