Bear Creek Mid Atlantic Super Series Finals

Coming into the MASS finals this year, I had no expectations at all.  I'd not been racing and was obviously not in the hunt for the series.  I did have a loose plan that came as a result of attempting to reassure my nervous wife that I'd be OK... Being that I was racing for the first time this year on the toughest, most technical course in the MASS, in some of the most oppressive weather that we've had.  I doubt that I convinced her, but my resulting "race plan" was to go out easy (which I don't do), have fun (which I can't do after going out hard) and most of all be safe (Racing at Bear Creek?)  Right... It's not like there are any places to screw up and hurt yourself there.

As soon as I pulled into the parking lot, I realized that I'd forgotten my license.  Seriously?  It's been on the kitchen counter, all season.  I rummaged through my wallet to find last year's license.  No.  I took that out of my wallet last week when I cleaned out the useless crap.  Great start... I figured the worst thing to happen would be a forced CAT 2 entry and I'd bandit the pro race, get DQ'd and not have my results show up on the USAC page.  Meh.  The registration people were cool about it and after accepting the registration - pending the official's ruling - I politely told her that I'm going to disappear now and nobody will see me until after the race.  I promised to go to the official afterwards to accept my lashings. 

With an hour or so of the start, I went out for a warmup.  From the first crank, my bike was making a god aweful racket.  It was unbearable and it would have been unsportsmanlike for me to ride the thing in it's current state.  I spent 15 minutes scouring the area for the only tool that I didn't grab off the workbench - a bottom bracket tool.  Figures.  After performing bike surgery half an hour from the gun, I headed out for another short warmup.  Not a peep from the bottom bracket... Score.  You're welcome, fellow competitors.  An announcement came that our start was to be delayed by another 10 minutes, which accompanied by my nerves, prompted me to shoot out for another quick loop to stay "warm" - in the 90° heat­.  Good call.  A few minutes later, I returned to a starting grid packed full of 40 guys.  Fail - I could only laugh at myself for that stupidity.  I found a cozy spot in the back row next to Mike Laub and we made some small talk.  Chatting about our bikes and such I overheard one of the guys near us complaining about his back row position.  He was bitching to the CAT 1 field behind us and generally being obnoxious...  Getting annoyed with his broadcasting of excuses, I just wanted them to say go already...

A hundred yards in, there's a short punchy gravel climb that a lot of guys have trouble with, especially in a tight start group.  I knew it was coming and was able to carry momentum through a loose inside line and pass a bunch of guys.  We hit the pavement climb to the trail head and I was steadily moving up.  About half way up, I hear a pleasant greeting from my left.  I look over, smile and start chatting ... "Hey! How's it goin' Steve?"  That brief conversation was enough put me off the pavement and into the bushes.  I almost lose it all together and pray that there are no hidden rocks in the brush.  I held it together and managed to sneak back onto the tarmac.  Most of my momentum and a several positions gone, Lebair asked me "What the hell was that move?"  "Oh, no big deal...."  Jokingly, I said something about Ordons using some trickery to crash me out in the first half mile. "Rat Bastard."  I regained my composure just in time to stop at the trail head for the bottleneck into the woods.  I dismount, stand there, crack a joke and pick my nose... I probably could have had a beer before getting onto the dirt.  Realistically about 15 seconds later, I entered the woods running - the first 25 places were long gone and I could only see the last 10-15 guys.  I guess that is where a good starting position and some gear options make a huge difference.  Pfft.

The trail turned downhill and over the first root, I burped my front tire.  I think "Wow.  It's going to be one of those days I guess..."  It was just a little bit of air, but it was enough to make me nervous for a bit.   I was probably running too much pressure anyway and after making it through the first rock garden, I forgot all about it.  Feeling good starting the first climb I made some passes.  Halfway up, a guy chopped me, twice in a row on two punchy climbs, completely killing my momentum.  Both times they would have been otherwise clean passes and that kind of crap always fires me up whether it's intentional or not.  Luckily, I had to come off the bike the second time and was able to run past him.  Otherwise, I would have definitely burned another match or three to get around on the next flat section.  Thanks, Richard. 

As I started to descend, I could feel Matt Miller on my wheel.  I know he likes it here and descends really well so I offered up a line.  I figured that he would let loose and was hoping that I'd be able to hang on for the ride.  Just after he went around, I could feel my back end starting to get loose.  30 seconds later I was fumbling around with my CO2s on the side of the trail.  Thankfully, it sealed, but I lost my ride down the mountain, a chunk of time and several places in the process.  The rest of that first lap was pretty much a blur.  I rode fairly conservatively, questioning if the tire was good to go or if it was going to let loose in a cloud of Stans at the worst possible moment.   

Second lap, the tire was holding air and after gaining some spots on the climb, my confidence in the bike came returned.  I descended well and could see some people coming back to me.  Near the bottom of the mountain, I nearly T-boned Festa as he practiced some trials in a tight corner.  He kindly apologized and gave up a line shortly thereafter.  I tell you what, it's really refreshing to be out there with guys that aren't assholes.  Despite what our license might say, we're all amateurs and we're all out there for fun.  Some guys lose sight of that and I think that a little sportsmanship and being a genuinely good guy on the trail goes a long way.  Things like that definitely build some Karma and I think we all could use a little extra now and again.  From my limited interactions with Mike, I bet he's got a lot of points.       

