The second round of the series was at Candlestick this past Sunday and was my first race as a B. The course was the flattest one of the season so far, which suited me, and despite a horrendous starting position I had a good race and came in 56th out of 85 finishers. I passed maybe about 20 people through out the race, and was battling with guys a lot more than I was in the Cs which was MUCH more fun. I was recovering very well in between obstacles and was able to ride the bigger hills that a lot of people had to run up earlier in the day when the course was still super soggy from the previous day’s rain. I felt strong on the long asphalt sections, leg speed was very good, dismounts and remounts were smooth for the most part and I’d say this was the best race I’ve had so far this year and I did not get lapped, which is always a good sign when it’s your first race in a new category.

Lots of pics here (but not one of me . . . what’s a guy gotta do to get ONE race pic?), and some video I shot of the course and races here.

- Nick in SF

I was checking out laptimes from those dumbass chips at Redbarn. 8 of my 10 laps are within 3 secs of eachother. Just thought that was interesting dudes.
cj

I got an awful start. Locked the rear wheel up twice in the 1st 100 yards and left myself burried deep in a fast field. The gaps opened up the 1st time we hit the long gravel/paved road and groups started to form. Once again Guy and I ended up right next to eachother in the same group. We were 8 riders strong and everyone was kinda looking around to see who was gonna do what. It was cool to get a little recovery, but it also left us with no chance of catching J-Rocks group. Guy made the 1st real hard attack and got a little gap. Matt, Harry, and Ed all did a real nice job of working together and bringing Guy back. I gave it a good dig right after Guy was caught, but again it was brought back together. As soon as the pace slowed Sam O (bad-ass mtb) came around me and just drilled as hard as he could from the end of the road section all the way to the triple barriers. As we were coming up to the barriers he said he wanted to get rid of a couple guys who were yo-yoing on the back. I said “dude, you got rid of everyone but me”. We worked together the rest of the race, Sam doing most of the work, and had a good sprint to the line. He spanked my ass in the sprint on a mountain bike.
Much thanks to my man Guy. He could have closed the Gap down and kept the group together when Sam was hitting it but he let me, a teammate, get away and snag a podium spot in 35+. Guy, I shall be your sherpa at the velo-cross. Jared rode an awesome race. Dan Casper is tough as they come man, way to go dude.
cj

The most fun I’ve had racing all year…I felt a little crusty from yesterday’s race, but CX is the reason I ride..Mikey P and I rolled up to Milaca and talked about food..He is this amazing chef and I like to pick his brain on food stuff.

Back to the race…the race shook out like it normally does with the fast guys going up the road…and then the fun began. Mikey P and I got into a group with Marty, riding for Specialized and we towed him around for a couple laps and I told Mikey P it was time to make him work..so we attacked him, sat up, attacked and let gaps open up for 3-4 laps. It was so much fun working with a teammate..but Marty was tough as nails and brought everything back…Mikey P dropped his chain and it was me and Marty..then Jake from Grumpy’s caught us with 1 lap to go and the race was on. I attacked with 1/2 a lap to go on the climb and dropped Jake and I then let Marty lead through the final section setting me up to come off his wheel on the road sprint…but the millimeter mistake got me at the end..when I came off the grass into the final pavement section too fast I almost lost it in some sand on the road and he got me for the sprint…I finished 3rd in 35+, Mikey P 4th..

Thanks Mikey P for a great time racing…that was awesome.

Wah

Buy the pics from Frank Rowe

Here is the link. (Vimeo)Here is the B Race (on youtube).  Ladric 

This course has treated me well in the past. The course suits me…dirt critty, high-speed barriers with some 180s thrown in and twisties and a short steep run-up. Ready, set…I was 4th going into the 1st turn..a few of the super stars rolled by and I settled in top 10. I was completely in redline danger zone with the heart rate, but I rode smart, rode wheels and counted the laps down and concentrated on not making any errors…the group I got in with 5 guys was solid and powerful. A couple people made some mistakes and paid for it and we were gone and down to 3. The 2 guys I was with were 1/2s so I was not concerned with them, but TT machine Dan Casper was closing..Thankfully we stayed on the gas and I rolled in 9th overall and 1st in 35+. We got 2 crossniacs on the 35+ podium, myself and CJ.

Wah