Hasta la Vista! Round 3 of the Pride Incorporated Cyclocross Series at La Vista Park was the toughest course so far. Overall the circuit was SOFT due to the 2.5 inches of rain we had in the days leading up to the event. From the paved starting line riders made a left turn into the grass leading along a ridge which put them into the front section of the course covered in zoysia grass. This was difficult, to say the least. After a few switchbacks in the front we went through an opening in the tree line which led into an uphill across the pavement and into an open field of freshly mown grass on top of, what seemed like, a waterbed. Into the run up / barrier section left down the grass highway and a u-turn onto the slightly up hill pavement toward the finish.

A tough course and tough competitors. Women’s classes were stacked at this round! We had ladies from Team Revolution, Velo Force, Mock Orange Bikes, The Hub and Wild Trak Bikes. The Women’s open class joined the Men’s B race on the starting line to make up our largest group of the day. Spirited competition was a positive outcome of the event! Everyone  that participated came away feeling proud to finish. Spectators were gathered on the bleachers near the finish line cheering as riders went past, if they weren’t chasing their favorite rider around the course to give encouragement.

The youth run and youth CX were quite a hit. We had 6 runners in the quarter mile run (4-6 year olds) who gave it their all. The half milers (7-9 year olds) were represented well also. Each race was close, even the Youth CX race which had two competitiors being chased / encouraged around the track by their “coaches”. The 5k run was three complete laps on the challenging cross country course.

Thanks again to all that came out and helped put this event on. Having my entry form filled out at sign up, from being a past competitor, was the biggest help and made me feel more welcome. Thanks to Pride volunteers. Laying out the course we had a Village of Godfrey employee follow us around on a lawn mower to cut our lanes out of the open field grass. After the legs and lungs heal we hope everyone had a good time.

The final round of the 4 race Pride CX Series will be a beautiful course in an open setting on November 7th at Gordon Moore Park  http://riverbender.com/entertainment/index.cfm?redir=details&ad=311&cat=40&scat=0&srchby=b&pg=1

Link to Pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/eville.mike.d/20091024PICXIIILaVistaPark?feat=directlink#