Hey Bud...Where's the Mud ???

What a difference a week makes...today, I was back on the road with a handful of teammates, bundled up like the Michelin Man and braving 32 degree temps, while last weekend, I was basking in 70 degree weather at the Hendersonville GP UCI Cyclocross Race...

Sat-Sun, Nov 20-21, Hendersonville, NC
Cresting "The Wall" in dry conditions...

It was with a great sense of anticipation that I looked forward to my last 'Cross races of the year, the Hendersonville GP, which is a first class, UCI classified, come-out-and-see-the-stars, event. Last year, day two of the event presented some classic course conditions. That's right...I'm talkin' MUD! Now this wasn't your Northern California Peanut Butter Mud (smooth and easy to spread), or your Belgian Stinky Mud (bold, with an alarming bouquet)...my friends, this was Upstate, slip-slidn'-down-the-wall, Hendersonville MUD!

This year, however, conditions were more reminiscent of South Florida, and so was the racing. Picture 30mph pacelines on grass during the pro race, 25mph for the 45+...this was basically a crit on grass with a few obstacles thrown in for good measure.


I raced well on both days, pleased with a mid pack performance in a very strong field. Although I would have enjoyed some mud, I know winter and its harsh conditions are right around the corner, as those of us who rode this morning experienced.

Hendersonville Race Results & Highlights:

Day one: Taking a warm-up lap on the wheel of Davide Frattini (currently ranked 18th in the UCI professional cyclocross world standings) and trying desperately to memorize every line he took on the circuit...21st/40

Day two: Getting schooled by the Danfey twins on the first lap, then fighting back to put them in my rear view mirror on lap three and not seeing them again until the post race Bar-B-Q line...23rd/38

Thanks to Eddie Helton for the photos.