For race #7, the Utah Cyclocross Series returns to the Wasatch County Fairgrounds, in Heber City, Utah … home of mud (either dried, lumpy and hard, or soupy, sticky, and deep) and grass and horse poop!

Jon is promising a longer course, and the weather we’ve had the past few days out to make for a more challenging course as well; possibly snow, possibly mud if the snow has melted.

Mount Heber should still be included, and hopefully more twisty turns leading into the finish area …

We had a scheduling conflict at Fort Buenaventura with some Annual shooting event. We have run races in the past with the Mountain Men shooting around us, but the Championships event is way larger and Matt and Jon felt it would not be safe.

So back to Weber County Fairgrounds it is, on November 22nd. The County even promised that the Portajohns would be picked up, cleaned, and ready to go, so we don’t have to traipse halfway across the fairgrounds.

We will be sure to announce this at the next 2 races as well.

Categories/Times:

1:30 PM (60 Minutes)

• Men A (Pro, Semi-pro, Expert, Cat 1, Cat 2,)
• Masters Men A 35+ (Fast Old Guys [as opposed to Fat Old Guys, like Flahute]. You know who you are, and so do we. You have been racing your bike for years!)

12:30 PM (45 Minutes)

• Women A
• Masters Men B 35+
• Single Speed (do we need to explain?)

11:45 AM (20 minutes) - ONLY $8.00!!!

• Women C (First Season Cross Racers)
• Junior Men 10-14 *
• Junior Women 10-14 *
• Junior 9 & under

* We found that Junior riders aged 15-18 would rather try and beat up on Mom and Dad!!!

10:45 AM (45 Minutes)

• Men B
• Master Men 45+ Open

9:30 AM (40 Minutes)

• Men C (First Timers, Entry Level Racers, Cat 5, Beginner)
• Master 55+ Open
• Women B (Beginner, Cat 4, Cat 5)

Our first (and only) double weekend this year … Rocky Mountain Raceway, which will be hosting Saturday’s race, has generally been a fast roadie course due to the amount of pavement, but the past couple of years have seen a big run-up thrown in for good measure.

As of Thursday morning, the forecast is for cooler weather, and overcast conditions, but only a slight chance of rain.

Marek, if you’re reading this, please layout the course to be as long and as difficult as possible, or find me at least 25 assistants to score the first two races.

On Sunday, we return to Wheeler Farm. This seems to be everyone’s favorite course, because there is so much that can be done; pavement, singletrack, stream crossings, run-ups, off-camber 180s, grass … Wheeler Farm seems to have it all; and right now, the forecast is for rain on Sunday with temperatures in the 50s. Prepare accordingly.

Categories/Times:

1:30 PM (60 Minutes)

• Men A (Pro, Semi-pro, Expert, Cat 1, Cat 2,)
• Masters Men A 35+ (Fast Old Guys [as opposed to Fat Old Guys, like Flahute]. You know who you are, and so do we. You have been racing your bike for years!)

12:30 PM (45 Minutes)

• Women A
• Masters Men B 35+
• Single Speed (do we need to explain?)

11:45 AM (20 minutes) - ONLY $8.00!!!

• Women C (First Season Cross Racers)
• Junior Men 10-14 *
• Junior Women 10-14 *
• Junior 9 & under

10:45 AM (45 Minutes)

• Men B
• Master Men 45+ Open

9:30 AM (40 Minutes)

… and we learned a few things.

1. Cyclocross is becoming more and more popular in Utah. Despite the nasty weather today, we had our biggest ever field, with about 280 riders.


2. We need to allow a little more time between races to allow for better warm-ups.


3. We need to be nicer Rules Nazis, and not mean ones; which of course takes all the fun out of being a Rules Nazi. So now I have to come up with a joke before I yell at riders not to warm up on the course during earlier races.


4. People need to stop standing in front of the Trooper on the finish line. It makes it extremely difficult for us to see riders far enough back to get numbers, especially when they are coming through in a pack. Yes, we have a camera this year, but we’re still trying to figure out how best to use it for ‘cross … this means that in the short term, we are still using the old method as the official method.

So, by following through on #2, hopefully there will be less reason for #3 …

With that said, there will be a schedule change in start times beginning at next week’s race at the Wasatch Country Fairgrounds in Heber.

The new start times are as follows:

Categories/Times:

1:30 PM (60 Minutes)

• Men A (Pro, Semi-pro, Expert, Cat 1, Cat 2,)
• Masters Men A 35+ (Fast Old Guys [as opposed to Fat Old Guys, like Flahute]. You know who you are, and so do we. You have been racing your bike for years!)

12:30 PM (45 Minutes)

• Women A
• Masters Men B 35+
• Single Speed (do we need to explain?)

