The first 'cross race at Twin Bluff Middle School for 2015 is in the books.
Jake (with some help from Job and Larry) set up the course this time, and it was a fairly pure power course. Lots of long sections around football fields, and one haul up the hill (that was rideable). The main "feature" was a bunny hoppable barrier that was really only bunny hoppable consistently by Jake.
One other note: We tried out a "penalty loop" of sorts. To try and get things more "competitive" those in front have to do extra loops of a section. Yesterday just happened to require a trip around the little league field bases.
The course started out fast with a leg out along the football field, and then looped onto the parking lot to head to the little sand pile. The specter of the asphalt/concrete on the other side of the sand pile kept everyone on the safe (and faster anyway) line away from the loose sand.
From the sand pile we went on the track to turn around a garbage can. This lead to the first barrier, which was a 2x8 or 2 x 10 leaning against some tires. After this barrier, there was some zigzagging around some tires and the goalpost. Then it was a straight shot 95% up the hill, then back down and around the infield.
The course finished up with some stretches along the football field (and around the other backstop) leading to the set of 2 barriers and then a tight loop around the drainage.
We were set-up for approximately 35 minutes of racing. Job got the hole shot (as always) but by the time we got to the sand pile Jake was in front, with Job, Isaac and Larry following close behind. Jake effortlessly hopped the barrier and Job set up to do the same... but something went a bit haywire. Job clipped is front wheel and did a 180 degree flip in the air to land on his head/neck/shoulder. The race was neutralized for a few minutes as we determined if Job was alive or not. And then if his bike was broken. And then if anything else was broken. Casualties of the wreck - a semi-shiner for Job, and a busted helmet.
Race was back on and Jake soon started to exert his dominance. The extra loop worked for 3 laps or so as I was able to stay right around (if not even in front) of Jake for a lap or two.. but then I decided to take a couple of penalty loops to bring Larry back in, and Jake was now way out front. Larry was just a little behind with a few laps to go when I hit my last self-imposed penalty lap. Larry was now in front to reel in.
Unfortunately the heat took its toll, and I had a bad lap or so... my legs lost all power, gasping for breath... dying the slow 'cross death. With one lap to go, I emptied by water bottle over my head and instantly felt invigorated. Larry was still out there... was he too far in front? I determined then and there to try and pull him back. Up the hill one more time... pedaling down the hill... standing up and "sprinting" across the ball field... taking the last corner... there he was... and I instantly felt like breakfast was going to come up. Not wanting to vomit right in front of women and children I pulled over and barely avoided making a mess.
Solid first week of cross!
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