Kilowatt Cross
by John Sumner
It was great to be back at a CX race! I didn't realize how much I missed it.
Kilowatt Cross in Northfield, MA, is the biggest race I'd never heard of, with over 400 people entered. I impulsively entered two hours before the start of the race via Bikereg.
With the apparent dwindling races of all disciplines in New England/Northeast and beyond, and more of a shift to fundraising gravel 'rides', I questioned why I even ride. I enjoy being goal-oriented and seeing my progression over time. Therefore, I decided returning to Cyclocross after three years was the right move.
I had three goals:
1. Do not end in last place.
2. Do not crash or have mechanical issues.
3. Try not to get lapped.
Entering Masters 50+ 60+ 1-4, we had about twenty at the start. I ended up chasing Ron Dunn from BMB, who was 20-50 seconds ahead, depending on the lap. I was in no man's land all day, and the five guys behind me were 30-50 seconds behind. Thankfully, they never caught me. On the final straight of the sixth lap, the leaders caught me, and my day was over.
Overall, this was exactly what I needed in cycling, and now I have a foundation to build upon once again. I plan to enter as many Cyclocross races as possible now to December and will use what I learned to better myself.
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