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This was a real tough weekend. I did the Pescadero road race (75 miles) on Sat then round #8 of the CCCX series on Sunday….

Pescadero Race Report.
Date: 6/14/08
Course: 2.7 Laps for a total of 75 miles. 3 times up the big finish hill climb.
Category: Elite 3
Field: 75
Teammates: Marc, Geoff, Josh, Scott, Hendrik (Fusion sport)

Place: 16th/ *T 3:26

We were working for our teammate Hendrik and he ended up placing 6th in a very compitive Nor-Cal 3’s field. The whole report is on my blog http://sfcyclist.blogspot.com/

 Needless to say I was a little cooked from the effort on Sat. But the idea was to over-load this weekend to set me up for a good showing at the CCCX final on June 29th. We’ll see how it all works out.

The mtb report….

CCCX #8 Ft. Ord
Date: 6/15/08
Course: 5 Laps for a total of 26 miles.

Category: Pro/ Expert SS
Place: 3rd/ *T 1:46

I was really tired from the road race but determined to follow though with the plan. I knew if I could get though both races it would be a fantastic building block going into the Series final in 2 weeks. I did about 3 laps easy and almost missed the start. It was right on time no delay! that was a little close. Anyway I got to the line and we took off in short order.

We got started with the Pro/semi- pro again yah! Oh the sweet draft on the long pavement was good, until dropping onto the dirt. I managed a good position and once on the first climb, drilled it to move up. That worked and I felt pretty good for the first lap. Going through the finish area I could see Mark up ahead and just tried to keep on the gas. Cesar was right behind and chasing also. On the downhill run into the final climb section, I overshot the course and had to turn around and lost out on some lead I had on Cesar–he was now on my ass. We hit the climb and he slowly scooted away. Oh man…. Well I put my head down but the legs were feeling non-existent. Not too painful–just not there.

The CCCX Promoter Rod enjoys some time on my Rig. There are more and more Rig’s and Superflys and 29er’s in general– showing up at the races here in the Bay Area.

Starting lap 3, all of a sudden the legs started working and I picked up speed and started to feel better. I figured I better down all the food I had and start clearing out the hydration pak.

On lap 4, I started to get passed by some of the expert age group guys but slowly, one at a time. 1….2.. hung on his wheel for a while. Coates caught me but he didn’t get away to fast to my surprise–either he was tired or I was going pretty well. I figured he must have been tired cuz I felt like crap! I kept expecting to see Keith come around at any moment but not to be. I kept my head down and drilled it home for 3rd.

 This was round 8 of 9 for the series. 2 weeks to go for the final and I hope the investment will pay off later for the final. I have been close with two 2nds and feel I can win but Cesar and Mark are great competitors and no slouches, so to beat them will take some strength, mental toughness and luck!

After the race drops (2/9) for the series (#’s wise) it looks like I’ll be in 3rd for the overall unless I have a real bad day/ DNF. Its my first year of doing a full mtb season and I can’t be disappointed with the results thus far. But… man do I want to win the Final. Even if I did win, I don’t think it would effect the overall but I really would feel better about the 3rd overall….. We’ll have to wait and see.

 Cesar! Your beer looks pretty dam good right now….