Monday, October 20, 2014

Cloak-n-Dagger Cyclocross

Renegade Cross the people that brought you the Cleveland Cobbles tested out a new race format.  Since this was the first year for the Cloak-n-Dagger Cyclocross series it was kept to a short 4 race format.  Racers would receive an email with a course description and would have 72 hours to complete their ride and email back the Strava ride.

You would not know what the courses were until the email arrived and no other riders would be on the course in the same 72 hour time frame.  All the results were kept secret until everyone had ridden all 4 courses.

 

CDCX#1 is the old BOYA course in Brecksville. I was able to get 3 laps done on a course that had  gravel, pavement and crushed limestone.



CDCX#2 Harvard Hill loop in Cleveland.  This was featured in the past few Cleveland Cobbles rides. This route included pavement, potholes, broken glass, brick roads, small gravel sections, abandoned cars, washing machines, and train tracks.  On my last lap the gates were coming down on one of the two train track crossings I was able to get 5 laps done. 




CDCX#3 Wallace Lake Berea.  This course had pavement, single track,  and grass.  On my second lap I was not paying attention and missed a turn and added about 200 yards, which would cost me later as I finished my 4th lap in 40:07.




CDCX#4 Brookside Reservation Cleveland.  This was my favorite course it had pavement, single track, grass, woodchips and a long staircase.  I was able to get 5 laps done.
 
 
After all the racers had completed each course a point system was devised.  I think the was some Bourbon involved by the organizer when the points were tallied up.  I cannot complain since I came out on top of the point standings.  I didn't have the fastest times but I was consistently  near the top which allowed me to win the first CDCX.
 
I had planned to race the courses as part of my normal training rides.  My warm-up to the different courses was anywhere from 10-25 miles.  I would then ride the course and take a shorter route home. I fueled with Hammer Nutrition HEED for my rides and before the start of race. would have a Hammer Gel