Awesome pictures by A.E. Landes Photography

3/4 of the way around lap two, we were starting to hit lapped traffic.  It's always a frustrating and precarious situation when you have this kind of thing going on and every year I think I have the same experiences here.  I always try to be as nice as possible... I say please when I ask for a pass and thank you as I go by.  I know that nobody ever wants to give up their line, but it's a lot safer for everyone.  Stalling only frustrates the faster rider and a lot of times it will make them force a pass - which can be dangerous and frustrating for both racers.  When a racer catches you and has politely asked to pass more than once please don't ask; "Are you there?"  Yes.  I am here.  Yes.  I still want to pass you safely.  And Yes.  My patience is running extremely thin.  Kindly yield in accordance to the rules of racing.   

The third lap I felt pretty strong on the climb and was able to pick off a few more.  I had no idea what position I was in, but I was feeling good about the fact that I had steadily moved up the whole race.  I took a few chances on the descent trying to make up some time on those whom I couldn't see.  I did catch a glimse or three of somebody that was behind me on the switchbacks and that helped me keep on the gas.  Eventually, I started seeing a carrot out in front but I knew I was running out of room.  As we left the woods for the last time, I could see that he was within striking distance.  I knew that I'd really have to work to bring him back on the half mile gravel finish, so I got on it.  I couldn't turn the pedals over quick enough to close it down on the flat around the lake, but he wasn't gaining anything.  As we started the last climb, I could see him struggling.  About 200 yards out, I made contact just as we crested the hill.  I really needed to make a pass here, but I just didn't have it.  I sprinted hard on the downhill finish, but he had the lead position coming into the sweeping corner before the line.  Hoping that the gravel would make him swing wide, I tried a last ditch effort to get around the inside.  I couldn't hold it, the back end broke free and that was it.  We rolled across together, 12th and 13th place. 

I'm pretty happy with how the race panned out.  I stayed relaxed, had fun and didn't get hurt.  I got to put in a race effort on next year's Nationals course, which suits me pretty well.  I'm excited about getting my ass handed to me by the likes of Todd Wells.  I wonder how many guys will be in that field on a single speed?

Changes...

The last few months...  Wow.  So much has happened and so much has changed this year..  I was going to just throw some pics up here, but that's so weak.  A cop out.  My head spins when I try to think about it all and I keep going back to the two big ones... so I'll touch on those.

To start, Kim and I became Mr and Mrs. Bill Showers on April 7th, 2012.  We were married on the anniversary weekend of our first date.  We were married on the trails that we ride together most which are also happen to be the trails where we had that first date.  I've thought of our first date every time that I ride through those woods and now I think of our wedding day too.  It's a constant reminder of one of the best days of my life.  I know I'm biased, but I think we set the bar pretty high for both a ceremony and a reception.

The second has been consuming all my thoughts for the past couple months... we're having a baby.  We're having a baby.  We're having a baby!  With the excitement and anticipation, many things that would ordinarily be on my mind are nowhere to be found these days.

Kim passed the first trimester a little while ago.  It's not been an easy road for us but she's been amazingly strong so far and I've been doing my best to support her and make her feel as comfortable as she can be.  It's tiring for her and for me, but I know the cliche(s) and I know that it'll all be worth it. 

With a baby coming, thoughts of planning and preparations come and go in waves... I think about all that we need to do in the next five months and scares me a little bit.  Kim and I are both scramblers more than planners....Two peas in a pod I guess.  But it means that most of the things will probably be pushed off until the last possible moment.  In my own weird way, I think I'm trying to prepare as much as I can, and I think I'm starting to nest.  A few weeks ago, I got rid of the neglected and impractical XTerra and bought a more practical (and safe) station wagon for Kim.  I'm looking to get rid of the Mazda (because it's a ticking time bomb) and buy a POS beater car for myself and my shitty commute.  I've started cleaning out the attic, cleaned up the garage and I've been stressing about our yard.  Yeah... the yard.   I'm starting to put some effort into reclaiming the yard that we've been neglecting for the past couple years.  We love to be outside and the baby needs some soft grass to crawl through next spring, right? 

This week I have an appointment with a flooring company with an annoying advertising campaign.  They're going to give me an estimate for putting in some hardwood.  Our carpet in the family room is stained with kid stuff, dog stuff and who knows what else.  It's stretched out, it's gross and we can't have the baby crawling on that nasty mess, right?  So instead of getting on the bike tomorrow night, I get to deal with a greasy floor salesman.  I can't wait for this one.  

I have been getting on my bike once in a while but I haven't raced at all this season.  Well... that's not entirely true.  I did race one lap at French Creek.  I don't have much confidence in my fitness and as a result, I just don't have the desire to compete.  There are a couple races left on the calendar that I still have my eye on, but who knows. Now that the season is waning and I've not finished an XC race in ten months or so, It's really easy to come up with an excuse not to enter the start grid. 

