Marietta Cyclocross

Race: Marietta Cyclocross
Date: 11-2-2002
Place: Southern Poly Tech University, Marietta, GA
Distance: 5.3 miles
Speed: 10.8 mph
Time: 30 minutes

The first cyclocross race of the season took place on November 2nd at Southern Poly Tech University in Marietta, GA. Sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-40's greeted riders. Mother nature got the second half of cross weather right. In the south, we have slightly different cyclocross weather than in the Northeast. Darrel Sawyer and Eagle Cycling laid out a great course. It was about .6 miles long and relatively flat. It started out with a paved sprint before going onto a grassy section that wound by a road. The course turned left for the first set of barriers, a short riding section, and a steep hill. Some riders attempted to make it up on their bikes, but only those with mountain bikes succeeded the majority of the time. Two curb jumps followed before another short grassy section and the second set of barriers. A paved downhill gave riders a little relief before the course went onto a grassy field with two sets of run ups. The finish was on the same section of pavement used for the start.

Five women lined up along with over 30 category C men. We decided to start with the guys, so that we would not be by ourselves on the course. That, and it is Lisa Ropke (Independent Fabrications) goal to be in the Top 5 in the Men's division at the end of the year. Lisa took a starting position on the first line, I was a few rows back, and the rest of the women were scattered throughout the group. With a "Go," we were off. The sound of riders trying to clip in was deafening. I'm used to only hearing a few riders at a mountain bike or road race. Going onto the grass, I was in the middle of the guys. Some riders were passing me, and I was passing some of the slower men. A huge crowd of us hit the first barrier section and the steep hill. I rode it and passed a few guys that were walking it. I was already breathing hard and was sure that I was anaerobic only about 3 minutes into the race. Lisa was long gone, but I glanced back and saw two women behind me. I made a bee-line for the next barriers and tried to remember to keep my transitions smooth. They can give you valuable seconds. I powered down the paved hill and nearly ran into someone when they slowed drastically for the left turn into the field. By this time, the race was beginning to stretch out. I was with only a few riders. Two smooth barrier sections brought me back to the pavement. I used it as a little time to try to catch my breath. The next lap, I spent trying to catch one guy. He was always just ahead of me. Again, I rode up the steep hill. By this time, I was breathing very hard, and my throat was beginning to hurt from the cold air and hard effort. There are usually not places to recover during cyclocross races. They are about short, hard, painful anaerobic efforts. I cleared the last two barrier sets with no problems. The third and fourth laps ran together for me. I was in my race zone and not that aware of what was going on around me other than some spectators' cheers, which really helped keep me going. By the final lap, I'd lost count of the exact number of laps that I'd done. I think the final was number 6. I tried to find out where Lisa was. I'd been lapped by the Top 3 men and was determined not to get lapped by Lisa. I felt tired, my throat was still burning, and my legs were aching. I cleared the first set of barriers but could tell I was getting tired as my rear wheel scraped on the backside of two of them. I made it half way up the steep hill before having to dismount and walk the rest of it. I hopped back on and went over the two curb jumps and towards the second set of barriers. I cleared them without any problems. I flew down the pavement and onto the grass. I saw Lisa on the pavement as I was approaching the next set of barriers. I dug a little deeper, knowing that I had to give it my all if I did not want to get caught. I kept the transitions over the barriers as smooth and quick as I could. After the last set, I looked back and saw Lisa rapidly approaching. I was almost home....I popped into my big ring and powered to the final corner around the cones. I nearly ran off the course I was going so fast. I got back on track and stood out of my saddle to sprint. I focused on the finish line and used every bit of power I had to come across the line about 10 feet in front of Lisa. She did not lap me! I could not have been happier! I can see that this year may be a game between Lisa and I to see if she can lap me. I plan to use every ounce of strength that I can to hold her off. She is so incredibly strong, that I am in for a hard cyclocross season. I wound up second and was very pleased with my race. Cyclocross is all about having fun and enduring a little short pain while you do it. What an adrenaline rush!

The Masters race saw a good crowd with the "Camp Creek Team" placing very well. Tony Scott (Genesis-Fulton Flyers) dominated the Masters 30+ race. Andy Johnston (EPX) won the Men's A race. Lamar Mauney placed 3rd in the Masters 40 plus. The full results should be up soon on the Georgia Cyclocross web page.

Thank you to Jim Burt for the great pictures!

Riders in an open section.

The long, paved downhill on the back half of the course.

Women's division winner Lisa Ropke (Independent Fabrications) clears the first barrier section.

Lisa Ropke on her way to victory.

Garth Brown (Boneshaker Bicycles) and another rider race through the first section of barriers.

Massachusetts transplant and cross vetren Garth Brown demonstrates the proper way to dismount. Notice the inside leg is crossing over the outside leg.

Trish Albert (Team Peggy/Nalley Automotive) clears the barriers.