Back From the Clinic

Nope, I'm not talking about where you go when you have The Clap, I'm talking about a cyclocross clinic. And what a doosy it was...

First off, there was this thing:


This is "The Orange Crush" and it's a bitch. If there was ever something that made you realize that you take too long to clip in, this is it. You've got roughly 6 feet up there before plummeting down the ramp...

Here are some of my thoughts, recollections and observations from the clinic:

• Water is good, drink lots of it.
• the sun is hot.
• When you are being lapped by a really fast, elite level rider, they make very little noise.
• I'm damn glad my bike has an aluminum steerer. There were a couple of my transitions coming off the ramp of "The Orange Crush" where, if my steerer had been carbon, I think it would have snapped and my face would have gotten intimate with the grassy substrate.
• I love to hit myself in the head with my saddle when shouldering the bike. In fact, it's my favorite thing to do.
• For those of us who are less than stellar bike-handlers, some sections are just easier to run
• I hate running.
• Barriers are fun.
• I jump WAAYY too high on my remount - if not remedied, this may, one day, give me what I like to refer to as "the poor-man's vasectomy".
• When I'm truly suffering (as I was during the last 3-4 laps of the 40 minute practice race), well wishes and words of encouragement only serve to further demoralize me.
• Tuberculosis originated at a cyclocross race during the 1600's.
• I love Challenge Fango tires.
• I want a new bike.
• I have what's know as "Monkey Arms".
• PB&J is not a good pre-race food.
• Fig Newtons are amazing.
• After a long day of riding, I crave sweets and baked goods like a son-of-a-bitch (such as chocolate chip cookies and carrot cake).
• I hate cyclocross.
  
• I like things that make me suffer.
• I love cyclocross.

Thanks to Kinetic Systems Bicycles, Tailwind Enterprises and The Flying Rhinos Cycling Club for a great time!