Cross Out Cancer v2

The 2nd Annual Cross Out Cancer race was held again at Shawnee Mission Park. A very similar course as last years. One needed to have a good set of tires, the ability to duck around the many low limbs/trees on the course and the ability to stay out of the caution tape (due mainly to a very narrow course that doubled back on itself my times). Low tire pressure was a must with the dry bumpy course. I ran my Kenda Kommando's at 29 psi and my back was happy for it.

The Livestrong Arm team did a good job all around and hosted a well organized event. Last years affair raised over $3,000.00 to help fund cancer. Most of the money's stay local. This one reason why I came out and supported the event despite earlier stance that I would not race any more "summer cross" events with temps in the 80's. 199 other races came out as I did to support the event. Down about 20% from last year. A recent trend in the KC cross races that have been held so far this year. I told many of my friends that there would be decreased numbers this year. Why? I will get more into this in a later post, but it is one of the reasons I decided to take a hiatus from cyclocross promotion at the end of last year. Instead I decided to just focus on MTB and Duathlon event promotion.

Today (and yesterday for that matter with a couple of hours spent at Swope) was a good training day for me as I prepare for the Xterra Epic at the end of the month. I got in a solid swim, a nice short run and even got to ride one of my favorite sports - cyclocross. Prior to the event I was talking to Mr. Doug Long and we discuss a couple of things including recovering from injuries, dealing with lack luster results and poor form. His thought was you basically get out what you put into it. You now who has been training hard and putting in the time. If you are not where you want to be you know what has to be done. You have been there before. How true.

Below photos by Roger Harrison.

Cross Off Cancer Results

The masters 45+ are off. I think there were 24 in the field. I was rolling in 10th for the day.

Pushing the pace early on after a poor start. Here I'm leading eventual 6th place finisher Telford Crisco. Telford has improved greatly over the last couple of years, especially in MTB. I look forward to racing with him in the Cat 1 class next year once he cat's up.
Doug Long and I ride the "mini barriers" towards the end of the race. I think Doug has better form than me. I look like I am out for a Sunday stroll. No wait that is the below picture.