Supercross Cup (day 2) 12/9/12

So this was it. The last race of the season, or at least I think it will be. I was going to race at Limestone Sunday, but I ended up doing super cross cup instead. I'm glad I did.

My friend Eli and I took the train from NYC to LI. It was actually not bad at all, and above all, cheap. Cyclocross made me broke this year.

Our race was at 9:30. We made a mistake thinking it was at 8:30, so I woke up at 4:30am to get to the race. I wished I could have had that extra hour of sleep, but it was cool to be at the race early and take my time on the course during warm up.

Since upgrading to the 3's, I've learned a lot. This race I learned that you need to destroy yourself out of the gate and through the first lap. I didn't and got spit out of the back. I was caught in a second group behind the lead group. Towards the end it was just myself and another (Jun from Chari). I never ended up passing him and ended up in the middle once again taking 16th.

Between my race which ended around 10:30 and the Cat 4 race at 3pm, I got to party with my friends I had been racing with all year. You could definitely tell we were all unwinding and relaxing for once. The weather was getting shittier by the minute, but the vibe all around was great. I feel that we solidified something during this season that will carry us into the road season and into next years CX season. During the race its all business, but we have helped each other get to races, pushed and coached each other, and had a ton of fun doing it. I've met so many and got to know many better than I ever did. I am grateful... I'll save the rest for another recap post...

When the Cat 4's were up, the course was a muddy mess. The majority of the field was made up of Brooklyn teams. King Kog was strong out front for a majority of it. Chris Foster and Brian McGee from my team ended up out front and crushed it. Chris led with a major gap over the field and took the win, and Brian ended up 3rd. There were great battles throughout. Such a great race to watch and a great way to end the season on a high note.

It was getting dark towards the end of the Cat 4 race, and all I had was the standard flash on my Canon 40d. I hate using it but I had no choice. I got a bunch of photos that I am happy with for the most part.

Full gallery of photos are HERE.

Horseshoe Scramble, NJ 12/2/12

This is a really late post. I've been insanely busy lately and am now just catching up from the past 2 weeks.

Horseshoe was muddy as shit. That about sums it up. I remember being on my first warm up lap and coming around the first turn from the grass into the mud. I thought to myself, holy shit, this is the thickest, stickiest mud I've ever ridden through. Then I realized that the majority of the rest of the course was the same. At the end of it was even deeper mud that you had to dismount to get through, and it swallowed your feet as you tried to run through it.

My bike was pounds heavier. Countless rear derailleurs were destroyed, but all said and done, it was actually a fun race. As I continue on my learning curve in Cat 3, one thing has been consistent so far...I end up mid field every race.

Most of these photos were shot by Johnny on my point and shoot while we were racing. Full gallery HERE.

Kutztown CX, PA (2 day)

Staten CX and Supercross were the only races I did before this year. I was really looking forward to doing both of them this year and both were postponed or cancelled. In place of Supercross I did Kutztown CX in PA.

Thursday night I was looking at the rest of my season. Since super cross wasn't going to happen for me, I didn't have anything left that I considered an important race. I had more than enough upgrade points and races to upgrade. I put in for my Cat 3 upgrade that day, and by the time I got home that night I had already got a confirmation email. That was the quickest upgrade ever. I spent the night thinking about my season and became sort of nostalgic about everyone I was leaving in the 4's. I know that sounds cheesy, but I have been with these guys all season. I've learned with them, learned about them, and thrown everything I had into getting to every race with them.

Saturday was my first Cat 3 "B" race at Kutztown. This was a 2/3/4 race. I went into it not feeling much pressure. I just wanted to guage what I was up against and see what I could do. I've had a good run in the 4's this season. I've built up my confidence as a 4, but when I hit the starting grid in this race, my confidence went out the window. I felt like it was my first cross race as we left the gate. I just followed the flow of everyone else instead of creating my own. I just wasn't riding with the same attitude as I have been riding with all season.

