Although many of my team mates and friends are racing this weekend and at Nationals, I ended up retiring for the season after the BRC Lowell race.I started off the season in the heat of the August sun at Blunt Park. Earlier in the spring, I designed my season so that I would be in super form for the warmer earlier races, peak around Canton, and slowly roll into retirement by late November. The season played out just like that, but I would have to say that it was a bit disappointing to get slower as the season went on while the other guys were all getting faster. But then again, it was cool to put the hammah down on some of the earlier races.
I had several goals for the season.
1) Do not get injured: No injuries this season, but I had to be extra careful with my knee which was super sensitive all season. I had to limit racing to one a weekend so I would not irritate it too much.
2) Top 15 at Suckerbrook: My only regret was that I did not sprint with James Morrison at the end for 13th place. I tested out the FMB File tread's on this course for the first time and I was extremely impressed. A year ago, I was 30th or something, so this was a big jump for me.
3) Top 50 at Gloucester: I did not accomplish this goal, but I blame this on the race being too fast and too dusty.
4) Top 15 at Canton: I was on track to getting this one done until I flatted my Tubby and also crashed and got my white skinsuit dirty. But what was super cool is to have Mattison, PVB, and others pitting for me. Those guys are very propro.
5) Do the NoHo races: These fabled races have been hyped up for years. I thought that they were just okay. There were so many roots that I was like WTF? I know that many will say just toughen up, but I hate roots no cross courses.
6) Do not race like an asshole: This is important to me. I hate it when dudes act super aggressive in a big race and take big risks. It accomplishes nothing, and it is dangerous.
7) Be a good team mate: I learned how to be a good teammate by watching and learning from Hup Chip. That is the coolest guy on the planet, and is the best team mate ever.
Awards:
1) Most improved rider: Cort Cramer. So many times on the first lap, Cort has come by to give me a quick word of encouragement. He has done something quite special in his training programme this season. He is absolutely flying this year.
2) Best looking bike logo font: THE MANTIS!!!!!
3) This is a double category since the winner is the same. Best pick up line used by a cyclist:
"Hey Ladies, where is the other half?",
"WHAT?",
"Wait aren't you girls the girls from the Hot Tub?"
"No (Said in the most egregious tone)"
Part 2: The most tytest cyclist on the east coast cyclocross circuit: The Kyler.
Definition of Tyte: Often times in life, we come accross words that embody such awe inspiring Tyteness that it cannot be put into words. I guess the closest you can come is if you imagine squeezing Cipollini's chamois after a 7 hour race. Chemical analysis will reveal that the liquid investigated will be equal parts Pure unfiltered testostorone, Cologne, and Sweat. Now that is tyte.
4) Best Course: Lowell. The forest of Lowellenberg sent many $1,000+ carbon wheelsets to meet its maker. What a great course...
5) Pimpest cross bike: Chip Baker's Full Custom Sycip. I need pictures.
