Getting a little Cross...

I started a new bike racing adventure a few weeks ago...cyclocross or CX. For the majority of the Schwangston readers, CX is best described as bike racing on a variety of surfaces: grass, mud, sand, etc. with obstacles where you have to dismount from bike and run for a short distance. Still confused? Click this link (a video of a pro race - don't look for Billy). It was invented as an off-season sport to keep racers in shape. Think Steeplechase meets bike racing.

After a quiet road racing season (only pinned a number on twice), I've been looking forward to trying out a CX race, especially since I came into a new bike due to an FSA mishap last year (thx Dr. Lisa!). This fall, I practiced dismounts and riding off-road - a major difference from even the worst Texas chip-seal. I jumped in a couple weekday practice races in late October before starting my first race on Nov. 7. My initial goal was to not finish last. This goal was looking well within my grasp early in the race, but was looking doubtful due to my my lack fitness/experience later. Four laps into the 7 lap race, I was just looking to finish. I was very excited to end up 13th in a field of 30-ish riders.

Ms. Schwangston and Carter attended my next race on that Sunday (Nov. 8) in the Ft. Worth Trinity Park. It was a easier race for me because it wasn't super technical and kinda hilly. It favored my road skills better than my iffy-at-best off-road skills. Still "the fitness" was a factor, and I found myself not so much racing as just trying to will myself to finish.

It turns out that watching a CX-race with a toddler can be just as much work as racing. Ms. Schwangston was happy to see me finish, so I could help chase down a rowdy kiddo that was determined to run away from Mommy. Forgetting to bring a stroller (mandatory equipment it seems) really hurt her ability to wrangle C and watch the race. As much as I liked the course, I was only able to manage a 14th place finish.

This past weekend after the Thanksgiving festivities were over, we managed to get out to a Sunday race in Dallas. After getting a few good weeks of riding, and my two previous races under my belt, I was looking to improve my results. Despite a mishap with the course ropes (costing me a few spots), I managed to chase down some guys later in the race vs. just riding in agony to the finish. I finished passing two guys in the last lap & came in 10th. The result was even better that Mrs. Schwangston & C were able to watch from a playground that was conveniently encircled by the course, making for an ideal kiddo/daddy watching experience for Mommy.

I'm hoping to get into some of the weeknight races in January (in Dallas) before road season picks back up in the spring. I'm hoping to improve on my results, and hopefully this will setup a solid road season for me as well. Wish me luck.

Thanks for reading...