Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Dog days of cross?

Lots of long-faced race reports from the weekend. What's up? Come on fellow racers. We just turned the half way point. There are still at least* 10 more New Belgium races left on the schedule. I can understand. Going into Agawam and Sucker Brook, people were psyched because cross was finally here. Then, New Belgium Worlds in Gloucester kept people full of piss and vinegar. But the intesity is hard to keep up with. And expectations grow. And we are all a "you're only as good as your last result" type of crowd. And the races are getting harder on the legs. And there is less daylight to ride/train in. Hey, that's cross. These are the things we look forward to from January until August. So turn that frown upside-down. You will be a better person and bike racer for it. Stay focused. Work really hard on your recovery after races. Be efficient with your riding time. Make it count or simply rest. No time for junk miles now. Consider this weekend. Two of the longest running and hghly touted New Belgium races of the year at Plymouth and Putney. Race on the courses where legends were made and souls were crushed. Then we are treated to either our "local" GP down in Trenton or the choice between 3 great races up here. Then Sterling, which is quickly becoming a classic thanks to the design and organization talents of one Tom Stevens. The return of the Palmer race! Another grass roots weekend to work off the left-over turkey (or tofurkey) sandwiches. And the culmination of season at the final Verge weekend. Make it hard! Combine the two beach sections at Warwick! We aren't sissies!

So for Runkel's sake. Would ya smile? Stop being tired or sick or bruised or bleeding or whatever. It's cross season. The greatest time of the year.

*stay tuned. RFLCS is trying to put something together.

13 comments:

Colin R said...

i just can't enjoy cross until i find out if this horrible rumor about zank "going somewhere else" is true.

zank said...

I certainly don't like rumors. As it looks now, we will probably be in Milwaukee from July 2008 to June 2009. It looks like we will be the only ones flying the Hup colors in the WI cross series.

Our move is one of the reasons I am savoring this season. All of you guys are going to make it really hard to leave.

CTodd said...

Will you be back in 2010?

Is the good Doc going for a residency? Are you going for a residency??

I may be out of the NE 2008-2009 NE CX season as well. B-School. In Europe (Belgium or Netherlands maybe?). Cross your fingers.

Moveitfred said...

My guess: he's going for the fried walleye and beer.

zank said...

The good doctor is doing a 1 year fellowship in Pediatric Anaesthesia. We will certainly be back for the 2009 cross season!

Oh CTodd. I may have to come stay with you in January 2009 to watch some races! Would you put me up??

Colin R said...

sweet, now i can enjoy cross. if you're skipping out on the 2008 season then I better get my shots in while I can... see you at Putney!

van den kombs said...

Don't forget the KC nationals are still left too !!

Sounds like me, Josh, Sarah from NE HUP will be there... who else from New Belgium will be there to dilute the midwest ????? I can drive your things out there for a small fee :)

josh said...

"if it was easy, they wouldn't call it bike racing". someone told me that shortly before my first ever race.

seasons in general sort of rise and fall, its natural. as you said, everyone starts pumped when it all starts. you have some early successes or failures and that motivates you. then you get into the heart of it and things roll along. some good, some bad. then it starts to wind up, you get nostaligic, you don't want it to end yet you are tired and want it to end. it ends, and you start looking forward to next year.

Matt Simpson said...

New Belgium is alive in 08-Milwaukee with Zank, sounds like a road trip? The flag will be at every NE race in the Zank's (both He & She) until they return. If Colin places top 5 in B next season, I nominate he wears a 'special Zank designed' flag skinsuit (to be revealed)...(without the shark fin)...

Zank Rules-We all Drool........

Mats VanFrits

CTodd said...

Of course!! I may not be able to join you as I'll be up to my eyeballs in school/work projects but sure. C'mon over and bring an air mattress! I'm actually headed there after Christmas to check things out...

gewilli said...

Wisconsin... yikes...

could be worse, could be michigan... wait...

EyeBob said...

Milwaukee's a fun town. Very friendly people and a real October-fest.

There was this restaraunt downtown near the Bradley Center called Mondo if I recollect correctly. Good squash soup.

Zanc, practice your new WI phrases like "Oh, crap!" and "Oh, Gad!"

You'll always have places to stay if you come back for races.

bT

zank said...

So "wicked fuckin' pissah" won't work out there?