Jules said:

Love this sport, but I miss the days of fighting for the top ten.

Can I "AGREE" with this statement more than I already do? No. I cannot.

And sadly, in my wildest dreams I cannot envision a day when I could be fighting for a top 10 in the master's 35+ or in a few years 45+ fields. Because literally, those top 10 dudes, at least the Verge/New England top 10 guys? They could probably finish (at least, some could top 20) a UCI Elite race without getting 80%-ed.

Oh yeah; the depth of fields was/is absurd. Jeff's field was won but a guy who rode away from everyone by... a minute?

My field got speared, lifted and then eviscerated by a train of chasing 55+ guys who went through us like so much hot lead in a goose. It took a moment to realize that I was indeed getting passed a 1/2 lap into the race by someone wearing National Champ kit - not ironically.

Also results bro:

http://www.crossresults.com/race/5170#cat66991

Interesting to see that Eloy crushed his crossresults prediction, by finishing 14 spots better. Jules comes in second in that race with a 12 place improvement on the predicted finish.

Gloucester day 2: 

It is so fun to race with Patrick and Jules.

Else, today was both the most fun race and also probably my worst result in 2015 so far. I fought the Gloucester and the Gloucester won.

Can't wait for Providence.

Photos by Jess

I don't know if I can write this enough: white-bellied skinsuits/jerseys/jackets look sooooo much better

Another dust bowl of a day. The dirty clouds were comically thick for the entire first lap. Also felt like a few hundred more meters of "pedal hawdah" sections today, including the "traditional" staging/start.

In additions to these course changes, many of the tricky off-cambers were bumpier, looser and harder to ride. Felt like a net neutral for a guy like me with more fitness than skills. In fact there was one whole stretch that I decided to run. Didn't pay a penalty really, except for the one lap where, in my grace (cough-gag), I dropped my chain during the dirty ballet.

Other fun things that happened to me were getting body checked hard into fencing on the button hook left hole-shot that put me at back of the pack, where I got to wait for people to walk up stairs 10 seconds later, well, anyway, it was just that kind of day.

The pro races were again action-packed. Katie Compton stepped out of her comfort zone and got an uncharacteristically good start and was in the lead group almost immediately. Then she rode off the front of said group like 1/2 through the race and was never to be seen again.

The men's race started with Garrigan nailing the hole shot. It was an impressive and scary thing to see. Then after the first lap when the Canadian National Champ began to drift back, things began to shake out similarly to yesterday's action. Cannondale's White, Hyde, Trebon, Aspire's Powers and Maxxis' Summerhill in the lead group early. Big gap on everyone else. Then flat tires put Hyde and Trebon out of contention (again, like yesterday). White never flatted his tires, but he just doesn't have the staying power over the course of 60 minutes to keep up with Powers. Trebon on the other hand, if he can ride a whole race without having to run to the pits, is going to give Jeremy some serious trouble this year. #excellent

Results bro:
http://www.crossresults.com/race/5171#cat67006

Jules, you're famous:

http://dirtwire.tv/2015/09/craft-sportswear-gran-prix-of-gloucester-day-one-elite-mens-highlights/

"Clean that ride!"

^lol
given how hard that weekend was that video could have been much, much worse

Also day 2: OH MY ACHING BACK!

post race photo by Jules 

I had so much fun this weekend; my only regret is not having stronger legs/better skilz or 1/10th of Eloy's #panache

Patrick G (by the way) crushed his race with a "quiet storm" style. I could spy his helmet for the first 20 minutes and then he was gone baby gone.

Registration opens today at noon:
https://www.bikereg.com/gpg2016

Staging is by crossresults points, but this race will sell out. Register early.

Let's go race bikes!

Reg'd. My field is pretty much sold out already.

I'm reg'd both days.

I didn't mean it to turn out this way but...two days at Gloucester will be my first 'cross races of the season.

I'll be FOMOing big time. You'll have a great race!

Thanks @eloy

MaxThorn said:

I didn't mean it to turn out this way but...two days at Gloucester will be my first 'cross races of the season.

This is likely to be a harsh first race. You'll probably be at the rear of a 150 person field. Don't let this discourage you. Just ride your best race and make it a goal to pass as many riders as you can. Make sure to pre-ride the course and watch what lines others are choosing. If their lines look faster - copy them! If not, stick to your own lines. Pace yourself and stay upright, but most of all have a great time!

2017 Registration is open.

For many many many reasons, this race is absolutely worth the long trip:
https://www.bikereg.com/gpg2017

All men masters fields are sold out. Women and Cat 3s and 4/5s still open, but will sell out soon too.

Those racing tomorrow, I salute you.

https://youtu.be/-vMWlvw4RYA

^oh my sweet merciful Buddha. My heart is breaking to miss this.

Three pieces of advice for any of you racing there this weekend:

1) the start is a LONG drag. 40-60 seconds.
2) prioritize exit speed over entry on the sweeping turns
3) ENJOY

Now go crush some souls.

I love this course. But I DNF’d, having burped my rear wheel during a remount on the first lap. I was able to ride another half lap but lost air on every corner and bump until I was riding the rim, and pulled out.

The helpful mechanic in the Shimano tent told me what the race officials neglected to mention at the start line: there are neutral wheels and bikes in the pits (a small reminder that Gloucester is A Big Deal). Gah! Wish I’d known that.   

I’m disappointed, but I get another shot tomorrow. 

MaxThorn said:

there are neutral wheels and bikes in the pits  

THIS!!

Women Micro Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJYNvQAj8oA
Men Micro Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbPWN8poFRI

Is someone playing Iron Man on the tuba?

Those courses were technical AF.  I raced the course on Saturday like a drunk driver heading straight into a boulder on an uphill about 1/10th of the way into the first lap.  This is where the first 15 passed me.  Then on my last lap I accidentally started going into the pit, slammed on my brakes, locked up both wheels and skidded sideways to a stop, got off and walked to the entrance of the pit.  I'd say another 5 passed me at this point.  Not my best race; finished mid-pack.