Fort Missoula Cyclocross Race

For a local race not to many Missoulians came to the old fort to watch the warriors of cross battle it out in the last race of the Montana cycling season. We had the Red Bull girls from Bozeman and a strong contingent from Kalispell who had to overcome some extreme construction conditions coming south. I was hoping too see more friends and possibly have someone take some photos but that was not to be and either was a win for myself. That was taken by Chance Cooke the state champion from Kalispell.

The course was a surprise. I expected the normal Wednesday Night Race Series caliber course but I was wrong. The back end of the course followed some bumpy single track which led to a sweet sandy runup. The course was flat with lots of turns and even some mud.

It was the usual fields with the Masters group the largest. As soon as the seven Mens A riders came by we took off to see how many we could knock off. Before the run up we had started passing the A group.

I started the race strong expecting to settle down after the initial bridge to the A group. But as I sprinted out Chance took over and put distance on myself and the rest of the pack. They just disappeared in the distance in our wake. This would not be acceptable and after overcoming some form issues I was able to catch back up to Chance within 5 laps.

With 4 laps to go we noticed that we were catching up to the Mens A leaders and decided to help someone in our pack catch them.

On the third to the last lap I too over the charge. I pushed hard and we started really gaining on the front group. I started to hear heavy breathing behind me. Could I be putting everyone in difficulty?

I pushed until I felt like I needed a little break before the last lap quagmire. As i swung around corner approaching a rail road crossing (relatively smoother) I went too wide hitting the tracks head on. The rails are about 6 inches high ... I expected to crash, ruin the wheels, and possibly make a trip to the hospital. Marvelously I bunny hoped the first one and managed to lift my wheel again to clear the second. The back wheel banged on the rails.

I fully expected to get a flat tire. The leaders took off and my pace slowed. I nursed the bike expecting a flat. I would still get second if I could baby the bike for the last lap.

I did not entirely flat and my late charge to catch back up was fruitless. Chance charged to the finish line and won. I cam in a whimsy second.

So that is how the last race of the season went down. There were good cheering sections and the race was top notch. It sure feels nice to be up with the group at the front battling it out.