Cross Crusade #3 – Rainier

For the second weekend in a row, we enjoyed sunny weather for race #3 of the Cross Crusade series.  It was another huge success - over 1100 competitors for the event.  Cross is huge out here!

This was a fun one, well suited for a strong rider.  It had a nasty steep dirt/gravel climb, which led into a long paved climb that kind of reminded me of the race at Mt. Tabor.  It hurt, and I climbed like a wiener.  The crowd was nice enough not to heckle me, so that was cool. 

The dry conditions made the traction in some tight grassy turns ridiculously good.  The twisting, smooth grassy hills were a blast to ride through.  I didn't make it out to Ranier last year, so this was a new one for me.  I'm glad I was able to get out there.

I'm starting to come to grips with my lack of fitness and just have a good time out there.  Fun.  Sweet, painful fun.

Next weekend: a double header in Astoria.  Should be a great time for families who make a weekend out of it.  I don't know if I'll be able to make it out there at all, but I will try for at least one day.