BACX #9 - Ohio's Cross Series Final at Boughton Farm

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Originally uploaded by Flickr de Julie

Yes, it was very cold for the last cross race of the Premier and Longest Running Cyclocross Series in this grand State of Ohio. Little Phin Ward, pictured, picked a great spot under the scorer's tent next to a propane heater. Maybe he's wishing for a Snuggie for Christmas? Na. He's the Series' bestest fan! Thanks Phin.

All the Heavy Hitters Were There... Or so they thought...

IF YOU ARE HOSTING THE OHIO STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS, MY HUMBLE OPINION is that you should know ALL THE HEAVY HITTERS from the ENTIRE STATE OF OHIO.

PS - People who post comments anonymously are lame and inconsequential. Last I checked this is a free country. Be proud and take ownership of your obnoxious comments.

OHIO STATE CHAMPION 2009!

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Originally uploaded by Flickr de Julie

Robert crossing the finish line as the Ohio State Jr Champ!!!

Black, I mean, White Snow Friday!

Black, I mean, White Snow Friday!
Originally uploaded by Flickr de Julie

Wow! What a wonderful sight to wake up to today! Well, until the snow plow goes through...

Clowny Celebrates Turkey Day (with Brian Batke)

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Originally uploaded by Flickr de Julie

Rudy and I went down to the bustling city of fun and excitement, Cleve-land, where Fleet Feet was running the annual Turkey Trot. Thousands showed up to run in the suprising sun and moderate temps with the 1 mile proceeding the main dish - the 5 mile trot.

It really was the place to be - all the coolest people were there - Santa, clown guy, Wheaties Box dude, Easter Bunny (I KNEW there was an Easter Bunny!), construction barrel buddies, a bunch of bananas, and a pack of dogs. Brian Batke too. Also, Jack Sutte, Mike and Christina Vanucci, Jen Collister, Kurt Molter, Jodi from Fleet Feet, and so many others. It was fun to watch for once - and being bundled up in my down coat. I used my new camera to take these photos "happy birthday to me...".

Lee Waldman, I share your pain.

Lee Waldman is a regular columnist for Cyclocross Magazine. In his November 24th online column, Lee writes about recovering from an injury to his arm after a run-in on a cross course with some very evil yellow tape. I share that pain. This excerpt summarizes my new respect for said tape:

"...Course tape is a lot stronger that it looks and it simply doesn’t budge once wrapped around a brake lever."

However, his arm injury is healed enough to race after just 3 weeks. I'm happy for him - honest. Jealous maybe too - I wish I were out there with my friends, even if I suck more than I already do - at least I'd have a good excuse!

Lee also wrote "I’m starting to feel stronger and more motivated again and I’m looking forward to Bend no matter what the weather gods throw at us." I agree. Even if I can't race, I'll be at Bend cheering on family and friends. That's what cross is about.

BACX #8: Kirtland Park

BACX #7: Kirtland Park
Originally uploaded by Flickr de Julie

YOU GOTTA LOVE IT! 25 A racers hitting the first set of stairs en masse. Yeah!! Great to watch the fast guys make the course look so easy!! You guys rock.

Now THIS is Old School CX Racing....

Rudy racing in Nutley, New Jersey back in the day. Racing for GS Mengoni. Check out the arm warmers. Yeah.

Turbo Charged Recovery...

On the mend after being hospitalized for blood clots in the leg with the fractured fibula. With regard to my hospital stay, picture a 10 x 20 room, 2 beds, one with me (with my blanket stuffed into my ears as far as they would go) and one with a woman with a motorized mouth spewing non-stop non-sense in an accent that would put Ma Kettel to shame. It was hell. I almost pulled a Cookoo's Nest on myself. But I'm home now, getting better. My headache is almost gone but I can still hear my roommate rassel up that nurse who won't give her 1:00 am snack. Ooh Doggies.

What to do... What to do...

Just sitting here at the computer. Again. Trying to keep upbeat. Worried that my left calf muscle has atrophed too much. Worried more that my arms are getting too muscular from all the upper body work and crutch action. Sudoku is fun, but after about 20 or 30 a day, even that is losing its appeal. Work is busy and makes the day go by pretty fast, but I don't want to be there any more than I have to be. Plus my butt hurts from sitting with my leg elevated. Not snacking these days - which is good - but one less thing to keep me busy. I look forward to my recumbant bike/hand cycle/stretching and ab workout each morning - that has been extending beyond my "regular" 90 minute workout when I had use of my leg. Driving is okay, but I don't have anywhere to drive to these days. Can't grocery shop. I could watch more TV but it is so amazingly and frustratingly lame. So, TV is no help. I've read every magazine in the house - some twice. Google news is depressing. Reading cyclocrossworld.com and Robert's blog is fun. But then I really start to miss racing and feeling fit. So, maybe I just sit here a little longer. And maybe have a peppermint patty. Or see if Bill Marut is on FaceBook. I don't know. What to do now...