Cyclocross Diary: Cobb County Race (Jim Miller Park)
November 16, 2003
by Bob Kuhn (Gwinnett Touring Club)

The Course: 

The course began on a long, narrow straight paved section, which ran along side a field. This was the neutral start position and the finish would be up ahead about ¾ km. This section turned to gravel after a right hand turn and then to grass, which snaked across a field until it reached a double barrier section and then back onto a dirt road. This road led to the long wooded section, which began, with a slight uphill, right turn and then a long, narrow uphill section, which one had to ride out of the saddle initially, and then as the grade settled down, you could sit and ride it fine. This section continued to snake through the woods and eventually led to another uphill with a 50-yard triple barrier run-up that was not very steep. 

All of the barriers were 16” high which is the legal limit. This section led to a long dirt/cinder downhill, which tested your risk taking and nerves. It had one switchback and then bottomed out to a high-speed right turn, which led to a long cinder flat section and then a sharp left into the last barrier section. There was a grass section after this, which led back to the long paved section described as the start.

The Race:

Race conditions were good: cloudy, cool and dry surfaces. At the start there were myself, Cleve Blackwell (series leader), Blaine Foley (tied for the series lead), and another guy who was new to the sport but whom I heard was an expert mountain biker (I’ll call him MTB). The start was slower than normal and I quickly moved into 4th position. The group was together for a lap and then at the opening to the woods, someone crashed. This split up the herd a little and soon it was down to 5-6 riders. I maintained 2-3 position and eventually Blaine and Cleve had some problems. In fact, after about 3 laps they were gone. The remaining riders were myself, MTB, Dub Smith (Nalley) and TJ (outspokin). TJ kept putting on the juice and Dub was eventually dropped. 

I was in 2nd with 3 to go. On the bell lap, we entered the woods and on the narrow snaking section, TJ sat up and said he had a cramp. I moved into first and knew that I could win if I could put some time into MTB on the risky downhill section. I did this and gapped him around 10 seconds. At this point I was getting close to the last barrier section and then it was home free. Coming around the corner to the barrier my front tire slipped, I fell and lost my 10 second lead. TJ and MTB came around me and I caught them after a long chase back to the long, narrow straight paved section, which led to the finish. MTB began to sprint and I could not close the gap. He beat me by about 10 yards and I took second. 

This was a huge disappointment for me because it seemed like a lock. It was a choke, no doubt. I was not focusing on the moment, but what would happen in a few minutes at the finish. It was a good lesson for me and adds to a series of poor finishes and mistakes at the end. However, second is nice too. Cleve finished 5th and Blaine DNF. So, I made up some ground in the standings.

Next up is the State Championships. 

Thanks to all the GTC club members for their yells and support. It was a tough day that still ended better than I initially thought.

*Trish's note (with Bob's ok): MTB is Tyler Grahovec (Cherokee Bike Shop), an Expert mountain biker. Tyler wanted me to state that he is also a Cat. 4 road rider and was racing in his first cyclocross race ever. He didn't know what to expect!