SoCalCross Race #1 Unification Cup @ Bonelli Park in San Dimas, CA

The first race of the season is always a shocker to the system, however, at least we had the voice of mountain biking Larry Longo to soothe our burning brains.  Putting all of the pieces together- the new bike, the mounts and dismounts, the running, the gearing, the brakes that don’t stop.  Add sweltering 95 degree heat, and some grass, and a slippery run up, and you have SoCalCross race #1.

My race went a little like this: start hard and fast, break up the field, then… overheat.  Stop in the wheel pit for some water, cool down, and do it all over again.  This race was so hard. And not because of anything except the heat. I was never able to get back in to my groove.  I stopped in the wheel pit twice each lap to get water, which cost me plenty of time, but I was all to happy to take 3rd behind Coryn Rivera and Kendall Ryan- our best juniors who just returned from racing in Europe.  Keeping it in perspective: these girls are in race fitness, regardless of it being their first cross race of the season.  My friend Dorothy Wong, the Queen of Cross, finished just behind me in 4th.

The women’s 3/4, 35+ field had over 30 racers toe the line, them most women I have seen racing cyclocross in SoCal.  Mountain Biker Christina Probert Turner handily won the women’s 3/4 race on the technical course, with Angela Wimberly (IE Bikes) and Sarah Brodsky (Bicycle John’s Serious Cycling) in second and third. Rounding out the podium were Hannah Rae Finchap and Time Trial specialist Becky Siegel.

Kahala Lagrange rider Amy Hutner ended second behind Maria Fahie in the women’s 35+.  Robin McDonald Foley made a strong showing against the younger ladies in 3rd, with Celo Pacific’s mom and cross racer Denorah Lawson taking 4th. The podium was rounded out by 5th place Christine Lisnock.

Full race results can be found here