Camano Island century plus cross racing in full effect for Dyna Racing

My ankle problems seem to be behind me now and I'm trying to make the most of the lovely September weather here in western Washington. Some friends from the Snohomish Bicycle shop threw together a century rout around Camano Island, a ride I have always wanted to do and I simply couldn't say no to that even though I was signed up for a cross race the following day. The ride didn't disappoint! 

Camano roads were scenic and not too busy for the most part and the group kept the stops short and infrequent. Other than one flat in the group, the ride went quite smoothly. 

The wether was quite perfect. It was also my first day wearing my new kit for Dyna racing. 

What cyclist can say no to a century on new kit day? Not I!

The next day was MFG #1 at Lake Sammamish. My ankle was sore from the previous day's festivities and this race had 2 sandy running sections per lap. I was a bit worried my ankle might cut my day short but it turned out my equipment would instead. I ended up sitting in the top 20 out of 60 on the second lap when I dropped my chain and lost a good 10 seconds. I was flustered by that and pushing hard to get back toward the top 10, I crashed on a corner and my bike flailed me completely. My chain was off and my wheels would not turn due to my close clearance TRP 8.4 v-brakes. I messed with the springs to center them up and rode another 30 seconds and my front tire blew. I was done for the day. 

The following weekend was MFG #2, South Sound Supervstage at Ft. Steilacoom Park near Tacoma. I felt ready for action on this race day. I gave this race my all and threw down an average of 260 watts for 51 minutes which is the best output my little legs have produced so far this year. I had no major screwups and I cranked up to 184 beats per minute on the climb 7 time in a row. It's nice when my body does what I ask it to! 

I came in 7th out of around 50 in the open 3's feeling very satisfied with my effort and the support from the team was excellent. Fun day of racing!

So far the wether for cross season has been excellent but our luck is bound do change as the season progresses. I say, bring it on, I've been though it all before!

Back in the saddle (again). Cross is here!

As a result of my ankle sprain, August was a very light month at about 500 miles total and no rides over 50 miles. That was not what I had in mind ahead of cross season but I didn't have any choice in the matter. 

This week was the first week that I was able to ride as much as I wanted to and Labor Day weekend was a blast! I started off with a 100 mile ride out to Index Washington, my favorite ride of the summer. I ended up riding 1/3 with the Snowhomish bike group and the rest solo. The usual suspects were resting up for Labor Day events 2 days later. 

Green is back! The last week was wet and everything is green and full of life. The ride ended up giving me a lot of confidence in my abilities on the bike after holding back and resting my ankle all month.

I actually felt so good on the ride I decided to to the Labor Day Cross race two days later. It would be a dress rehearsal for the series races starting September 13th. I was able to test my tire pressure, gearing, and practice my dismounts. 34psi in the rear and 29 in the wider 34cm front did well for me. The 1x10 drivetrain was perfect with the 50t front ring (Wolftooth drop stop) with 11-38t cassette. The Shimano SPD's were much easier to clip into than the egg beaters. I'm a fan. 

The course was very flat and fast. Less than 500 feet of vertical for the entire 5 laps and 47 minutes. Some good technical corners with some fast gravel roads up to 24mph. Not an ideal course for me but I made the best of it and ended up finishing in the top half of the cat 3 open. Fun! 

This was my last race wearing blue and Orange for Fischer Plumbing. Next week I should get my new charcole, pink, and blue Dyna kit which will match my new neon pink fame color scheme. Should stand out in a crowd!