In the money.

This past weekend I decided to take the drive up to Schenectady NY, for the #2 Race in the NYCROSS series. I'm not trying to do well in the NY State events or anything, I just wanted to race. Since the 2+ hour drive was the closest of the Mid Atlantic races I thought "what the hell?"

Together with the "Twins," I drove up for the Men's B Race and decided to register for the Men's Pro event which was a Pro/2/3 field. The course was fun, and even though I was expecting tons of mud, it turned out to be very dry. Kinda surprising considering it had been raining for 3 days prior and as we drove up.

The B race hosted a field of 36, and it was my second B race as an official Cat. 3. The start was great and I quickly led for about half a lap. However my cornering skills are not where they should be and I was quickly passed. Held strong for 9th place.

After a 30 minute nap I suited up for the Men's Pro race, and even though if this was a real field I would have no business toeing the line... With only 13 racers, and some of them having raced earlier that day I figured it would be good training. Gun goes off and I just kept moving. 5th gear just wasn't there and I rode steady to take 9th again.

Here's the strange part. It turns out that the Payout ran 10 deep and I got handed an envelope with cash?! Yea. I actually won money! I'm not going to lie... this was the first time I won money for racing, and it felt really good. Man. I need to log some more miles and get my upgrade so I can always race for cash!

A big conrats to Lisban and Alejandro on taking the win's in the Men's B and Pro fields... not to shabby for their first cross race! See you all next weekend at Westwood Velo Cross and Hill Billy 3.0!

Red Bull Cola.

I was catching up with some of my old friends over at Red Bull this week when I stumbled upon something amazing.

RED BULL COLA

That's right. I must be falling behind but no more.

I already have a case coming straight from Las Vegas. Apparently this is the only US state which has it for sale? It's not too uncommon though, the original "larger" can of Red Bull Energy Drink was only available in California for the first few months of production.

Either way, I look forward to trying it, and will follow up with more info once I have it.
For now you can go to: REDBULLCOLA.com for more info.

Bear Creek CX.

So last weekend I toed the lione for the first race of the 2008-2009 Cyclocross season.

I headed out with a strong crew of 4 from the Rutgers Cycling Team. As an Alum I was really glad to see everyone, since it's been a while.
After a few warmup laps, everyone seemed to be in good spirits. The course was top notch, muddy as hell since it rained the day before. Perfect.

Men's c (3/4) Race.
I lined up 2nd row, gun goes off and I'm 4th into the hole shot. By the first lap I'm 2nd. Lap 2 I begin to trade off attacks with 1st. We go back and fourth for a bit and I break free. For the next 3 laps I ride solo until 1 lap to go. ThrouAll of a sudden, Flat.
Got off the bike, walked to the registration and signed up for the Men's B (2/3/4) Race. Took 11th.

Guess that's life.

Replacements

This is not really a topic I tend to touch on all to much...
In fact I avoid it at all cost.
I've been a social outcast since January. That's 8 months.
It's amazing how fast time seems to go by, but yup.

These past few days I'm learning that I'm wearing thin the few friendships and outlets I have.
I don't think my head is on straight just yet, or maybe I'm just over thinking certain aspects of my day to day. But without a proper group or person to vent to, well guess what I'll do: use the internet as an outlet.
I know these kind of statements are vague and they may not make too much sense, but they help clear up some of the clutter in my head.

I'm not the best at dealing with certain aspects of my friendships, and lately It's the feeling of being replaced.

One year older.

So...

It's my Birthday week and I thought I'd share a few photos.
For the first time in months I feel like a normal person, and it seems I may have (if just for a second) struck a balance between a social life, work, and training.

Thank you to all those friends, new and old, who made me feel like a bit of a person.

Monday Night.

Wednesday showcased the 1st Cross Practice of the season. Great turnout. And it seems like my legs weren't feeling too bad. Practice was followed by ice cream with some of the best people I know. If anyone is interested in the Central NJ CX Practices click here.

At the start...

and the warm-down lap.

As for the rest of the week I'll be racing Bear Creek CX in PA this Sunday. It will be the first race of the season and I can't wait. I'll be heading up with 3 other folks from the Rutgers University Cycling Team and am looking forward to see how the day ends up. I'm registered for the 3/4 Race and depending on how I feel I may register for the 2/3/4 race as well. More updates to come.

CX is a Go!

Alright,

So it's been a while and you all are wondering where the hell did I go?
Still working.
Finally training like I should be.
And Hiding from everyone as usual.

But for now lets take the time to say goodbye to Triathlon Season...
and hello to Cyclocross.

Same old frameset with some new parts.

The front end.


The rear.