Oh Spooky Cross. The race weekend came at the end of a two week break from riding bikes (only interrupted by the FoCo USGP). Generally, I wouldn’t recommend racing bikes without pedaling in six days but Spooky Cross seemed like an event TJ and I couldn’t pass up. Plus, we got the hook-up with host housing (thanks Tim & Michelle!) and Crankbrothers is headquartered right down the road in Laguna Beach. So we went, and gave it a whirl.

Day 1 – Amateur start. I crashed myself (and fortunately only myself) in the first sweeping corner. I broke a plastic course stake which lodged itself around my handlebar, but luckily have nothing else to show for my tumble. It turns out I ran my tire pressure a little too low for the course conditions. I crashed when my tubular tire gave way riding through an off camber divot. This left me DFL and fired up to salvage something of the race. So I chased my heart out. Three laps later I had ridden my way up to fifth, but first through fourth were long gone. So I hung in there for fifth. Luckily, top-five get to share the podium so that was a nice surprise. Even if it made me look short.

Day 2 – Repeat of Day 1 without the handicapped start, which made my fifth place slightly disappointing. Only slightly. I’m taking this cross-scapade day-by-day, no expectations, each race as an opportunity to learn and have fun.

It was apparent that my cross practice also took a two week break. At Spooky Cross, I lost quite a bit of time and confidence over the barriers, up the run-up, and through the sand-pit. The difference at the Planet Bike Cup is that I had recently practiced re-mounts, dis-mounts, and shouldering repeatedly. I had also prepared with off-the-bike drills to help increase my leg speed (my short legs have to be quick!). Practice always helps. And a lack-of-practice hurt at Spooky Cross.

Now TJ and are back in Tucson. It feels good to be home.