Cyclocross Race Weekend

Another busy weekend awaits us. As the end of cyclocross season come towards an end, the number of events has increased exponentially. On the list of events for today, a cyclocross event  early in the morning at Terry Hershey Park where Brad would be attending his first sanctioned ride. He's been looking forward to this all week so I wanted to be there to capture some moments for him.


Waiting for the fun to begin at the start line. 

Brad took off with a group of about 20 men and 2 women. When he came back around the bend he was about 10 people from the leader. Jodi and I cheered for him to let him know to push it. As he completed his first lap, I noticed that he had moved up some in the standings and was now around 7th place. From previous races, I know that as long as Brad can keep his pace he will continue to move up in the rank as riders fatigue and drop off. As we waited for him to come back around the bend and rush past us again, I started to wonder why he hadn't come past yet. Waiting....waiting....waiting. Then I see Brad walking his bike back to the start line. Damn.

Flat front tire. Needless to say, his race for today was over at the point. He took it well, but I know he was fuming inside and quite upset. 

We have another race tomorrow up in the Woodlands, so hopefully he'll get some better luck and finish the race strong. 

Yetti Cross

The cooler (albeit slight) temperatures of the "fall" in Houston mean the start of cyclocross racing for Brad. This year is Brad's second year to race in the local event called Yetti Cross. Last year the race location was minutes from our place downtown and this year they moved the new location to again minutes from our place out of the city limits. Lucky us! For those unfamiliar with cyclocross, its a racing event which I would describe as a mix of road bike crits with mountain bike terrain. Bikes typically consist of road style bikes, with beefier breaks and tires to handle the ground. Obstacles are part of the course with several where riders have to dismount, jump over some obstacle (tree log, board plank, etc) and remount and continue pushing on. It doesn't look easy....

So for your viewing pleasure, here is my man looking all sorts of fine in his bike gear working hard!

Our bestest couple friends, Jody and Keslie, even came out to support Brad one Wednesday evening. Don't think look thrilled to be there....

I tried out the camera mode on my point and shoot to see if I could get some fun video shots of him jumping an obstacle. Excuse the crazy cheering fiance.....