Cross came early this year with the season kicking off on September 10 in Luray, VA.

Chris Gould with Page Valley Cycling always puts on a great event and this year’s race did not disappoint. Unlike last year where we raced in a downpour, weeks of sun and no rain created a dusty course. My race started at 11:30 with temps pushing 95 degrees. Knowing the promoter paid off, and I got a front row call up. The race started smoothly and I slotted into the top 5 for a few laps.

As the laps ticked down, some of the guys in front of me had some mechanical issues and I found myself leading the race with 2 laps to go. Jimmy Deaton from Rouge Velo was right behind me and I figure if I towed him to the line he would beat me in the sprint so I eased up and he came around me. Tired legs and lapped traffic made it difficult to hang onto Jimmy and ultimately he went on to win and I came in second.

I was stoked for a podium finish in a strong field, but would have loved to have gotten that pie that Jimmy was awarded for winning the race.

After the race I enjoyed some Pale Fire beer and a freshly grilled brat. The new 1x setup on my Specialized Crux shifted great and I look forward to more 'cross races coming up in October.

If this looks like fun, come out to Westover Park in downtown Harrisonburg on October 16 for the 6th annual Rocktown Cyclocross Festival.