Book of Chad

This installment of Cross on the Rock is in Cowichan Vally for a new venue just north of Duncan. A new venue is always an exciting prospect, and this one, in particular, was very exciting. The race was held on the Cowichan Exhibition grounds which in general terms is a large cow pasture, how coulda cow pasture possibly be exciting? Rain in the forecast, a lot of rain. We have had nothing but bone-dry cx races so far this year and well that’s not what I’m into. I want it to be hard and I want to make line choices that make a difference in an ever-changing course. The rain came and although it wasn’t as much as forecast it still made for a fun race. 

The start was uphill on gravel and my start was pretty good. I made up a few places on the uphill and dropped into the muddy grass corners in approximately 11th place. I was quick in the fast muddy sections however, I faltered in all the straights and climbs. It was pretty constant throughout the lab and by the end of the first lap, I was already down to 20th. I had a great battle with Kip Manktelow throughout the whole race and although he was ahead going into the final lap I was able to get back in front and put in an attack in the first part of the lap where I was faster which was enough to stay ahead in the latter part of the lap where he was faster.

I felt the skills were there for this race however I was lacking significant power, I’m not exactly sure what it was that caused it maybe it was just an off day. Happy either way to have a wet course and a really fun course too. 

Race: COTR #5 Time: 55:29 Laps: 7/8 Avg Heart Rate: 185 Max Heart Rate: 194 Place: 21st