Slow week, fast year.  Tomorrow it is December, which seems like it came out of nowhere.  The weather is getting colder and the weather people (if you trust them) are forecasting all sorts of slop for this weekend.  Hopefully this means the first time I get to race in slop this year on my cyclocross bike.  Here is hoping.  Then they say it is supposed to get colder next week with highs in the 20's.  Not surprising if we remember that last years Illinois State Championship race had a high temperature of about 15 degrees.  I am excited for these next three races, but when they are done and gone, the break will be welcome.  The plan for CX nationals has changed a little bit.  With Julie's plans for the weekend blended into a traveling snafu, I was left with a 8 1/2 hour drive immediately after racing on my own.  Not being excited about that I explored all my other options, including not going at all and found tagging along with Kevin and Holly is probably my best bet.  After asking them if it was alright I said something like "As of this morning I wasn't even going to go" and Kevin's immediate response was "oh no, you're going!"  Everyone's amazingly strong beliefs in my ability to succeed has been really encouraging.

 

 After the season is over I will be doing all of the year in review posts.  I have a few, one of them being about all the bikes that have gone through my possession.  The sell off of the Vivalo continues, there are a bunch of things left, namely the frame and fork and the wheels, and they are priced to sell, considering all of it is in almost new condition.  Going back to the BMX roots real quick, I would like to make light of an accident Jimmy Le van had and there is a fundraiser to help with the insane medical bill.  Track-o-saurus Rex has a good write up with all the details, donate at Dans Comp.  If you really look, there are a bunch of riders selling their bikes and other shit to help out, by donating all the proceeds. 

 

 

I was afforded the privilege of a sneak peak at some of the new kit that will be out in force around the Midwest in this coming year.  One word, Classy!   Hanging out with Jason this past weekend in Iowa was great.  He has an engine like a Porsche in a rain storm and has some awesome goals set for next year.  He switched teams and is now racing with the Grumpy's/LGR guys in Minneapolis, which is just going to make him an even stronger rider.  Not to mention he is coming off an amazing rookie season.

 

NORBA national calendar in 10 days!