-------10nov2013 HPcx, cx race8.
52dF, overcast, damp, course: grass, packed dirt, tarmac, hills&flats.

arrived @Park late!

9:10am for 9:30am start, Masters50+ cat1,2,3,4; wheels to pit, reg&pin-up, restroom&line-up, no pre-ride, brief inquiry of DaveStokes&JimNelson re:course attributes, 3rd row start;

race-on, held mid-pack position of55 into1st turn; then, lost 8-10 positions in the next 2of5 laps, (1)head plant fall@speed in an off-camber turn; JP passed me mid-way through lap2 w/authority up the minor hill, go JP; davidStokes (from the 55+ field) passed w/1lap togo, managed to keep Stokes in sight @50-75m(my sole victory of the day!)  at the final sprint/finish gained back (2)positions, finished 35th/55starters. 

interesting course, best for those who are fit(not me these days), great KCC encouragement(s), especially from an enthusiastic Dan Strika@barriers, BiGthanks!!! that guy is nuts...

-harryB;-)

ps. oh yes, actually witnessed 1st example of the mythic 18"high barrier 'bunny hop' ...AMAZing!

pss. must say that JP's performance in the Mstr45+ per report above, 21st from 55th, is remarkable, especially, given number of mis-haps; if measured on a curve would be a podium, no doubt...not bad for a long haired, caucasian, who steps through!

Ever notice that their facebook cover photo is sporting not one but TWO handsome lads in KCC kit?

ETA: I'm probably not staying too long after, though, if you're ok with heading back a little after results are posted.

We better do something good.  

Anyone need a passenger?

Misjudged some dangling course tape that hung onto my front brake and quick release lever, which jerked my handlebars, hard to the left, and I don't know how I stayed upright bobbling left and right trying to regain control of the bike. I stayed upright, but my left shoulder really hurt, and then it was trying to figure which was more painful, shoulder or back. 

So my race was pretty so-so. I've moved up to 16th in the series, and with a few of my competitors absent I started 11th. My initial instinct was to start far to the right to have room to move up, but instead I tried to gamble on a middle start position behind a good starter in the first row. Bad choice. Moved way back to 30s on the start. 

I quick picked my way into 20th which is pretty much where I stayed. I somehow ended 18th, I believe due to passing riders who dropped out with mechanical. Crossresults had me predicted 22nd, so it's a satisfying result although I continue to believe that with a better first lap I can fight for top 10s. That will be the goal today. 

The only tactical thing I did that was worth mentioning was a deciding to slowly run the "stairs" section to box in two riders trying to chase me down. This gave me time to hold my position, safely remount, and handily out-sprint them. 

In the 2/3/4 race Todd finished right behind me, with Konrad not too far off him. Andy, Jules, and Whitey charged from back of the field start positions to respectable placings. Andy says he's going to catch Konrad tomorrow. 

Good days and not so good days in the 234 race. Todd had a great start (right out of top 5) but got course tape tangled into his rear mech and couldn't get it free. Andy caught a case of old man back which is apparently spreading. Joaquin had a super fast start, had some old man back issues as well, and the fought back to a respectable placing. Nelson finished low 30s, a decent result after I nearly smacked him in the face with my bike. 

I had a terrible start, suffered in the middle, and fought my way back to Konrad who has passed me early. Konrad rode very strong. I did everything I could to try to catch him but ended up 1 second off. Fucker. we finished 12th and 13th. 

Cool thing - promoter emailed the race results before the 15 minute protest period ended, along with lap times. Nice to see what in necessary to get into the top 10. 

#OldBack