Just recently, I've found myself thinking about 'cross.  That's pretty foreign to me, and it's a little confusing.   'cross for the past few years has just been a way to get a competitive fix once the xc season is over.  I have no idea why I'm thinking about it now, in my least competitive year in since I've started cycling.  I think about the turns, the fast grassy sections, the mud, the dismounts, the running... I've actually thought about starting to run a couple times a week.  I find myself thinking about the beat up hand-me-down Redline that I have in the garage.  I wonder if it's ready for the abuse that comes with a cross season.  I wonder if I should try to convert it to a single speed.  I wonder if I'll even be into the 'cross season when it gets here. 

Head spinning, Pedal spinning.  Repeat.  Getting on the bike once in a while is helping to keep me focused on - or distracted from - reality.  I suspect that it'll continue until I really need to scramble. Then it'll be complete chaos... until it's not.  That's how we roll, and it'll be fiiiiine. 

One of my favorite pics from our date in Islamorada.  Having fun - its what we do.

Hemming and Hawing; I Challenge you to a Duel, BikeReg

There's a showdown today at high noon. The sun is shining high off my back casting a long, dark shadow over whatever lies before me. More tension mounts with each minute that passes. Soon, the butterflies will arrive in full force and by 11:45, it'll be all I can think about. With about ten minutes to go, I'll nervously fumble around my desk. I'll get up, walk to the bathroom in a feeble attempt relieve myself of the nerves. It won't work. A few minutes left, I'll really be worrying about my office's shoddy network and archaic web browser. With seconds to go, my palms will be sweaty as I fumble with my wallet, trying desperately to pull out that rectangular piece of plastic. Stabbing at the keyboard, I'll pound in the pertinent details. Click Submit. ... Wait for it ...

If I win, KPD (soon to be) S and I will race the PA State CX champs on Sunday. If I lose, KPD (soon to be) S and I will still race the PA State CX champs on Sunday - the difference being that I'll have earned myself a $20 procrastination fee.

Why the hell do I do this to myself?

Prepared... Or Not.

So, a few weeks ago KPD(soon to be S) rolled out to the Amish country for my first race of the 2011 'cross season. It didn't take long for me to come to the realization that I was completely unprepared for anything except actually racing my bicycle. I had my kit, shoes, helmet gloves and bike, which I guess is the important stuff. But that was it... No proper warm up gear (there was snow, inches of snow! on the ground). No food at all for before or after the race. No tools at all - not even a multi tool to change the seat height on the pit bike. I don't even think I had a pump with me. Maybe it's because my last race had been in September when it was warm and sunny? I'd like to say that it's because I simply forgot how to prepare for 'cross... but the reality is, I was barely prepared enough to ride a bike. All I know is that I warmed up in my North Face puffy winter coat and some winter gloves. It was embarrassing and and it was borderline non-functional. Oh, so pro.

It's always a scramble for me the morning of; making sure I have a clean kit, gathering my nutritional items, searching, scrounging... right! I need to make breakfast... remembering something I need and then searching the house for it. It's pretty ridiculous.

With two decades of racing (one way or another) under my belt, It's embarrassing that I don't have this dialed by now. I know that I should have a list of gear to run down when packing. Or I should have a "race day only" bag of "race day only" stuff that should be ready to go at a moments notice - shoes, socks, kit, helmet, gloves, base layer, warmers, nutrition, tools, air, tubes... hell, I just came up with most of the list in about 25 seconds. Or maybe I should have my gear organized so that at least I know where to find that elusive glove rather than scouring the several locations around the house, where it might be: laundry room (pile of clean clothes), laundry room (Tupperware glove bin - wait, we have an actual place for gloves?), laundry room (pile of dirty clothes), the bedroom closet, the coat closet, the bag of misfit socks and gloves, the garage (workbench), the garage (shelves), the garage (various bins of bike related crap that is and never will be used), either one of the two cars.

Yesterday was "next time." It was about 60°, sunny, dry and breezy. Running down the list, I fared better than last time, but had two major omissions.
I had:

• Enough tools to properly break down and rebuild a bike.
• Enough winter outdoorsy gear to traverse the Iditarod, on foot.
• Water
• 2 x kit (socks, shoes, jersey, shorts, gloves, helmet, glasses, arm warmers)
• Bike

What I didn't have but needed desperately:

• Cycling wind breaker for warming up - my baggy ass running jacket from years ago is just silly. Also, the stupid thing got caught on my saddle and put me into the ground pretty hard. on a pre-race hot lap.
• Nutrition - I was hungry before my warm up and had nothing to eat. I started to warm up and my stomach was growling. Halfway through the race, I came completely unglued to the point that I was delirious. After loading up on crap at a convenience store, I felt like a million bucks.

So basically, I didn't have the two of same things that I was lacking last time. The only difference is that this time I had some tools, "just in case" I needed them. Yeah, that went well. Let's try this again... This time, it'll be in text, on the Internet. It's on the Internet, so it'll have to work.

I hereby vow to have my shit together next time.