I held my ground around 10th position. On the last lap I went to unclip for the barriers and my foot was stuck in my pedal. After finally getting unclipped, I realized that I had broke my cleat. Wilis was standing right next to the barriers and he yelled out "what size shoe do you wear?". Before I could mutter out "44" he was throwing his right shoe at me. Luckily we both ride time pedals. I put the shoe on and finished my race. I was riding pissed at this point as I had lost quite a few positions from the incident. I passed a couple more and finished in 16th place with 2 different shoes. I'm sure I would have been DQ'd if an official had seen the exchange, but whatever...At least I finished the race. I'm sure I'll always remember my first "B" race. I wish someone got some photos.

Day 2 I felt like shit before and during. No excuses except that I just wasn't feeling it. I ended up 11th. The course was honestly pretty boring. It was a great weekend simply because there were a lot of us there and we had fun together. The course left something to be desired.

Jen Nordhem took some photos of our race with my camera, and I took photos of the other races. Here are a few, and the rest are HERE on my flickr (definitely not my best photos of the season):

Bubble Cross, NJ 11/11

Staten CX was cancelled this year because of the destruction in Staten Island. We made last minute plans to Race out in NJ at Bubble Cross last Sunday.

The course was very technical. I would say that 1/8th of it was on sand. From the sand you exited to a singletrack climb that entered a whole twisty, dirt back section. There was some good climbing on the front section, a small kicker that you could catch some air off of, and a short set of stairs. Weather was in the 60's so all of this made for a really awesome, challenging race.

Our team did really well in the Cat 3's taking 1st and 2nd. I took 5th in the Cat 4's behind Wilis (king kog) who took 4th and Keith Garrison (pink rhino racing) took 1st.

We were just notified today that this weekends upcoming races at Super Cross Cup were postponed, so we are currently trying to find a game plan. I really want to race this weekend. My season is nearing a close. I have more than enough upgrade points and I think I'm about ready to make the jump up. I plan on upgrading right before my last race of this season so I can get a taste of what things will be like next year.

Enough from me, heres some photos from the day... Jen was nice enough to shoot some photos of the cat 4 race while I was racing. The rest are mine:

Full gallery HERE

K-tel and Brian Quinn post race

Catchin a little air during my race

Cycle Smart International Race 11/3-4 Northampton,MA

I've had a solid 9 days in a row off due to hurricane sandy and its aftermath. In that time I've gone on a few adventures and seen some crazy shit. It was good to get away from it all and race this weekend. We wouldn't have been able to get out of the city if the zip car had less that 1/3 tank of gas, so we didn't know until the last minute if we would actually be going.

This is probably the last big race that we will do outside NY this year. Between the zip cars, race fees, hotels, food and drink and extra time off of work, I'm going broke racing. I wouldn't have it any other way though!

We got to Look Memorial Park and immediately I could tell that this was going to be a great race. The conditions and layout reminded me a lot of Gloucester. The course itself was pretty flat. There were 2 run ups that led to an upper section, and 1 set of barriers on the lower section. It weaved back and forth over railroad tracks. The tracks were covered but dipped up and down so you could easily catch some air off of them.

Day 1 I was feeling sluggish. I slept like shit and couldn't snap out of the haze I'd been in for the past few days. We got there late and I missed my call up because I was trying to finish my warmup lap. I started way back, I'd have to guess 90-100th. I fought my way up but ended up 30th/133.

Day 2 I felt awesome. It was freezing at the start of the race. I'm finding myself more and more unprepared as the temps drop. I started 2nd row, but I had a shitty start. I got caught behind a group and pushed farther back into the pack until we hit the straightaway. I rode solid from there on out. The course was faster day 2. I was in the big ring the whole time and it wasn't windy at all. I ended up 17/132. Zero complaints with how I rode. I feel like I learned a lot during this race.

I got a ton of photos, mostly from Day 1. Cooper Ray from King Kog was also with us. He snapped a few of our race. Any photos of myself or the Cat 4 race were his doing. The rest are mine.

Find all the photos on my Flickr HERE.

A couple from Cooper:
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A bunch of mine:

Marty Cross days 1&2, Chester, NJ

This weekend we headed to Chester, NJ for Marty Cross thrown by Marty's reliable cycle.

