We get real, honest to goodness mud for a cross race about once every 3 years in Alberta. Snow is an annual occurrence, but MUD and rain doesn't come very often during our early fall season. So, naturally I keep a pair of Rhinos on hand for the occasion. And, naturally they were sitting in my basement this week, unglued.
Nevermind that fancy tubular mumbo jumbo - I guess it will have to be good old clinchers and tubes. Luckily in this case, that means Michelin Muds - AKA only the most legendary (and over hyped in niche cross circles) tire of all time. Seriously, check Ebay for a pair of these and see that they have aged better than a Bordeaux in value.
Even with tires that turn peanut butter corners into velcro sticking to your new sweater - it is a cold day in the wet. I woke up feeling rough, jet lag and fatigue still residing. But within the first half lap, the crossitude was whetted again, and it was on!
Unrelated to the wet (perhaps), I literally tore the cogs off my cassette in the process today. Weird.
Awesome course again, big juxtaposition to last year's 25 degree sun. Screaming off-camber downhill replaced last year's uphill slog. Cross is back! So good top see all the faces again, and everyone pumped. Ashley rode the "Faith Hill" downhill every lap and great, and Cindy made her 'cross and cycling debut after bringing little barrier-hopper-to-be-Bakke into the world.
Cold, cold, cold afterwards. Better strip down and jump in the car!
Bunnin you crushed it. And your tires don't show a spec of mud... that special formula works.
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