Grumpy's CX

Sunday was so beautiful when Jay and I got up for yet another cyclocross race. The temps weren't much warmer than Saturday, but the sun was full of heat and energy. The leg warmers and base layers that got me through Saturday never made it out of the bag....and yet I still managed to find a reason to unzip the skin suit. I don't know what it is - I'm usually a complete freeze baby - until I mount that bike.

My lil bro Zach made it out for another race, even though he was coming down with a slight cold. Hopefully he's getting some rest now since State is coming up! The Grumpy's CX course was a riot! Tons of turns, barriers, and hillsides to make it interesting, muddy, and silly fun. I'm still a big kid - giggling the entire time as mud flies up in my face. What can I say? I love this sport!

The day I'm out there without this look on my face, I insist someone take my bike away!

Thanks for cheering, Jimmer!

So, working on the Crit idea again today, I lined up at the front row for the start of the race and sprinted with everything I had when they yelled Go! I got in and out of the Velodrome in 1st (a personal best for me), and set a great pace for myself for the race. June was right on me and quickly passed me up - she's so rad! I'm happy to even finish when I'm racing against her. Not only is she good, but she's such a sweet gal! (Way to go, June!). I rode as fast as I could for the entire race and loved every minute of it. I even mastered my goal of only 2 drinks, too! (I might just get the hang of it yet.)

The course was surprisingly muddy and soft even though it hadn't rained in over a week, which made for some silly, or should I say sloppy, good fun! I love ya bro, but I still had to include this one..... (don't worry Ma, he's fine! It was squishy)

photo from Skinnyski.com

Jay, unfortunately, had re-injured his leg and had to drop out in the first lap of his single speed race. The man can be pretty intense during a race, but this look was obviously pain....

photo from Mrs. (thanks for Cheering!)

Jay hit the sidelines and cheered hard, keeping me going lap after lap. He's such a super fiancee!
The mud was so much fun, and I loved all the barriers!

photo thanks to Skinnyski, the greatest sports photographers around!

Wow, I felt great and think I rode pretty awesome too, battling it out for the last couple laps with Lotsa-Speed Lori and having fun while doing it. She capitalized when I slowed up the last time through the muddy ditch pulling out in front for the final time. I, however, saw Bruce just feet in front of me, and made it my goal to eek past him with my last bit of effort. I saw his bike slow behind another rider as he was working out of the ditch. I took the high line up left on the hill, diving straight in and back out of the ditch as fast as I could, giving me the advantage coming into the home stretch. Jay was on the sidelines screaming as I sprinted with everything I had left, coming in right behind Lori, and just before Bruce. Man, it felt great!

Silver Cyclists did great overall! Margot Herman looked AMAZING on her Javelin, finishing 3rd in the elite Women's race to Linda Cooper in 2nd, and Linda Sone in 1st. Aric Hareland rocked a super-fast 2nd place in the A-1s! I just hope I can make it look so effortless some day.

Aric Hareland, photo from Skinnyski

More A Results:
Jimmer - 7th A3
Matt Muyers - 12th A3
Andy Kruse - 9th A1
Marc Wiken 10th A2

More B Results:
Matt Stein - 13th B1

What-the-hay-Ray!

More C Results:
Kaveh Rahimi - 5th Single Speed
Zach Attack Gast - 32nd C1
All the Way Ray - 40th C1
Jordan - 1st C4
Dana Bidenbaum - 10th C2
June Sayers - 2nd C2
Barb Harrik - 8th C2
Manda Lo- 6th C2
Lynn Biorsky - 13th C2

Thanks to everyone for Cheering! I love it! Thanks to Grumpy's and the Crew for putting on a fun race. And a special thanks to the officials for somehow keeping track of us all!

Cross'n and lovin' it!
Kristy Kreme

Ham Lake CX

Saturday was the Ham Lake CX. Or maybe it was a crit in the woods - I'm not really sure. All I know is that it was FAST!

True testament to what a noob I still am, it was news to me when Jay recommended that I treat CX races like criteriums. Honestly, I had never really thought about it in that format. Heck, I've never even thought of drafting in cross races, so you can imagine the silent moments that followed such statements on the drive up.

