Pork Chop Challenge

We did the first race of the season this past Sunday with the traditional opener in St. Cloud. Joining us was our friend's boys Luke and Paul Dahlen as their parents had an opportunity to attend a Vikings game.

Paul started the day in the C race. Paul and I pre-rode the course. I quickly realized this was a tough course this year...more than usual. There were back-to-back runups and some other tricky sections. I gave Paul some pointers on gears to use in different sections and the like and go him lined up at the start. The C race is a 30 minute ordeal. We stationed ourself at the top of one of the runups; however, this venue enables you to see most of the course from one vantage point. Paul looked really good on his new Trek XO2 'cross bike. I was really impressed at how well he re-mounted his bicycle at the top of the run-up. This requires you to jump back on your bike after running up a steep hill. It's not an easy feat for any rider and Paul made it look easy. Paul's race lasted around 4 laps and he finished a strong 3rd in the Junior 10-14 age group. A great start to the season indeed. He even took home some hardware and found a place on the podium. Way to represent the Velo Rochester team!
















My race followed Paul's. Not much to say here. As always the race started out fast. There was a crash mid-way that split the group up a bit. I did a couple laps with my usual companions from years past. I fell off the pace a bit with 3 or 4 to go and wanted to slash my own tires to end the pain and suffering. No matter how I train, I never seem to be prepared for that first race. It's difficult to simulate the suffering. I was happy to see the last lap sign and finished mid-pack. It was a great course albeit one of the hardest we'll do all year.

Luke was next up after the completion of the A race. While we waited Bjorn Selander was standing nearby. He won the national championship for the under 23 (espoirs) category last year. We've gotten to know him and his father a bit over the years. I asked the boys if they wanted their picture taken with him. The reaction was written on their faces. Bjorn was very gracious and even gave them one of his water bottles. Notice the stars and stripes on his jersey...only he is allowed to wear that this year in his category. He totally made their day as they are big fans of his and talk about him all the time. He's certainly a good role model in these days when role models are hard to find for kids that age.

Luke lined up with about 12 other kids. There were led out by one of the race staff for about a half lap of the course. Luke went out fast and took the hole shot. He fell off the pace a bit in the middle but gained a position with his wicked skills over the barrier near the finish.

It was a quiet drive home as everyone was tuckered out from a long day of 'cross. It was great to catch up with all the familiar faces. Looking forward to another fun year.