2008 Shedd Park BRC Cross Master's Race Report
==================
Conditions:
==================
Cool and windy with temps in the low 50’s and dropping rapidly throughout the course of the day.
==================
The Course:
=================
The course changed a fair amount from past years, partially due to the construction of some new baseball diamond’s at the part. Additionally, the sick promoters decided to run us up the main climb twice per lap, throwing in both varieties used the past two years. Another addition this year was a turn off the old course in the woods to a carriage road with barricades, out to the sidewalk back in on a carriage road and into the woods, rejoining the old course. The rain that we got Sunday AM caused the carriage road to flood and turn into a 75 yard long mud bog. They removed the barriers before the races and the strip became the most challenging feature of the race, getting worse throughout the day as it got tilled.
==================
Results:
==================
M35+:
- Mike Rowell – 7th
- Chris Smith – 15th
- Eric Wemhoff – 29th
M45+:
- Wayne Cunningham – 2nd
http://www.bikereg.com/Results/2008/11/16-Boston-Road-Club-Cyclocross.asp
==================
Reports:
==================
[Mike Rowell]
We only did one race this weekend so the hope was I’d be a little fresher. A string of bad races coupled with lowering motivation has left me at odds. That said, getting a spiffy new (to me) frameset gave some motivation. During the preride of the course I tried to get all aggressive on the long mud section and go into it super hot. This worked well for a while until I got into the gutter and hit the deep mud and a root/rock. I ejected over the bars but was able to run it out. The bike however cartwheeled and landed on the rear derailleur, bending the hanger. Ugh. Quick trip to the van and hand bend it back and adjust the shifting then race to the start line. Not the best warm-up ever.
The start was fast but I had good position going into the hills and turns. Unfortunately, once the real suffering started I started to fade. I wasn’t able to hang with the leaders but was able to basically maintain. With the conditions as such there was also some attrition so I was able to make up some ground. In the end, I finished just about exactly where “I should have” based on previous results. I was beaten by the guys who always beat me, and beat the guys that I always beat. In hindsight I wish that I’d have geared up for the final attack a little earlier. I spent too much time in the middle of the race just sitting in and maintaining position. Once I actually went in earnest, I was easily able to drop the guys I was going back and forth with and gain on the group ahead. I suspect that had I gone a little earlier I could have caught the two that finished a hand full of seconds ahead of me. Oh well, next time.
It’s been a long season and as much as I love it, I’m glad the end is in sight. This was race number 52 for the year, not counting the dozen plus TT’s. I’m ready to just ride for fun for a while.
[Wayne Cunningham]
I got there early enough to do pre ride laps with Jean before the races started. The course had changed from last year. They had kept the main elements and added a dismount before a long mud bog (later they removed the barriers). Jean likes to ride a few laps by herself then one or two with me so I can give advice in any tricky spots if needed. In one spot coming down the “S” turns I recommended that swinging right to take the left set up the turn better, but set yourself up for an inside pass if anyone was there. I watched Jean’s race as I warmed up around the edges of the course. Then jumped out for a hot lap. I did not leave myself enough time and saw the start line filling up before I had a good warm up in. I went to the line and we were off. By the top section of the course I got on to Tom Stevens’ wheel and held on. By the second lap I had moved up more and was able to pass Eric Marro on the inside in the corner I pointed out to Jean. I saw Bob Bisson and Paul Curley ahead and was able to get close to them about mid race. It felt like every time I got near them they could pull away again. I started to think they were playing with me. I could see them working together on the track while I chased on alone in the wind. With two laps to go I caught on but again they opened a gap as we got to the top of the two climbs leading to the upper part of the course. I had hoped to get by before the mud bog because they were riding it and faster getting through it than my running it. I never had a clear line in the mud; there were always other rider in it and a forced stop was slower then a planned run. I could not get by in time. I jumped off and ran trying to stay as close as I could. First Bob got stuck riding, and I ran past before he could get off his bike. Then I saw Paul slow and start to dismount. I was able to step up on the hard edge along the side of the mud just before he got on it and got by. I now had the lead and went as hard as I could to get the lapped rider between us and hold them off. I hit the track first and gave it all I had to the line. Bob stuck to my wheel and took me in the sprint. I thought as he came by Paul would be right there too, but he was not there. I got second and the best finish of the season.