CROSS NATIONALS 2008

Getting to ride in 40 degree temps for the most part - some BikeTech racers headed for Kansas City, MO for CycloCross Nationals last week for some really epic and big time racing. John, Landon, Steve, and KaT.

At the finish line - KAT, John and Landon going for the publicity shot. You can see some of the course layout behind. It was basically winding up hill half the 1.6 mile course and then twisty down-hill the second half.

Kat racing the B Women's race - Thursday morning - dawned sunny and cold - advantage - the ground with its dusting of snow was frozen solid - disadvantage - the cleats couldn't dig in. This is the first of the short run-ups the course offered. Run up then sharp right to a slippery downhill - then a steep short hill before one could get back on the bike for the down-hill sections. Goal was to finish up-right - 19th out of 30+ starters -

A view of the course from the top most point - good vantage to see all the racers.

Steve putting the pressure on in the B-Men's race mid-morning - a fine job of racing negotiating the thawing conditions. Mud was emerging as the day warmed up to the mid 40s. Steve always in good form - pulling in the competition with steady solid effort.

Landon on a twisty section that came after the 2nd run up with was basically mud into an off camber (lots of off camber sections on this course) tight 180 turn into another before hitting the pavement again.

The 2nd set of barriers - Landon shows how it is done. Momentum didn't take you far when a sharp left turn was required before getting back on the bike into an off camber right turn and into more muddy and off camber sections. Landon worked hard to a 15th place finish - right on and goal of 15th or above accomplished. Way to put it out there.

John digging deep to reel in the new competition. Getting encouraging words from Minnesota racer Dan Meyer - the suffering starts now. The course was muddy gooey as the afternoon progressed.

John navigating a twisty muddy section as the day warmed up even more making the conditions change with each lap. John finished 9th - Well done! - An awesome top 10 finish with some new guys into the category - pushing last year's winner back to 5th. Results of races for Day 1 can be found here.Day Two had Kat racing Master Women Age categories - goal was middle of the pack - but after the warm -up pre-ride - Lots of Mud - outlook wasn't great. Actually alot of whining was heard from her. Having registered late - got the last position in the group which meant a row all to herself - Kat hopes to move up.

And they are off - staggering the Women age groupings. Kat in the back - thinking about moving up,

Muddy sections all over the course - but with each lap the conditions got better and better. Started reeling the competition and after starting in last position - finished 15th out of 25+ starters - comfortable with the effort - Kat's 2nd season of Cross (sort of half season) and what a fun way to finish it out.

A shot of the Wheel Pit fort the Master 45 race in which Tilford dominated - amazing to watch. Thanks to all of the support from the team to all of us braving the elements. Looking forward to next season - get out there and ride.

Watch for an announcement regarding HOP at Kat's for the winter training season.