2nd Cross race ever...

I Line up 2nd row, whistle blows, horrible start..

I get pinched out by the Herd and

roll into the woods about 25th wheel..

Fantastic...

I can see the lead group pulling away and I'm stuck in Traffic.

Time to put the head down, mash and pick people off one at a time..

The tunnel vision and nausea subside a bit after 2 laps...but

I make all the newbie mistakes..

I carve a Bad line and end up in tall grass, I get out of the saddle going up a little hill and spin out, having to unclip and run, re-mount...on the same lap

I come into Cowbell Corner on another bad line and wipe out like a clown at about 2 mph in front of all my xXx Family and the Screaming Cowbell Slinging, Cash Prime-ing, Beer hand-upping Maniacs, My adrenalin kicks in and i grab my bike a run the obstacle, which i do from that point forward every lap making up spots while people struggled with this technically challenging little section...It was Amazing to get thru there with the screams of encouragement, it honestly helped pull me thru the pain cave...

2nd to last lap I reel in a rider i'd been stalking for half a lap but I drop my chain thru the Cowbell corner, thankfully Mike Seguin screamed at me and let me know, The rider passes me as I pop my chain back on, but now he's got about 75 meter gap on me, I work the whole lap to try and get him back and just about get him at the line with a bike throw..Soooo close,

No Dice....8th place..

Things I learned...

1) Pre ride the course at least twice

2) Don't sit on wheels like a crit, just hammer past when chasing...

Man...a strange thing is happening, I'm starting to like this....

Good People, Good Times