The course was strung out on a hill with a really scenic view. Most of it was off camber. On day 1 there was a big climb that most people ran up. It had the stickiest, clay-like mud that I've seen all season. I had some serious trouble clipping back in after the run up as the mud was so thick that it wouldn't come off my shoes and pedals. There was also a paved downhill section that went right into a muddy, rutty section with a tight turn at the end. You could easily trash hard if you took it with too much speed. I took it really fast on one lap and nearly lost it.

On day 1 I was in 5th place most of the race. I dropped my chain twice. The first time I lost 4 positions because I couldn't get it back on. The 2nd time I lost even more ground. I ended up 12th despite the issues. Thats the first (and 2nd) time I've dropped a chain all season.

Day 2 the course was much faster, but with a lot more climbing. Most of the time was spent on the bike as there was only 1 set of barriers. Day 2 was much better. I ended up in 6th place.

I have zero complaints with how I rode,  and zero issues. I'll take it. We had most of the consistent racers in Brooklyn at this race, so it was cool to just race with a bunch of friends. Keith from Pink Rhino Racing and Jun from Chari and Co ended up on the podium.

:Marty Cross Gallery of days 1&2 (click me):

A few randoms (click to enlarge):

Town Hall Cross 10/6, Cooper River Cross (CRCX) 10/14

So I'm a little behind with my updates. Everything has been a blur lately.

Last Saturday we raced at Town Hall Cross in Pennsylvania. There was quite a bit of climbing, and a lot of switchbacks through mud and wet grass. I was supposed to start around 30th in the grid. I missed my call up and ended up having to start around 80th position. I pushed my way through and ended up taking 3rd! To date I have never made up that much ground in a race. It was a tough race but I felt really strong throughout it.

Today we raced at Cooper River Cross in Cherry Hill, NJ. This was a mostly flat course with some technical sections, a rideable staircase, and a lot of loose dirt. I didn't have a very good start and the leaders got away quick. I started about 5 rows back. I made my way up and by the 3rd lap I was in 6th place. I was battling with the guy behind me the rest of the race. I held onto 6th until the final sprint. I got nabbed by the 2 behind me and ended up 8th. That hurt. I am happy to be in the top 10, but bummed at the same time that I didn't step it up and hold my ground. Looking back I think I could have pushed it harder, but in the moment I caved. Either way, another day, another lesson.

I didn't go crazy taking photos at these races as I did at some recent ones, but here's what I got:

A few from Town Hall Cross (FULL GALLERY HERE):

my second podium this year...3rd at Town Hall Cross

A few from Cooper River Cross (FULL GALLERY HERE):

Gran Prix Of Gloucester, MA 2012

This past weekend the majority of the team and I raced in Gloucester, MA. It was a long ride there and we barely slept before day 1. Judging by the shitty weather predictions we were well aware of what to expect the next day.

Day 1 was raining, gloomy and cold. The course was slippery, muddy as shit, and sketchy in parts. I ended up 20/100 on day 1. After our race it cleared up, and we replenished with good food and beer while we watched the rest of our team and the Pro's race.

Conditions on day 2 weren't much different except it was raining harder. The course included a huge dirt run up, a sand pit followed by a huge set of stairs, 2 sets of barriers and a ton of muddy, nearly impossible to ride off-camber sections. I started in a worse position, but I did better in the race. I ended up 16/100. I was battling most of the race with a couple others. I can't remember ever really letting my guard down at all. Day 1 I was unsure of myself. Day 2 I know I gave it my all.

This was such an awesome event all around from the course set up to the spectating and sponsors. You can tell a lot went into it. This being my first fully dedicated CX season, its exciting to experience these big races for the first time. Every race so far has been great in its own way. Next years race schedule is already being planned in my head, and it will definitely include Gloucester.

All my photos are from the 2/3/4 masters, Elite men and women's races on day 1. Enjoy.

