It is safe to say that the last two cross races have really kicked my butt. I finished 19th out of 21 in Macon a week ago, and 11th out of 11 yesterday in Indian Springs. Yesterday's race at Indian Springs was particularly brutal, thanks in large part to a massive runup on the side of a dam. You know that scene in Gone with the Wind where all of the Confederate wounded are laid out in the streets of Atlanta? Well that's what the start/finish area looked like yesterday following the men's C division race; exhausted bodies strewn all over the place. I've competed in just about every sport available to me since I was very young: football, basketball, softball, wrestling, tennis, track, etc., and I've been a part of some really bad teams. Up until now, however, I have never been the absolute worst at anything, regardless of the sport. Even when I first started playing softball at Lanier Point when our team went 3-9, there was still a team that finished 1-11 ( and their one win came via a forfeit). But after three cross races it is safe to say that I am consistently the worst male competitor out there. You would think that I would be upset or discouraged by that, but I'm at all. In fact, I love it. I love the fact that I have only been riding seriously since March, and now here I am racing for real. I love that total strangers that could ride backwards and still outrun me cheer me on, telling me to keep pushing. I love the fact that when the women pass me (as most of them do), they tell me not to give up. I love that I am actually out there doing it, instead of wishing that I were. I love the fact that I have a lot to learn, and a galaxy's worth of room for improvement. Don't get me wrong, this is not intended to be self-deprecating humor, rather an honest statement about how I feel. I know that I have a long way to go, and I'm genuinely enthusiastic about the challenges that I face to become competitive. Make no mistake, I will become competitive. The next race for me is two weeks from now at Jim R. Miller state park in Marietta. You can check out the schedule at the Georgia Cross website.

Well, it's time for my next cross race! I wasn't planning on racing again until Indian Springs on the 29th, but Tim (Kunkle) graciously agreed to schlep me down to Macon with him tomorrow. So tomorrow at 11:00 am I'll be spinning with the big boys again! Tim is planning to ride in the master's race, which I predict he will win easily. Yeah, he's that good! Look out cross Master's community, your new leader will be in Macon tomorrow to kick butt and chew bubble gum...and he's all out of bubble gum.

Well, I competed in my first cross race of the season today. This race is significant for me for because I have a hard time following through with the grand plans that I make sometimes. Also, I have really only been riding since April, and I certainly have never been in a real bike race. Today was different though; the race was every bit as hard as I thought that it would be, and I finished dead last in the beginner's class. You might think that I would be discouraged by such a poor showing, but you'd be wrong. I hate to lose and I hate not being prepared, both of which happened today. Next time will be different.

Thanks to Kunkle, Andi, Candice, Jenn, and Heather for coming out to cheer for me! You can check out some really good pics at Heather's website.
Also thanks to Scott Hodge for all of your support, and the much needed Gatorade!