11:45 AM (20 minutes) - ONLY $8.00!!!

• Women C (First Season Cross Racers)
• Junior Men 10-14 *
• Junior Women 10-14 *
• Junior 9 & under

* We found that Junior riders aged 15-18 would rather try and beat up on Mom and Dad!!!

10:45 AM (45 Minutes)

• Men B
• Master Men 45+ Open

9:30 AM (40 Minutes)

• Men C (First Timers, Entry Level Racers, Cat 5, Beginner)
• Master 55+ Open
• Women B (Beginner, Cat 4, Cat 5)

I’m sure there will be a few more takeaways, of which we will keep you apprised as the week goes on.

Finally, major props to Marit Fischer for deciding to race in the B and/or C mens flites. As I’m sure many of you are aware, Marit is training for the Ford Ironman Arizona, taking place on November 23rd, in Tempe.

Because of her training schedule, racing in the A flite, as she did for much of last season, is not going to work for her; so she was going to downgrade to the women’s B flite. After some thought, Marit decided that racing in the men’s races would give her the intensity (and fun “break” from training) she needs, but without being unfair to other women racing B’s.

I did not see Marit without a smile on her face today, she was having so much fun in the rain.

And so, Marit, as far as I’m concerned as the chief official, if the 9:30 race works better for you timing wise, especially at some of the more distant races (like Ogden and Heber), then it’s fine by me if you race with the men’s C flite, instead of with the men’s B flite as you did today. We all want to see you do well at Ironman, and would hate to lose you for the season because the start times are too difficult for you to work around.

We’re off to a great start … see you next week.

Gear up! Break out the Belgian Knee Warmers! Smell the glue! Right now the weather report is calling for an 80% chance of rain and showers, with highs temperatures in the low 60s. In other words, perfect ‘cross conditions for the first race of the season.

Those of you who have been racing cyclocross in Utah for awhile may remember this course, but it has changed quite a bit. The entire course will now be on the Equestrian Center side of the road. This will definitely be a fun course.

On Friday, October 3rd, from 4 to 7 pm there will be a Thorn Removal, Registration, and Number pick-up gathering at the Equestrian Center.

Pre-registration price applies: $22 for race and $10 one-time Season Number Fee (unless you lose, misplace, or forget your number, in which case we’ll charge you again). We do have duplicate numbers available for some of you who take your ‘cross racing more seriously and have 2 bikes.

We have NEW numbers made by World Cup Supply, which look great and should make scoring easier.

Bring a shovel or rake and come pick your number up Friday so you don’t have to stand in line on Saturday morning! The thorn situation is the best we have seen it, with just a couple spots that need a little help to be cleared.

** As always some kind of tire sealant is recommended for all Utah Cyclocross Series Races. We live in Utah and Goatheads are plentiful!!!!!

Categories/Times:

1 PM (60 Minutes)

• A (Pro, Semi-pro, Expert, Cat 1, Cat 2,)
• Masters A 35+ (Fast Old Guys [as opposed to Fat Old Guys, like Flahute]. You know who you are, and so do we. You have been racing your bike for years!)

12 Noon (45 Minutes)

• Women A
• Masters B 35+
• Single Speed (do we need to explain?)

11:30 AM (20 minutes) - ONLY $8.00!!!

• Women C (First Season Cross Racers)
• Junior Men 10-14 *
• Junior Women 10-14 *
• Junior 9 & under

* We found that Junior riders aged 15-18 would rather try and beat up on Mom and Dad!!!

10:30 AM (45 Minutes)

• Men B
• Master Men 45+ B

9:30 AM (40 Minutes)

• C (First Timers, Entry Level Racers, Cat 5, Beginner)
• Master 55+
• Women B ( Beginner, Cat 4, Cat 5)

So a week or so ago, I posted about how much I miss sharing a bed with someone.

I take it back.

It’s too damned hot.

Oh my hell, is it hot!

I can’t believe I just typed “Oh my hell” … I’ve been living in Utah for too long; local colloquialisms are starting to rub off on me …

But that’s not the point. The point is that it’s been effin’ hot the past few days, and my air conditioner is on the fritz. Thankfully, I have a home warranty that’s still in effect, so assuming they don’t try to screw me, then I should be able to get the air conditioner fixed at a minimal cost.

Problem is that the contractor won’t be able to get over here until NEXT Tuesday … although thankfully, there’s a storm coming in overnight, and it’s supposed to be in the 50s and 60s through the weekend, and hopefully only in the low 70s on Monday/Tuesday of next week.

You have to love the weather in Utah … especially during T-Bird’s favorite season.

80-degrees yesterday on my commute home … snow today.