Contrary to popular belief, I'm not feeling so well here.
This week was rather tumultuous for the cyclocross community of Ottawa. Bob and Ian were quick to react to the City’s decision to revoke the permits to use Ottawa public parks to hold the races and moved the venue to Almonte. As usual, they set up a very challenging course for us and it looks as though it got the better of the Tall Tree Team. The course was muddy, slippery and technical, and in the end for me, a bit much.
This is my first year racing cross and I have a lot to learn. Lesson 1: Make sure you get plenty of intensity during the year.
I have over 7000km in my legs this year, but most of them are from either riding to work or going on long “slow”, all day road/gravel slogs. Minimal red zone riding has resulted in mostly pain and mediocrity for me so far. I generally finish bottom third in the Masters A category. Sure, I’m up against some real honches, but in most other races/rides (Almonte Roubaix etc), I’m at least top half.
Lesson 2: Know how much to dish out and when to dish it out.
Today I was in my usual position, in a dimly lit hurt locker, duking it out with the usual suspects (Disco Stu among others) when an attack on a hard climb with a barrier halfway up (Thanks Ian and Bob) put me over the top. I began to dry heave uncontrollably. After about 8 heaves, I decided to call it quits. At that moment, I was not thinking of Matt’s wise words: “The pain only lasts an hour, quitting lasts forever.” It’s only after I saw the photos my son and sister took that they came back to me. I could have taken a 10 second break, eased off and finished the race. But I would have been behind all those guys I was racing with and I had trouble dealing with that. In hindsight, I should have kept going and just accepted my place in the pecking order. (For that day anyway)
The Walk of Shame. Tsk Tsk.
Lesson 3: Don’t quit, just take your lumps. You’ll feel better in the long run.
Bad luck struck much of Team Tall Tree: Matt and Jamie flatted out, Dave had some sort of pedal cat-ass-trophy very early on and our good buddy Phat Moose Kent died a quiet little death mid-race.
Rodd and Rob Represented Respectfully
We’ll be back next week for more at Ride with Rendall’s Anvil Cross. See you then!
Photos by Frédérique and Felix Marais here
7 comments:
Nice racing with you P. I was along side you when doubled over. It did not sound good. I'm glad you're feeling better. See you next time.
Thanks Will. 'Twas a pleasure otherwise! You make for good racing.
The only thing still stinging is my pride. And my arm for some reason(??)
P
I had my own biological trouble at this race (greatly underestimated my hangover). Lesson learned. I mentally quit sometime on the third lap and, as you put it, accepted my place in the pecking order. Immediately afterward, though, I felt embarrassed at my mediocrity.
After reflection I'm thinking, hey, in the end we're all out there to have fun. Not to say that it isn't great to be really competitive, but it certainly isn't the be-all and end-all.
So anyway, don't beat yourself up so much! At the end of the day we're all just a bunch of crazy people on bikes covered in mud.
BTW: which day(s) are you guys planning on riding at the Hammer and Anvil?
sundy only, though i might watch on saturday
I seem to be getting a cold on the heels of my flu, but I'm planning on both days. Garlic and ginger, fingers crossed.
Good post. I've been a mediocre racer all my life, I can't imagine quitting just because I'm sucking and suffering. :-) About the Anvil: I'm riding both days and the OBC race as well. That will be interesting.
All right, you guys have inspired me. I'll do all three as well.
Post a Comment