Central Coast Cyclocross - NCNCA Cup #1

Chris and I recently deduced that we are habitually tardy. We blame it on Simone, but that is because she is a great excuse for our misgivings. So we decided to camp out before our big races this year so we can guarantee we make it on time to our races. This week was the first NCNCA Cup and it was the 3rd race of the CCCX held at Laguna Seca in Monterey. We arrived Saturday and found a good camp spot right at the venue.  We arrived while they were marking the course so we were able to do a few laps on it and were psyched we did as it helped us today.  The course was a climber and mountain biker's dream. We started up a short paved hill before getting on bumpy grass to our first of three barriers.  Before we had a small descent leading us to a steep 400 meter climb. The tip top of that had our second barrier on an off camber section. This was the most off camber, slippery course I have ever done.  15-18 of us started the course. I did not focus on getting out too hard as I knew I would catch folks on the hill.  I was in 8th or so at this point and got myself into 5th after the hill which turned into a crazy steep and twisty descent. I almost ate it a few times going way too fast into the turns. My specialized tri-cross is so responsive it is easy to fly on.  This descent was followed by another climb which yes is followed by our third barrier and another rocking downhill. Then back to the climb, I passed Beverly Chaney, Maryanne Hunter, and Kathleen Hannon, and got on the wheels of Stella Carey and Sarah Maile. The three of us gapped the field and by lap 3, Stella gapped us a bit. Neck and neck Sarah and I climbed together and she led me by several feel. I felt great and was feeling confident at this point when all of a sudden a webcor girl zoomed by us with one lap to go. I put my head down and followed Sarah, she descended faster though and gapped me a bit. I did not know it until I finished that I passed the webcor gal after she dropped a chain right after passing us. So I finished third, got myself on the podium, got some cash, and had a great time. This course was well suited to my riding style and hopefully next week at MacLaren will bring me the same luck as today.

-Sarah P.

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