So, I did the initial race, and then went on to do a couple more. The first race was quite fun. The race grouped the B's along with all the single speed racers, 4 in all. I went out a little tentatively, not wanting to get in front of others who were inevitably going to be much faster than myself. The race went on, and I passed a few people, and even managed to beat a fair number of geared racers. In my race, I finished on the podium, er...out of four people, but still on the podium. Not a bad start, especially considering my training.
Next, I raced a local series. There was no singlespeed competition, so I enter the geared B category. More or less a repeat of the previous race. Although, this course had some extended straightaway downhills where I spun out my gear and lost position to others. At the end, I finished down in the standings, though I believe my lack of gears cost me in this race.
To finish the cross season, I did two more races. One was in the Cross Crusade, the largest one day cross race in the world. This was the big time. With the elite SS race being cancelled, all comers raced together in the singlespeed race: pros, beginners, men, women, masters...I finished in a respectable position, in the top third of the field after starting five people from the back. I think it was, perhaps, one of the best races I have had in cyclocross, based on results. The last race I did was last weekend at Barlow. I decided to race the Master B group with my geared bike. To make a long story short: I started near the back, I finished in the top third, but was subjected to a faulty pedal easily costing me a minute and at least 20 positions. Oh well, not really a big deal. What is a bigger deal are the realizations and thoughts I have had about bike racing. Kind of brings a new meaning to singlespeed...
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