Blog

Like many Masters cyclocross racers, I've been going through the ups & downs of juggling health, work, family, and other hobbies, with my CX racing goals & dreams...

Last Fall was a struggle, with a hernia operation in July, which went mostly ok, but was followed by a urinary tract infection that took 3 rounds of antibiotics to get rid of, along with a scare with prostate issues, etc.

You could say that getting old sucks, however I've spent plenty of time in hospitals over the years for many things, and have already proven I'm harder to kill than a cockroach. All this stuff is just part of the game, nothing all that new in the big picture.

And despite all the niggling issues, which led to an abbreviated CX race season, I actually had some decent results and quite a bit of fun. The first two "comeback" races I did out in the Northwest (where I often spend time working on www.projectimprobable.com) where I didn't have stellar results however it was great fun to check out the scene there and get some racing legs back. Once back in Maine, I actually had decent results, and even did my first ever single speed races, which were a blast. 18th of 47 in the open men's SS at The Ice Weasels Cometh actually got me my best points score of the season, even better than 2nd place in the 60+ at the Governor's Guard Rodeo which closed out the year for me.

I skipped Nationals, however am taking a long approach to next season, where I'll be the "new kid" in the 65+ crowd. Hoping to score a top 10 at Nationals, which I'd like to think is possible if it's not too muddy...I seem to lack the mass to overcome draggy deep mud. However give me a fast and technical course, and I think I'm better at CX now than I was when I started around age 45.

One of my favorite sayings is that "my delusions of grandeur give me better self esteem"...but hey, if you're having fun that all that counts. I'll fit in some mountain and road biking this year, on both sides of the country.

Anyhow, the mountain bike is currently in the Bikeman shop getting dialed in by long-time go-to ace, Zach, who fixed up my CX race bike and my ultralight SS bike as well, so hope springs eternal! Thanks to the Bikeman Team for always humoring my upgrade ideas and having parts on hand when needed!

Meanwhile, in the "other hobbies" department, if you like sailing you might enjoy this fun interview I did for the Boat Geeks about my history of sailing adventures and working in the marine energy systems business:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um7Lw3Le94A

Keep on pedaling!

Bruce