Cross.

Well, as I mentioned before this past Sunday I completed my first cyclo-cross race. I use the word completed as opposed to raced or competed for specific reasons. One, I rode, not fast and finished 18th of 23. Fortunately there aren't time posted on the board over at the Kisscross site but there are some good pictures from the race here and some of mine here. Two, for some reason cycling is really the first sport that I love and have very little desire to be competitive. I simply love to ride, I love bikes, all I want to do is finish.

The one story I have to share about the race is actually from where this pictures comes from. This picture was actually taken from the very beginning of the race, granted it's cropped so it's hard to tell this but you'll just have to trust me. I took Geoff's advice and started at front of the line at the start of the C race. The rush of the first start had me going at a pretty good click. The legs felt good, and taking the first dismount and climb up a set of stair steps I hit a straight away and took the lead. Yes, you read that right, I took the lead and pulled a little bit of a gap. I then hit the barriers that you see in the picture and maintain the lead until the final dismount and climb. I then got passed... a lot. As soon as I got on the bike, my legs basically said 'That was fun, I don't hurt but let's just spin a little'. Needless to say my pace slowed. It was great. I might add...

I'm not a sprinter or a climber. But I'll ride and then ride some more... and eventually... if you're patient enough... which you must be since you have put up with run on sentence-writing-style... you'll see me finish.

Which brings me to...

Trans Iowa.

I'm in. Officially. As they say '[Insert choice swear word beginning with an S here] just got real'. I'm a little freaked. Super excited. Bottke is high on the waiting list and hopefully will get in. It'll be nice to have a riding partner although I do know a few of the other guys who got in, I don't know their pace... because remember... I'm not a sprinter or a climber. =)