A story about two CCCX races

Written By Andrew A. about two CCCX races (45+ and 35+ 1/2/3)

and one silly tri:
Teammates: Steve Stewart; Devon Joos; Christian Parker

More of a story than a race report, but really, what can I tell you about the CCCX course that has not already been said.

My goal this year is to see how many "just off the podium" finishes I can get. Heck, last year I finished 4th five times. I already have three 4th place finishes this year too. I am going for the unofficial record. In fact, I am petitioning USA Cycling for a 4th place jersey award to go along with a State Champion jersey they give out to the winner. So far they have not responded to my request, but I don’t give up easy.

When I left the house Saturday morning to go to CCCX race in Monterey, my wife said, "go get your fourth place." I laughed; not this time, I was going to "go for it". Whatever the hell that meant. Anyway, on with the show. I pick Devon up and we head down to foggy Monterey. Do they ever get sun there? I have been there four times this year and not once have I seen the sun. It is like living in perpetual February. I digress. Steve Stewart, Devon and I come up with a race strategy. Devon will be our field sprinter, I will cover breaks and Steve will make sure to take care of Devon and I in the sprint by leading out if the pace slows.

I was going to mark Novitsky from team VOS. Just last month he got away with two laps to go and stayed away with one other guy on the same course. I figured he would try again. Race starts and on lap two, Novitsky goes to the front and hammers. Not sure what his plan was (maybe just training race), but he lead for a full lap (4.5 miles). He did not look for help and was not trying to get away…just hammer. The pace was high and we were strung out fairly well. Well, I guess that takes care of Novitsky being a threat. Attacks came fast and furious on the fifth lap and the race got hard! There were two moments when I became seriously concerned I could get left behind. I am sure many of you heard my breathing wherever you were Saturday. Anyway, I hung on to the group and last lap was sitting fifth wheel. I heard Devon behind me and thought "I should lead him out". Unfortunately, legs answered back, "no, you will sit right here in the draft." Should have answered with Jens Voit "shut up legs" but I just don’t have the steel he has. Final sprint and Devon fly's by, Daryoush (our stealth teammate who pretends to ride for Form) is up ahead. I figure I better catch Daryoush so does not talk to much junk on the nooner and so work to get by him. I believe this race helped bolster my argument to USA Cycling for a 4th place jersey and am currently writing Guinness Book to see what the current record is. I know I am close! I finish 4th.

Devon, had first in hand but unfortunately led out one other rider who nipped him at the line. He finished second place for a fantastic race. Devon currently rides a set of wheels from the 1960's that weight about 2000grams and "cushion the rider" with springs in them. If he ever were to invest in a good set of wheels, he would be able to place consistently in the top three. Oh, check that…he does. Maybe it is good for the rest of us he sprints on a mattress. This way we can at least see him finish up ahead. Nice work!

So as not make this a book and more of a race report. I will keep the rest short.

Daryoush tries hard to talk us into doing one more race. Just the 35+ 1/2/3 race. "Come on guys. The second race is actually easier than the first." Um…no, in case you are curious, this is a patent lie. Now, Daryoush is one of the nicest guys I have met, or so I thought. I am now convinced it is all an act. I knew it would be hard when up rolls Kevin Klein from Yahoo! Now, while Kevin is a sweetheart of man and super nice to all riders of lesser quality than him, he is also a hell of a rider.

Race starts and one minute in, Christian attacks. This is the same guy who thinks neon yellow arm warmers and a bright yellow helmet are attractive compliments to the kit as well. Christian comes back to the field about half a lap later, but it was a hell of a try! Lap two and Klein and seven or eight of his new friends take off. I am sitting with Daryoush and Devon and the other 30 guys in this rolling social and we watch them all drift away. We spend the next five laps working to close the gap. Oh, it hurt. I can not go into detail about the rest of the race as my mind has blocked this all out. I do recall at one point Devon rolling up next to me to ask, "you alright?" I could not answer then, but to answer now…NO. The gap started closing, but it closed for the lead group catching us! Not sure why everyone kept going so hard and attacking each other, but attack they did. Every lap I wanted to quit. I had murderous thoughts about Daryoush in my head. I rolled across the finish with the remainder of the "peloton". You know what? It was a blast looking back. Guess this is why women have more than one kid. You forget the pain somehow.

Sunday I decided to try my hand at a triathlon. Supposed to be .5 mile swim, 16 mile bike and 3 mile run. Well, they screwed up the run course and gave us three extra miles for free. Since I had run about 6 miles total in the last two months, this was rough. I can barley walk now and I am bitter about the free miles. Actually, if you were to meet me now, you would think I was one of those 85 year old bitter dudes that tells you how it used to be in the old days. I can't walk more than a shuffle and I have a bad attitude…Really though; What a fun weekend!!

We have a great group of guys (and gals) who are fun to hang with. This team thing has been a whole lot of fun. Thanks for being members! Go team CoreTechs!

Andrew
www.coretechscycling.com