Coloradans think they are some ungodly force of nature in the athletic scene (I hear it constantly in the shop). Ever since I have moved here I have been told by everyone who races that I will be dropped, beaten and decimated because Colorado racing is that much harder. Now I hate to be a naysayer but I have raced a few CO races before in my day and while it sucks to race from 9000 to 12000 feet that is literally the only part that is harder in my opinion. The racers aren't faster, the elevation and terrain is just different. Stick a Colorado native on the Lawrence river trail in the middle of July and he won't know what to do having to stay in his big ring so long while his shorts turn into a humidified mess.
But I decided to look at the upside of the matter and registered for the category 4 race. Eff it. No one knows me here so I can't be called a sandbagger if I destroy and I can't be called worthless for my experience range if I suck. The truth of the matter is that I knew it would be a helluva lot easier to ride through the 4s than the 3s and I'm not getting a good starting position anyhow, noone knows me in the ACA and I'm not buying a license until next year. So I might as well have some fun before I get kicked out.
So here's to toeing the start line 1 more season, jumping some barriers, and hopefully being called a sandbagger. Ring an imaginary cowbell for this overexperienced cross junkie who is still hanging out at the back of the pack.
