It is hard to believe that cyclocross season is already well underway. With
Marathon Mountain Bike Nationals just a few weeks in the rear view mirror and a couple of local races under my belt, I headed to Portland for a weekend with my family and some great racing at the first Cross Crusade Series Race, Alpenrose.
The Women's field was solid - the strongest I have ever seen at a Crusade race (minus Sue, who is quickly recovering from back surgery and will be back at it no time flat). I had a rotten start, but clawed my way to the front by the second lap. Jade, Alice and Beth Ann were all riding well and I had to dig deep to hold onto my position.
This is what I would consider a pain face.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSSBlehubN4Wy-9mPCSuhDyDlFSHdmyhx19F4Eul-gCeU1GcIJHXDbY5v1j2qMKJTM34BTF7xw2roMRK520nJKTPgNcdGLwH6q5xVu2Tcw01GefFowZid_UuhorGVUIvcUjYtBUAgX46g/s320/sbg1_Alp2.jpg) |
Photo: Matthew Lasala |
To ride or to run? I picked the first option.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNZSdJ-sS_XM22rZmUIjUQk1IP3lxy82qxBESSEEMqEBbFAvWNo80Fsek1S94Sh8MapgBjtaa9EUN6iTER1FhyphenhyphenVLa-WTvrdu5GYJsphIwPXMNRP1UN0EsVHgk5Ts50xFxg5X4aRs_ivS1/s320/sbg1_Alp3.jpg) |
Photo: Matthew Lasala |
My road tactics weren't strong, but Jade's were. She let me lead until the last lap. I bobbled and she put in an attack I couldn't respond to....
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOknyLrrGA31242h5RlPtJsx_lQocfY-mZw87bS7F_E_0ngSg-ehClcn9O-WwRtccS2PV8zGWdatKm8LsoxEF8vc3ALC9t8PECAx80299K_f-iHD_Dy5meyzONrh2n7T4oeX6D_dnVsLMA/s320/sbg1_Alp.jpg) |
Photo: Matthew Lasala |
Last lap, chasing hard.....
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwO-cA00zfUUET5PvqxqDJ95MtZLstmTj2z8dtqyF6ghwJtkqnqZHs46XuT7hfZ1wMzh2stRegfO2sG2neE8azrOpHDHJ9sx9XKdX3ac_u1I_8Dz6xoCFfg3796QD30svZtv5KgLTgic_/s320/sbg1_Alp4_AK.jpg) |
Photo: Andrew Keippela |
The aftermath.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GpyGC1KhB_yZNuDHtd4uW49YwtxegPdRBhxBnYEZZby-JMEy1NnqOu-82rEj3EjPncHc_a8atFl4yaCGwWZtH3-ZUDgnBQ3eEgfO-CJp7sjo7Dih73cmtCGPmzPhtkLBcnt8bbwW5XvT/s320/sbg1_Alp5_AK.jpg) |
Photo: Andrew Keippela |