So Saturday was my first cross race of the season (Clayton Vale, Manchester) and provided a shock to the system from a physical intensity viewpoint and also a temperature perspective, it was stinking hot!
My race began with the regular first corner bunfight as 100 or something riders aim for a gap made for 4. It just doesn't go. As we compress, someone gets into my left lever and the next second I'm standing next to my bike...and I don't know how I got there. I remount amidst the dust and shouting and begin with what will be a nondescript race which will be a good workout but little else.
A few things I note:
- File treads go sideways more than forward at even the whiff of moisture, never mind mud. It's fun, but that's not what we're here for (or are we).
- I enjoyed switching to a 44/39 (from a 46) as I used more of the cassette with fewer shifts to the little ring. 45 might be the next step.
- Tho shalt not coast ever again.
- Racing cross in 20° heat is kinda wrong, I couldn't think about anything else but BBQ's and Mojito's all race.
- Hi -fiving the kids lining the tape doesn't make you any faster (but is piss funny seeing the looks on their faces).
- It'll be good to see some mud and grey sky this weekend (Bolton, Sunday). Never thought I'd say that.
