Boom
Island was my fourth CX of the season, but my first time on the course so not entirely sure what to expect.  I ran into CJ and Andy during warm ups and I told them that I was feeling drained, so I was surprised with how well I felt once we got rolling.  I think the cool weather and great crowds really helped to motivate me.  Pete gets the award for best supporter.  I could hear him yelling for the Crossniacs even when I was on the backside of the course.  Thanks a ton.  It is always nice to have someone routing for you.  

My day began with a start that was worse than usual…even for me.  The start was in an open section of the park probably 100 meters or a little more before the first corner.  I think in the end the entire group was lined up in a single line across the field at the start.  Needless to say there was a quick narrowing as the whistle blew.  CJ and I were lined up right next to one another and the plan was to follow each other through the craziness of the first lap.  Well plans are good and all, but putting things into practice is sometimes a lot more difficult.  Within the first pedal stroke I was almost knocked off my bike.  CJ was getting squeezed from his right which forced him in front of me.  I was able to stay up right, but I came out of both pedals and had to ride the top tube for a split second.  By the time I got up and going the leaders were through the first corner and there was a massive pile up behind them.  The only good thing about being behind was by the time I hit the first corner I was able to stay to the outside and pass a good chunk of tangled riders.  I think I was setting something like 30^th after the first corner.  I figured my day was over before it started so I thought what the heck I will go until I totally blow apart.  I took a lot of risks the first two laps and I was fortunate to not have a flat or mechanical.  After the first couple of loops I settled into a groove of slowly picking groups of 2 and 3 off.  I think it was on the 3^rd or 4^th lap when I hear CJ yelling at me from the side lines?  Little did I know that when Andy went down CJ collided with his bike and punctured.  I thought I was having all the bad luck with my start, but both Andy and CJ got it a lot worse.  Any way, CJ was yelling at me to get moving because I was in the top five and that the guys in front of me were dying.  It was perfect timing.  I really needed some motivation.  I kept the pressure on and was able to run down Paul for second place going into the last lap.  Kind of a weird ride, but it worked out ok in the end.  I hope the Crossniacs have better luck next weekend. 

The Other Guy (GA)