Hudson cyclocross

Went up to Hudson, WI for one of the Minnesota cyclocross series races. Saw Nathan Cuka, old teammate from KC who was doing a rotation at the Mayo clinic. Course was fairly crappy. Too many 180's and a mowed path out in some overgrown field. The field section was by far the most uneven terrain I've ever seen on a cross course. It eventually became my demise.

Started second row and had a great start. Settled in about 5th place and was feeling good. By the second lap I had passed a few and gotten passed by some. Was probably about 7th or 8th and the guy in front of me bit it hard on the bumpy field section and I plowed into him going full bore. I went over the bars and laid on the ground for about 15 seconds while I gathered my thoughts and did a system check. Got up and my rear wheel had completely came free from the bike, and it wasn't like I didn't tighten my skewer either. It blew through the brakes as well. The derailleur hanger was bent way out. I started to run back to the pits and as was well in last place. I eventually just stopped and bent it back by hand and was able to get going again. I was far enough back that everytime I came through start/finish that they had to add a lap because they thought the leader was going to lap me - but my victory was that the leader never got me and maybe only put 5-10 seconds into me over 3 laps. I was gaining on Nathan Cuka but never caught him.

So I finished dead last but I finished. TCPC did not represent well. Last place and second to last. My fitness is coming along. There are still some races I'm going to hit up and get some revenge.

On a sadder note, we had to put one of our cats down. Mittens was almost 17 years old and she developed cancer in her throat. She had been losing a bunch of weight and hasn't had much energy of late. It was pretty tough. she was a great pet and a great friend. Easily one of the friendliest cats who loved being next to us. Putting her to sleep was the right thing to do and it would have only gotten worse. She will be missed and the house won't be the same without her.

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