Kross could be a disease for me.

I once read that "Goals not written down are just dreams".

I only seem to follow that rule during Kross.

So here they are for this Kross Season.

1. Was to win a NYCross race in my age group.
Won the season opener at Kirkland. I came in there on fire.
The "Shake and Bake" training was perfect.
2.Win at Ommegang. I've wanted to win there in each edition.
4th. I know why.
3. Podium at Syracuse. This race is always where I do the double, a turning point in the season. ( I did the double at Omme the week before) 1st Place. I'd left it all on the course.
A half hour later I was lined up again. Fooling myself I could do it this week. Two laps in I pulled out. No point in digging a big hole.
4. Be the NYS Champion in the 55+.
Result 2nd. If we would have raced Friday. I'd have crushed it. I was so intent on a fourth State Championship. I burned a lot of energy. It's all in the last blog posting.
5. Podium at Greene and the DPM. Now this could be tough. Promoting both races and racing is a huge endeavor.
Result: 3rd at Greene and a win in the 55+ plus after a race long battle with the Ithaca Mafia don, Glenn Swan. We traded punches all day. I knew it would come down to a sprint, an uphill sprint. I pulled it out after all that. I had to do it.
6. Lose 8-10 lbs for States.
Result: I did it. Less beers,more salads. Now for a few beers.
7. Upgrade to cat 2.
Result: Done.
I was glad it was all over. I worked really hard at running two races. I want people to come to my races and have fun.
They did at the DPM. Probably the only race around where almost everybody wins.
Already thinking about Louisville.
Eat good food, drink good beer and love the one you're with.
OGQ

The State Championships were last weekend. A big goal for the year. I was on course excited. Over excited big time. I was "there" on Friday. I mean packed,dialed the bikes had the "coon tune" I was ready to rock.
Pacing like a caged animal. Maybe it was my turn to release the Kracken!


So Jaunty and I made the drive to RaChaCha to stay with Duffy. See old friends and do this. After an awful nights sleep. It dawned a Kross morning cold,windy and the possibility of rain.
Kitted up, tried not to be a dick. Focused,let's do this. Pre rode the course. Nerves. Too much pressure here on myself.
Finally it's time. They do call ups for the Series. Then the scrum. I slot in next to Tim O'Shea. Might as well put the diesel behind the Top Fuel dragster for the start. Let him make the hole. Rule one followed. make the cut. The legs aren't firing. Trouble with lines in the gravel,but holding my own. Brian comes by me on the road. I cling to him. No need to pass right now. Get the legs moving. Gravel, Rule three violated, minimize mistakes. They come in droves. He gets a gap because I'm trying too hard. Third lap the legs open up. But the gravel is my downfall. Then I finally tell my self go faster where you can slower in the gravel. Now I'm riding like me. Brian has a great ride and takes the gold I take the silver. Probably was a bit of jerk at the end. People are congratulating me. I nod and grumble, second wasn't good enough. But I'm good about the defeat to Brian and congratulate him. Someone says "Karl, How'd you do?"  I mumble I was "riding in the Land of I suck" today. I think they were a bit taken back by that. Our class has been fun this season with no clear cut winners.
Rick, Sharon, Anne ,Jim and Duffy are all stoked for  me. Jaunty knows I'm pissed at myself. But that's racing.
It could have been a big fat zero,nada,zip. Many would be happy to podium.
Drop it. Overall the Gangstas killed it today. Lots of podiums for the team.


So we enjoyed a beer from Rohrbachs. Cheered the big dogs. Headed to the South Wedge for beers and food. First to Beale Street then to the Tap and Mallet. Good to be with old friends. Thanks for coming out and cheering and making me laugh.


Now this weekend is the oldest race in NYS. Race promotion has me burning the candle at both ends.
Just need to race and have fun tomorrow. The really be ready for the DPM. One point is all I need for another seasons gaol of my upgrade to Cat 2. The DPM has been good to me. I will ride with the strength of two men. Thanks Dave.


So here I am not sleeping in. Fretting issues for the race. It will come off.  Plan to work and work the plan.
That's what I did.


Love the one you're with. Eat good food, Drink good beer.


Thanks to all for the support  in the Dirty Little Klub.