I’ve started in a lot of Cyclo Cross races over the years, usually the minutes before the gun goes off involve some of the most gut wrenching nervousness and anticipation that I’ve ever paid for.
This weekend in Northampton I decided to let the season be what it is, I haven’t been riding much and racing less and my usual fitness and drive to be competitive aren’t at the level I’ve maintained in previous years. Starting at the back in the Cat. 3s I just felt lucky to be in a beautiful park on a beautiful day feeling healthy enough to go out and go somewhat fast on my bike with 150 other people. Not even the 15 yards of course tape that necessitated removal of my rear wheel and picking it from my cogs for 3 minutes to make the chain catch again just after the start could detract from the fact that this is fun.
Thanks go out to my fellow Northeastern University Cycling Alum Joe Aubin for the pic.