B&W Photos HERE
Color Photos HERE

Nittany Lion Cross 2012

This past weekend I raced the Nittany Lion Cross in PA. The majority of our team was there. It was great actually getting to meet the ones I hadn't, and hang out with everyone. After our Cat 4 race on day 1, we stuck around for all the rest of races.

On day 1 I bent my rear derailleur when I fell on the gravel during practice. I kept dropping the chain on the inside of my cassette. I could only shift between 2 gears. I still ended up 29th/107. Day 2 I started almost at the very back and ended up 39/114. All in all not the best results but I felt strong, especially on day 2.

My race ended at 10am. By 10:15 I had already had my first beer and cheeseburger. Many more were consumed over the course of the day while watching the races. It was a perfect day to be outside spectating post-race. A bunch of our team as well as some other local friends were racing the 2/3/4 race. I got a bunch of photos of that race as well as the Elite races. Link below.

I'm taking this weekend off to do a century with some friends. Next weekend I will be racing Saturday and Sunday at Gloucester. Definitely looking forward to that!

Jeremy Powers won the Elite men's race:
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The rest of my photos are :HERE:

B&W photos are below or :HERE:
Click to enlarge.

2012 Ellison Cross, Rochester, NY

This past weekend I raced a 2 day Cyclocross race in Rochester, NY. There are a few reasons why this race was a big deal to me. First off, Rochester is my home town. My family is there. Secondly, its the first race of the season, and my first on a geared bike (last year I raced a single speed). Third, I have been racing road for Cicli Devotion, but this is my first Cyclocross race for the team.

My teammate Johnny and Myself rented a Suburban and threw our shit in for the trip. Seriously, we just threw everything in. We could have fit 6 bikes and 6 passengers in that thing. It made for a comfortable ride although putting gas in the tank made my wallet cry.

The first day we woke up to rain. We both knew it was going to be a sketchy race. We arrived at Ellison park, registered and did a test run of the course. There was a lot of climbing. Just doing a practice lap I was pretty surprised how much it took out of me. I knew right there that riding this course with my 1x10 was going to be a bitch. Johnny was on his singlespeed, and I can't imagine how much that sucked.

At the start, I took hold of the second position and held onto it for awhile. There was a log barrier that I bunny hopped during practice without an issue. On the first lap I hopped it, my tire hit it and I slid and fell. The racer behind me basically jumped over me, and by the time I got up and going I was in 4th place. I held 4th place pretty strong. After a dirt run up, I dropped my chain, got passed and stuck in 5th. This is how I ended my 1st day. 5th place isn't bad. Actually I felt great about it despite my mishaps.

On day 2 I was feeling great. Maybe it was that I already knew what to expect, or what I ate for breakfast. I never really know what to attribute my race mood to, but I am slowly figuring out what works for me and what doesn't. I know I ate a shitload of food the night before and didn't follow my normal nutrition guidelines. I just ate whatever was thrown in front of me.

I took the holeshot and was out front for a bit. I let back and got passed by a few people early in the first lap. My teammate Johnny was hammering out in front of me. I can't believe he was mashing these climbs on a singlespeed. I worked my way up into 4th place. Eventually I closed in on the rider in front of me and passed him before I hit the second lap.

On the second lap, the number 2 position and I were very close for awhile. There were a couple times where I probably could have made a pass. In retrospect I wish I did. About half way through the last lap I looked back and could not see anyone, and 2nd place had a good gap on me. I knew I had 3rd locked down and I just held my ground until the end.

I was really stoked on how it panned out, how I felt, and how I rode. It was awesome to have my family there, and podium in my home town. Shit, it was just good to podium! So this starts my 2012 CX season. I hope it continues on this path. Most of our team will be at Nittany Cross this weekend, and I am really looking forward to it!

My first CX Podium!

I was lucky to have my brother there with his camera. He got a bunch of shots of us on both days. Those photos are :HERE:

My photos are mostly of the Elite Men's and Womens races on day 1. Find those :HERE:

I did a small set of black and whites which can be seen below or :HERE:

And lastly if you are on instagram check the hashtags #rochestercx and #cdcx for some photos along the way.

Click to enlarge: