Convert 'Cross: Lake Casitas, CA

[S54MCoupe]

I had never been to Lake Casitas before, it really was a cool little spot.

It was only my second Cyclocross race. In my first race, I raced in the Mens 4 (Beginner Class) and ended up dropping my chain twice, falling once and picking up 6th place. For this Sunday, my second race, I decided to sleep in later and race the Mens 3/4.

Warming up on the course with my Teammate Dan:



One of the first few laps:


Dirt Runup:


Coming through a turn:

Out of the saddle:


I ended up 2nd. I was in third until the final sprint, and the guy who was ahead of me broke his chain... he grabbed his bike and ran to the line, but I still edged him out. Badass effort on his part, though.

The course was cool.. there were some tight turns that reminded me of swtichbacks, some faster downhill sections, and a long, wideopen asphalt straightaway (this is what I love, being a roadie and all)

All of Team Bearclaw did well, especialy Fritz, who edged out Chance Noble for a 2nd place in the Elites Men.

More pictures to come...

[DDB@OCR]

Grats on the 2nd place.

Were you/yer mates at Urban Cyclosross's Black Cat Cross at Ken Malloy? I swear I saw some of you there.

'Cross totally Rocks.

[S54MCoupe]

Originally Posted by DDB@OCR

Grats on the 2nd place.

Were you/yer mates at Urban Cyclosross's Black Cat Cross at Ken Malloy? I swear I saw some of you there.

'Cross totally Rocks.

I wasn't, some of my teammates were. One of 'em finished 2nd, behind Tony Cruz.

[andy aka rut]

Awesome! All these racing photos.... I gotta start training!!!!!

[DDB@OCR]

Originally Posted by S54MCoupe

I wasn't, some of my teammates were. One of 'em finished 2nd, behind Tony Cruz.

Copy that...Cruz was laying down some kinda painful pace. My bud got 3rd riding for Factory Team Giant.

[S54MCoupe]

Originally Posted by DDB@OCR

Copy that...Cruz was laying down some kinda painful pace. My bud got 3rd riding for Factory Team Giant.

Yep, Cruz is a strong Cross racer... but MUCH stronger on the road, for sure.

[Pain Freak]

WTG Jess, very good job. I pick up my bike again tomorrow, I needed a bunch of things done for I could even consider racing. I'll have to get together with you for some coaching.

[S54MCoupe]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

WTG Jess, very good job. I pick up my bike again tomorrow, I needed a bunch of things done for I could even consider racing. I'll have to get together with you for some coaching.

Thanks man!

But, being coached by me would probably do you more harm than good, haha. I'm no good in comparison to my riding partners.

BUT, there is 'Cross pratice every Tuesday and Thursday near JPL. PM or call me if you want to come! That would be rad to have you come by.

I know you've got good skills, and you're a strong rider... if you've got good short speed and can deal with a lot of pain for 30 minutes, you'll kick ass.

[S54MCoupe]

Here some photos of Team Bearclaw during the Elite Race:

John McKeen getting ready to power down on the tarmac section of the course:




Lyle Warner muscling his way up the short, loose climb:


Fritz on his way down a tight section:


Jason Lowetz:


The Results: 3 Bearclaw racers on the podium of Elite Men.

Fritz: 2nd
Jason: 8th (I think, he was top 10, for sure. He rolled his tire off the rim and had to run. I think he would have easily been top 5 had this not happened)
John Mckeen: 11th or 12th (somewhere around there)