We will return...

after a few days of playing.

It's that time a year when it's time to recharge the batteries a bit.

It's been a pretty full year of riding here on the old Commutes Blog. Lots of events, shenanigans, riding, odd days, good friends moving on, beer and flesh.

Next year is already shaping up to be better with the events I'm planning to attend. Of course, there are a few holes in the schedule, so if anyone has suggestions...I'm more than open to go play.

Hang in there...

For the weekend

Cross is the happiest time of the year. It would take a Herculean effort to slap the smile off my face while I'm on course. The bikes. The crowds. The mud. The smells and sounds.

Shoot...I even hurled at the end of the USGP in Portland and I'm still a fan.

This weekend is Cross Nationals in Kansas. Last year was (for lack of a better term) epic. Between the frozen mud and snow...I couldn't imagine a tougher race to prove who should be the National Champion. And it's looking like this weekend could be right on par with last years.

This year we (Raleigh) teamed up with CXMagazine to provide some live coverage of cross Nats.

{click the banner and follow along}

So while most of can't attend...we can get minute by minute updates as the race unfolds.

Since I can't attend I think I'm going to head here tonite...

And then hit this on Sunday...

That is...if can still move after eating one of these...

TGIOver

Finally.

The costumes can be stored.

The Rainier can be hung up after a complete overhaul.

The "winter training" can really begin.

The highlights from the USGP in Portland this weekend?

Mud bogs that went on for miles.

A 9:30am start time for the SS class?! (Most SS Cross riders can't even get to work that early!)

One of the best races I've seen, in the Pro Category on Saturday.

One of the best displays of raw power, in the Pro Category on Sunday.

Portland crowds.

And being suckered into the "we'll dress up if you do" routine.

Things I learned from my second season of cross?

Mud is the greatest equalizer.

If you want to get "results", play by the rules.

If you want to have fun, ride your style of race.

Heckling is what makes this sport so much fun.

After downing a bacon covered maple bar, don't chase it with a beer in front of an official.

Leather pants may suck to run in...but they keep the mud out of "areas". Orange Hot Pants, complete opposite!

I may have done only one race in Seattle this year but you can bet your "hand-up" I'll be here...

My good friend Brad of Bicycle Adventures is responsible for all the pictures you see here. If you want to see more of my muffin top....go here.

Spreading Holiday Cheer...

One way to do it is to pre-order as much Bacon Jam as humanly possible!

The other is to find yourself in Portland for the USGP this weekend. Last year was pretty amazing with the torrential rains, lake crossings, and snow. All made sweeter with the giant "tickle me Elmo" diaper that I was sporting.

{spreading something...but it sure don't look like cheer!}


What didn't really get reported was the "Prom Party" the Cross Crusade held as an end of season bash. Complete with a photo booth to capture that special occasion with your date...or dates depending on who you were...



Yup...good times.

They're doing it again this year. I believe it's going to be a great time. Hope to see you there.

Foggy

Can't see in front of you.

Can't see behind you.

All you can see is what's right around you.

And even that isn't so clear.

But you keep on pedaling. Hoping. Knowing. You'll eventually ride out of it.