Cyclocross Race #5, 2003 -- Lots & Lots of Mud!!

by John Ericsson

Yesterday's CX Race in Milwaukee was a serious MudBath. The first mud to encounter was the real slick "black loam under grass" type mud, which sorted out the field right away.

Before the run up it was "greasy clay-like" mud....this clogged up your cleats and pedals really good. More of the same on the short and steep run up. Then, a "very soupy and very slippery" type mud in the technical wooded section. (I learned 1/2 way through the race it was just as quick to run through this section.) Out in the grassy open areas the ground was covered in lots goose dung, which stuck to your tires like glue and had a nice green look to it.

All in all the Dropouts that did race, came away muddy and wet, but successful in the fact that they all finished. My business trip to Colorado last week, with 3 meals a day at restaurants and no exercise, haunted me all race, but I had a blast.

Renee should have her photos on-line sometime today.

--JPE