Cyclocross Time in Tennessee

The week before AsheVegas CX on Thursday the Virginia Intermont Cycling Team held a cross clinic with current National Collegiate CX Champ Corey Rimmer giving pointers. We, ETSU Cycling, like to support all the local teams so we showed up 3 strong to get some pointers from the King. Below Blair, myself and Schyler listen intently while Corey gives some great pointers. His comments on starts, barriers and climbing had good points but I had to somewhat disagree with some of the cornering techniques. My old motocross habits are hard to break and what some think are the 'proper way' won't always work with everyone. I like hard breaking into turns for instance... 

 

Saturday's forecast called for lots of rain. Wow, they were right for a change! The small field complex where AVLCX hosts their CX races was going to be swallowed by a couple of inches of rain that would turn the place into a pond. The good thing about all the mud is that it was soup and it ran right off you and the bike. Here's a shot that Tank took just after my race. There was about 25-30 riders in the B class (AVLCX doesn't host regular classes just A,B & beginner) so I was hoping for a top 20 at least. There's tons of sandbaggers over there... I didn't know it until after the race but I was holding inside the 20th spot, barely. On the last lap my legs had nothing and 5 guys passed me on the velo portion of the course.

MSG starts this weekend!!!!!!!



New Belgium Brewing along with Holston Distributing has stepped up and provided liquid refreshment for our racers every weekend in the series. Thanks NBB!

This is our 'Omega Pharma' opps I mean MSG kit and colors for the second year. It seems we've been keeping each kit for about 2 years before moving on. I'm still partial to the old Oakland Raiders "black & silver" kits.

 

 



 

 

Yea, I'm a tad excited. Cyclocross, the fastest growing sport in cycling. Albeit that I think we start a couple of months too soon around here because our first few races feel more like short track with the weather being 70+ degrees and all. Anywho we get people jumpy for the first race of the year and this year we're paying attention to details. So we've added podiums announced after every race, a race announcer (Mama J and I are going to give this a try) and a few more perks like pint glasses and T-shirts.

This year Brewer Construction has rebuilt the flyover for us! It's hilarious watching some people try to get over this thing. It's steep too!

 

One of the former ETSU Cycling Team members, Shane, agreed to make some sweet custom medals for Mud Sweat & Gears this year for the 10th anniversary of the series. They look really good. We had a ribbon party the other night installing the neck ribbons and polishing up on the final details for this weekend's first race.

 



So if your in our neck of the woods come on out and visit, we'll make ya feel like you're right at home. We'll even let ya race your mountain bike if ya like.







LAter G......................