This was the race that almost wasn’t. We had a fair sized storm heading toward New England and snow forecasts had anywhere from 3 inches to 18 inches. Gotta love New England Meteorologists. I wish I could give estimates that wide in my job. Anyway, race organizer Liz Allen had a big decision to make. She created a Doodle poll, posted it on Facebook, and the discussion ensued. In the end, all systems were “go.” Since my coffee was on the prize list–it was a “must attend” for me–hell or high water, or snow, I was going.

My feelings were split, if I have to be honest, about going. My body is aching to be in full winter hibernation and I was apprehensive about traveling in bad weather. My Christmas shopping isn’t done. I like watching CBS Sunday morning with my honey. Blah, Blah, Blah. ON THE OTHER HAND…..I’m a extremely prideful native New Englander-snow is in my blood. I do like playing in the snow. I love the cyclocross community. There would most certainly be other crazy people there. And, I come from Cyclocross Royalty for crying out loud! I had to go.

I don’t think I can overstate how glad I am that I did go. This was the best way to close out a great season of New England Cyclocross. It was a small venue, made smaller by 5 inches of snow with a nice helping of freezing rain and sleet. About 75 people, in total showed up. That’s smaller then some of the fields I raced in this year. There was a roaring bonfire in a halved drum that had a small group gathered around it. It was about 32 degrees, which was twice as warm as it had been the day before–which made it not so bad at all.

The course was shortened due to the conditions and for safety reasons. Fun but relatively safe. During the race, volunteers would use shovels to add snow to the well worn paths–just to keep things interesting. Corners were icy and slow, and clipping back into pedals was a 50/50 endeavor–the slushy snow packed so deeply into cleats, if it had been a few degrees colder there would be no knocking it free.

Best of all–the crazy people! How great is a guy who decorates his CX bike with garland and working Christmas lights, puts a big Santa beard and hat on and races that way? How about pickle handups? How about grannie panty handups? Donut handups? Yes, we gave the go ol’ Portland, Oregon crowd a run for their money down at the little DAS Beaver CX race. So. Much. Fun.

Plus, I achieved a few goals. Yes, it was due to weather related attrition, but hell, I’ll take it. I finished 4th, won money, swag, and was in a podium photo. I also saw my friend Vicki and a few other people I knew. It was the best possible way to end my sophomore season of cyclocross.

The organizers, volunteers and Liz Allen in particular, deserve a load of credit and thanks for pulling off a great race in terrible conditions and making it a complete blast. DAS Beaver CX–I’ll be back!

-Karen