FLCC> Dave Panella Memorial Cyclocross

[Steve Edgar]

The Dave Panella Memorial Cyclocross took place today under Belgian  
conditions, at Ely Park in Binghamton.  There was even a Belgian flag  
flying at the start/finish line.

Course sorcerer Karl Faruzel conjured an inventive circuit which  
utilized every possible feature T the venue.  Add in cold, light rain  
and mud, and the result was a tough, technical, and fun course.

I had planned to test my fitness at this race.  Instead of riding  
steady, I would go out hard and hang on.  If I blew up, I wanted to  
see if I was fit enough to recover.

Turns out no way. :)  Once I cracked, I never bounced back.  Here are  
my lap times, from the lap recall feature on my watch ...

8:23 (going hard, but okay)
8:24 (over extended)
8:41 (the fuse is lit)
8:53 (Kaboom!)
8:50 (zombie man)
8:51 (where's a flat when you need one)
8:57 (dead man 'crossing)

Still though, it was fun to give this a go.  A steady ride may have  
put me a few places higher, as I was passed by two riders late in the  
race, but I don't think I could have reached Mark Shenstone, whose  
increase in fitness was enough to handily drop me 20 minutes in.  It  
is great to see Mark moving up in the line.

Technically, I felt I was okay.  My weak points were the 180 degree  
muddy corners in the "power line section", where I lacked control and  
speed.  (Ask Ernie about this section... and his treadless front  
tire.)  Other than that I think I had decent bike control and grip.

Afterwards there was much fine chili.  Most folks stayed to eat,  
visit and enjoy the awards.  This was a fun way to finish the series.

I'll be receiving the full results from the event tomorrow, and will  
update the Central New York Cyclcross Series standings after that.

Big thanks to Karl and Dawn for organizing, and to Matt for arranging  
prizes for the series.

If I can arrange a car pool, I'll be doing the NY State Championships  
next weekend, which will close out my cross season.  Anyone going?

-- Steve.