One week LA, the next Bend, Oregon, for the finals of the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross. Polar opposites for sure. It was actually drier in Bend, if you can believe that, but it wasn't warmer. I shacked up with my old friends the Arnolds, who are transplants from where else - LA. Both were in the record business, but needed a change from the bustling city life and all those parties, so they headed north and wound up in not-so-bustling Bend. Which is not to say that Bend is boring or that the people don't party. Bend has more breweries per capita than any other place in the country.
Which brings me to the race course.....it has been held at the Deschutes Brewery for the past 4 years in some form or another. First Nationals and then the USGP has raced around the kegs rooms. It is a classic course. A little of everything and great viewing for spectators. Day 1 started cold and I was pretty excited because I finally got to "Buckler Up". A friend of mine, Jon Mason, started an embrocation business called Buckler Embrocation. There is something to be said about rubbing warm stuff on your legs on very cold days. Most of the time it is more effective when it is raining, but mud can activate the burning, I mean, warming sensation that keeps your legs warm.
Sketchy downhill from the brewery loading dock. Then you go into a right turn, then run up.
The stairs - they have been there every year.
First rule of applying embrocation is to be careful of where you are applying it. Get it only on your legs or there will be a burning surprise when you start riding around. The first step is to have your bibs on before applying embro, as it is called for short. This is because if you put it on your legs and then pull on your bibs...well it will give you new meaning to "great balls of fire". The second rule is to have some rubber gloves. That way you don't run the risk of getting some on your hands then grabbing your junk when you have to pee right before race time. Fire on the privates again. Once you have rubbed your legs with the embro, discard gloves and you are set. Now if you are really pro maybe you can convince someone else to rub your legs with embro. Then it is their problem. But they better be good friends of yours if they are going to do that. Oh, and remember after the race get some baby wipes and wipe your legs off. Because if you go into the shower without doing that....fire, fire, everywhere.
Which puts me back to the race. Day 1 went well for me. I was near the back but had a great start and was Top 10 for the first 1/2 lap until the guy in front of me crashed in the sand pit. Thus began my slow slide backwards. Day 2 offered no solace as I had an even worse start and did my same slide backwards. One of these days I will have a Top 15 at a national race. Till then....keep training and trying. And glove up when applying embro... I beg of you.
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