12) This is a fantastic cross race in Central Mass. The course conditions were fast and slightly tacky since we received a bit of rain the day before and day of the race. The attendance was large with 300-400 riders. My Cat 3 race started out fast with a long straight away and a hard left turn at the end. One rider in the front went down just before the first corner and wisely curled into a ball as riders whizzed by him. Luckily there was not a pile up.
The course does not have a lot of elevation gain but a lot of tight turns including a section running through a couple livestock structures with wood chip substrate, which made for some challenging turns and required focus to stay upright. Many people fell in this area and not many people were willing to risk passing in the loose wood chips. A total of two sets of barriers were easily hurdled.
The total distance was @12 miles with riders averaging 14-19 mph and reaching speeds of 30mph on the long straight stretch at the start finish. Total elevation gain was about 435 ft. The course was well lit and there were several vendors selling food and bike products. Adult beverages were being consumed by riders and fans since this is a privately owned parcel.
I’m looking foward to the next ride here Sunday October 14th which will also have a single speed race (part of the Zanconato single speed series) where riders can race their single speed bikes or zip tie their shifters.
Fellow bikeman riders included Steve Witkus placing a very respectable 15th, Scott Conchieri, Mike Hoover, and Kevin Buckley.
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