We all know how the story goes...guy sees bike in bike shop...guy test rides bike in bike shop parking lot...guy says what the heck and buys bike from bike shop. This is a similar tale to the one that I have been using about my recent purchase...but...for a minute...let's back up and see where this started.
Throughout the better part of this year I have been on my bike...about 4, 5, to 6 days a week since January 2nd. Then I got the itch to join a "bike club"...in comes NCVC into the picture...then my itch got worse...I now wanted to race my mountain bike all spring and summer...which I did. Right now I am sitting at 11 races this season. Much harder...more serious riders will laugh at that number...but I for one needed to start somewhere. My last race was Iron Hill right at the start of September. I finished that race and needed more.
My itch has become a full on addiciton. I heard and read online about 'cross seasons coming...getting set for 'cross season. After some research I realized what it was and it seemed like a perfect excuse to continue racing and a reason to keep training So a few weeks ago, I walked into a bike shop and walked out with my own 'cross bike...having no idea what I was getting myself into. She is beautiful...she is glowing green...my other 2 bikes are now jealous...very jealous...the mountain ride has gone and blown her fork and is sitting in a shop begging for attention. See? Addiction.
If you know me well enough then you will understand how I have taken to this "hobby"...countless hours on the internet reading cyclocross websites...searching youtube for cyclocross videos...and even reading books dedicated to the sport of cyclocross. Now I am lost in a sea of new skills...new terminology...new gear...new everything. Off camber, canti brakes, dismount, barrier, re-mount, shouldering...the list goes on. With the help of people at NCVC I am getting more and more of an understanding of the sport how the races are run.
So my plan/goal is now simple: To try and race in as many 'cross races that I can this fall/winter...and have as much fun as I have been having competing on my bike. Right now it looks like I slated for about 10 or so races...give or take how everything is going...as far as bike condition...my own health...etc, etc.
I was planning on creating a blog for my spring and summer races but I never got around to it. Now I figured this would be a cool way for my friends and family to get a glimpse at what I will be doing on a week to week basis...not just with pictures but with an actual story.
So tomorrow is race numero one: The Ed Sanders Memorial Cross. It is going to be good...I hope. I have a slight idea of what to expect...but at the same time, I could be WAY off and be in for a real treat...either way, I am stoked to get this whole thing started. Thanks for reading and be sure to stay tuned...it is going to be a great couple months!
-johnny
Throughout the better part of this year I have been on my bike...about 4, 5, to 6 days a week since January 2nd. Then I got the itch to join a "bike club"...in comes NCVC into the picture...then my itch got worse...I now wanted to race my mountain bike all spring and summer...which I did. Right now I am sitting at 11 races this season. Much harder...more serious riders will laugh at that number...but I for one needed to start somewhere. My last race was Iron Hill right at the start of September. I finished that race and needed more.
My itch has become a full on addiciton. I heard and read online about 'cross seasons coming...getting set for 'cross season. After some research I realized what it was and it seemed like a perfect excuse to continue racing and a reason to keep training So a few weeks ago, I walked into a bike shop and walked out with my own 'cross bike...having no idea what I was getting myself into. She is beautiful...she is glowing green...my other 2 bikes are now jealous...very jealous...the mountain ride has gone and blown her fork and is sitting in a shop begging for attention. See? Addiction.
If you know me well enough then you will understand how I have taken to this "hobby"...countless hours on the internet reading cyclocross websites...searching youtube for cyclocross videos...and even reading books dedicated to the sport of cyclocross. Now I am lost in a sea of new skills...new terminology...new gear...new everything. Off camber, canti brakes, dismount, barrier, re-mount, shouldering...the list goes on. With the help of people at NCVC I am getting more and more of an understanding of the sport how the races are run.
So my plan/goal is now simple: To try and race in as many 'cross races that I can this fall/winter...and have as much fun as I have been having competing on my bike. Right now it looks like I slated for about 10 or so races...give or take how everything is going...as far as bike condition...my own health...etc, etc.
I was planning on creating a blog for my spring and summer races but I never got around to it. Now I figured this would be a cool way for my friends and family to get a glimpse at what I will be doing on a week to week basis...not just with pictures but with an actual story.
So tomorrow is race numero one: The Ed Sanders Memorial Cross. It is going to be good...I hope. I have a slight idea of what to expect...but at the same time, I could be WAY off and be in for a real treat...either way, I am stoked to get this whole thing started. Thanks for reading and be sure to stay tuned...it is going to be a great couple months!
-johnny