Jay's great about not pushing any training regimens or theories on me. He'll just throw out ideas until I start digging into his brain for more. Me, I typically drink each lap and run it sub-max. I never thought to do otherwise. With the Crit idea in mind, I made a challenge to myself to drink only every other lap. Heck, you don't drink in crits, right? Or did I? I don't remember - it's been a LONG season.

I got a great start position and tried my hardest to sneak into the trail as far up in the pack as I could. The pace was insane from the get go and I rode the wave, attempting to get ahead of as many people as I could as soon as possible. When we hit the road, I jumped on a wheel and held tight. I was riding great, coursing through the wooded trails, over and around obstacles....trying only to survive, not think.

Other than focusing on my barrier skills (which is what I focus on each race, and b/c it's my favorite part of cyclocross), I completely impressed the heck out of myself by only drinking twice. The lazy night home the night before my have helped me be more hydrated, but not letting my mind beat me was even better!

With 2 laps to go, Becky got on my wheel and rode it. She rode it so gracefully, she even coasted when I sat up to rest. I tried to lose her on the trail during the last lap, but couldn't finish it off solo. I still don't have the endurance yet. Me, I come from a hockey & rugby background, where all I needed was a solid minute or two of intense effort, then 5 minutes of rest, repeat. Never before have I done anything like bike racing requires, so I still need to teach my little lungs and heart a thing or two.

With a quarter lap to go, Becky came around me. She didn't get far, though, as I jumped on her wheel and rode to the finish after her. With little energy left, I couldn't out sprint her, but was happy to finish behind her after the fight I had put up. I think that was the hardest I'd ridden a Cross race all year - how could I be disappointed?

Well, honestly, I did get a little teary afterwards, knowing that I hadn't finished top 3. Yes, I know I am not there as a rider yet, but a little gal like me can dream, right? I want so badly to get a fab finish like that just to impress Jay (and myself), even though I know he's proud of me just for being out there. Someday.... until then, I'm still so happy to just finish!
I got 7th place of 13 great women! I am quite proud of myself indeed.
Jay did great, aside from a kickball injury earlier in the week, taking 12th in the A1's.
More Hollywood/Silver Cycling & Friends Results:
A-1's
Aric Harlan - 3rd
Jay - 12th
A-2's
Super Todd - 5th
A-3's
Snides - 5th
Jimmer - 8th
Matt Muyers - 12th
Greg 'Stick' Lavick - 15th (Lavick tripled up again, taking 17th in the B1's, and 5th in C1's)
B-1's
Matt Healy - 31st (Matt doubled up, taking 18th in C1's, too)
B-2's
Dave Herbert - 4th
B-3's
Linda Sone - 1st
Margot Herman - 4th
C-1's
Lunatic Biker - 46th
C-2's
June Sayers - 3rd
Lynn - 9th
C-3's
Jordan Cullen - 1st

Great job everyone! Thanks to the SPBRC & Peacock Groove for putting on a great race!
Kristy Kreme

Rocky Horror Picture Show

On Friday night, my friend Aleshia and I dolled up and hit the Ordway to check out the fun and follies of the Rocky Horror Picture Show!
Somehow, we missed the memo that it was Sr. night at the Ordway, showing up as 2 of the 1/2 dozen that showed up in full Time Warp garb. The rest of the crowd was wearing leisure suits and pearls....but hey, who doesn't like a little fish-net stocking and black eye shadow every now and then??

The show was amazing! Not only did it come with the Audience Participation Pack so we could make noise and throw confetti along with the story, but the performers blew us away. The gentleman playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Monte Wheeler) could not have been better cast. From the moment he stepped into the spotlight, the Doc sounded exactly like Tim Curry. I've never had so much fun watching Rocky Horror in all my life! It was hysterical - especially since they encouraged the audience to heckle and interact with what was going on. Something this little crosser gets a major kick out of. (No cross-dressing pun intended). ;O)

I can't wait until next year to go see it again! If you're still looking for a fun night out, though, it's still playing through Nov. 25th. I strongly urge you to check it out!



Time Warpin' into the night,
Kristy Kreme