Portland representation at USGP 3&4 in Louisville, KY, October 24-25, 2009

The west coast rocks! There is no doubt about that. And Portland has the best CX series in the country (although I have yet to do one this year). It is fun, crazy, challenging and attracts more racers in one day than any where else in the country could hope for in a weekend. One problem for the tiny minority of us that want UCI points. We have to travel. And travel far. And often too often. After a break from my massive nonstop travel and a mid-season break from the bike, I was back on the road, but this time not alone. Tim joined me. Josh Berry joined us and I even convinced Wendy Williams to come too! The greatest host in the world, Kiet Do, agreed to host all of us and cart us around! And he and Drew Hartman were the best support non-supported racers could hope for. All in all, it was a pretty great weekend! Results may not have been that great, but sometimes it is about the journey, right??? OK, it is always about the results. I did not come away from the weekend satisfied with my 8th and 6th, but that is the speed I was racing. It was not for lack of trying. My brain wanted to go faster, but my legs did not. But it is a stepping stone for late season domination. Shhhhh. Don't tell anyone.

The number presentation in Louisville is always great with the future of cycling presenting!

Hanging out before we got our numbers. Me, Wendy and the superstar, Amy D!

Wendy and Tim sporting the coolest T-shirt ever!

Day 1 sufferfest in the boggy, wet course. Not slick, not really that muddy. Just heavy.

Day 2 had a few really muddy sections. It was less boggy than Saturday.

Fighting hard. (photo by Dave McElwaine)

Post race bison burgers and beer. The crew: Wendy, Drew, Josh, Tim, Kiet & me.

Drew owns a cool little bike shop called "On Your Left Cycles."
If you are local, you should check it out. It is pretty cool!!!