Cross

Had some beautiful weather and good training here this weekend. 4hrs on the road bike along PCH Saturday and one of the Urban Cyclocross races in Torrance yesterday. Cruised up in Noah;s new smart car which was pretty cool. They actually have a factory bike rack that works really well and is really solid for 2 bikes. We raced at a park that was literally hidden in a nice neighborhood up there. For a cross course it was hilly and rough - perfect. I actually would have been faster on my mtn bike. There was a long fast downhill with a single barrier at the bottom, it was pretty bumpy and sandy, but without the barrier you could go full speed. So first thing in warm-up I had to try hopping it. It was pretty tall and I got both wheels over ok but was totally front wheel heavy, rode it for a couple fit and fell on my face in a big pile of dust. So much for that. The races were small and laid back as far as cross races go, which is exactly what I was hoping for. A real hard workout without getting too worked up. Of course living isn't quite like Durango, but there is always one or two top level racers that end up at our local races. Sid Taberly was the guy yesterday. I couldn't hang from the end of the first lap, but still went hard the full length of the race for 2nd and a few extra dollars in my pocket. Just down the freeway is the factory where they make Kings Hawaiian Rolls, mmmm, and they have a fast food type place where you can get some hawaiian style food and rolls. A Kalua pork and steamed rice lunch at 3pm sure is good.

SoCal High School Mtb League benifit dinner this Saturday - http://www.socaldirt.org/events/cyclefest_2009/index.htm

A couple on-line items benifiting them - http://shop.ebay.com/leebirdbtech/m.html?_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_sop=12&_rdc=1

I hope to do this one day - http://www.socalcycling.com/articles/2009/neilshirleywbr.asp