All Things Granogue

Granogue is awesome.  There's no two ways about it.  And as usual, I have had a full week to reflect on its awesomeness before my blog entry.  So after two days of cross practice on the course, and a 15hr work day on Friday, I made it to my parents house just in time to eat dinner and go to bed.  The next morning I was up normal time and headed to Granogue with Ms. Geology.  She was doing reg, or something, for the day.  I wasn't technically doing anything until after racing was over, but I figured that showing up would be good.  Team spirit and all.  Plus I love Granogue.  It is by far my favorite course out there.  And my favorite race in general, I think, because of the whole atmosphere and all the great people who run it.  I am very proud to say that I am one of those people.  The proudest I have ever been.  It means a lot to me to be part of a community like that.  You all are awesome.

To top it off, I had a weekend of great racing.  After a so-so start position on Saturday, I moved up into 28th place.  I had ridden Saturday's course a bunch, so I knew its flow.  That helped a lot, but having good legs didn't hurt.  It was super convenient that Granogue happened to fall at the end of a training block.  The whole course, in my opinion was super flowy and hard, with some interesting elements including a fun downhill section to the greenhouse, and the awesome tree-root corner where I passed tons of people (roadies).  I can't say enough about how much fun I had, or how hard it was, so I'll just stop talking.

Leading a group up the road

Cross skillz???

This shot should be used for both C3 and Granogue publicity

Sunday was equally as awesome.  Great course, No barriers, which was interesting.  Shortened Tower run-up with an awesome downhill remount to a ripping fast off-camber corner. Then there was that back slalom section through the trees, which was fun to rip up and down.  Had a much better start position this time, so I had to actually fight for my position all the time.  It's a really nice feeling to actually have to race, something I hope to replicate in next year's mountain bike season.  I did pull back a few spots  (finished 24th), though I did not accomplish my goal of winning Granogue.  Someday, maybe someday, I will win Granogue Cross.  And Granogue Mountain Bike too.  That would be nice.

Tower Run-up in traffic

Amphitheater run-up, last lap

Charging to the line

 Yesterday I traveled with Jewelry Store Ben to DCCX, another iconic east coast cross race.  It was fun.  I was really excited when I saw my number was 414.  That meant I would start on the second row! I'd have a chance at a result! When I got to the start line I was told to move back. Numbers started at 300. FML. Still pulled back 70 some places to finish 42nd.  Not a great result, but an effort I am happy with.  Next weekend I'm going to try and make it to Beacon Cross (assuming I can get off work), but I will definitely be at HPCX. See ya'll out there!