Hit the Red Barn CX this Saturday.  Full Crossniacs crew rocking all the classes.  FPA, Eric, CJ, Andy, N8, Scott, Superstar…did I miss any one?  It was an awesome day for a ride, especially for MN in late Oct.  The morning started cold, but warmed to mid 50’s with blue skies.  Big crowds with beer and food afterwards.  I think this is the third year for the event and it keeps getting better each year.  This was my second time to do the race on the course and it was pretty similar to last year.  The race is held at a Christmas tree farm, so the terrain is flat and is almost all grass with lots-o-turns in and around the tree rows.  Only one short, but steep, run-up to break up the big gear hammer fest.   During warms ups I figured this would be a tough course for me as I prefer more natural obstacles to string things out.  My plan was to sit in close to the leaders and just see what happens.  I was second position after the first corner following Paul Schoening from the Ridley Factory team.  He makes a habit of going out really hard.  I was a little concerned because I figured Paul’s cornering was going to be superior to mine so I was hoping that he would fade and come back to the group.  Sure enough after the first run-up Paul started to fade a little.  Going into the second lap there was a group of 5 or so on his tail.  We caught him on the one hard pack section of the course and I decided to go to the front and drive the pace.  I think I lead for the next two laps until a guy from Brones in Madison passed me on the barriers (need to work on my technique!).  We battled back and forth for the next couple of laps.  I could see that he was struggling on the run-up, so I surged a little each time.  The third time we hit the run-up together I dug deep and got a small lead on him.  Fortune was on my side because as he was remounting he dropped his chain.  I was able to open a 20 or 30 meter gap pretty quickly and really started to drive hard to open it wider.  I was able to stretch the lead out to about 30 seconds or so over the next couple of laps and held on for the win.  All the Crossniacs represented well.  Andy had another great ride.  I know your are disappointed with the bobble over the barriers on the last lap, but it was still a great ride.  You were closing in on second for most of the race but just ran out of room to catch him at the end.  I hope Sunday went better for you.  CJ, way to go man.  Rockin the A’s.  Fourth in your category.  You are the king of suffering! “Other” Guy