On Saturday, September 11, Jon T, Dave H., Taylor H. and Cliff K took a road trip to the Trexlertown Velodrome in Allentown, PA for the 1st race in the Mid-Atlantic Cyclocross Series.  With a 3:15 start time (Elite Masters 35+) they were able to get a leisurely start to the morning, arriving at the race venue around noon with plenty of time to check out some track racing and get in a few practice laps.

Due to the lack of rain in central PA the race course was very fast and dusty.  Some were saying it was a grass crit.  However, some of the corners were quite loamy and required a smooth line with lots of finesse to go fast.  Setting tire pressure was challenging as some of the faster corners and one rooty section required higher pressures while the bumpy fields benefited from lower pressure.  Some got it right others while others learned a lesson for next time.

At the start the top 30 from last year were called up leaving the Expo contingent to fight for a reasonable starting spot with at least 70 others somewhere in the back part of the pack.  The start was fast and dusty, dishing out more than the RDA of dirt on this day!  Dave got the best start with Cliff and Jon trying to quickly gain as many positions as possible.  After a few laps things settled down with Dave and Cliff both finding their way into the top 10 with Jon languishing towards the middle of the field.  Dave rolled a tire and was unable to finish on this day while Cliff was able to battle with several racers down the stretch to finish 8th.  Jon crashed on the last lap sending him back to 40th.

As is true with all cross races, much fun was had and a few lessons learned.  This week starts the big New England cross series in VT, where Expo will be looking to be competitive throughout the weekend and more importantly have fun.

Photos by Dennis Smith