Copper Mountain Criterium

Another race way up high in the mountains. Sunday's race was a few hundred more feet up there. Getting pretty close to 10,000 feet. It was really cold up there and I didn't come prepared. I got there a few hours before because I had nothing better to do. It was rainy and I was debating not to race. The course was flipping awesome though. Probably the neatest course I've raced on. It went through a pedestrian mall. The uphill portion (which was about 1/2 of the race) went from wide, to narrow, just like that. It was on cobble stones (not real bumpy ones though) and went winding through these tourist shops. Then it went downhill. There was really only one sketchy corner. Hung with the pack again today. Not sure where I ended up overall. They only had top 5 placed and said the rest would be on the website. I'm guessing top 8, but we will see. My lungs didn't burn as bad as they did on Saturday. Anyway, good experience and had a fun time. Ok, now it's rant time.

More things I've noticed about Colorado:

-I'm a lot more comfortable racing with the pack here. Not sure why. They just don't seem as sketchy as some of the races I've been in in the Midwest.

-The officials are a little unorganized. People in Iowa don't realize how good they have it. I've run into issues in Missouri, Illinois, and now Colorado, but never Iowa. Don't take the Iowa officials for granted...they are by far the best!!!

Other rants:
I'm confused on something. Why is it that hardly anyone in Iowa travels to the regional major races. I looked at the results for Downer's Grove. Less than 5 Iowans took part. There were more people from Colorado. WHY??? What race was this weekend in Iowa? Hmm...nothing. Saving up for the State Crit or what? Chicago really isn't that far of a drive. From Burlington it was like a 4 hour drive. Some of the best racing around. For crying out loud people, it's the National Criterium Championships. Don't you want to be a part of it????

This is just one example. How many of you did any Super Week races? Sure, they are during the week. But make a weekend out of it. Sure it's a longer drive, but it's worth the experience.

How many of you are going to race at Gateway Cup over Labor Day weekend in St. Louis. Some of the best crit. racing around. Once again, a 4 hour drive from Burlington. Get together some of your cycling friends and make a trip out of it. 4 days of fast racing, even a twilight crit for a few of the races. I challenge you all (my readers) to be there. I'll be there and I live 12 hours away.

Sorry for the rants, I just don't quite get this. Do people not want to drive to races or what. Sure gas is a little expensive, but it's really not that bad if you get a few people willing to carpool with you. Do you not want to push yourself and see what level you're at in racing? Are you too satisfied with racing against the same people every weekend? Feel free to leave a comment with some reasoning, because I just don't get it. I mean some of the states "elite/regional" teams don't even show up for these events. Ok, well that's all I can think of right now. I was just a little disappointed about Iowa's representation at Downer's Grove. I'm glad a few people showed up, but come on people, show the out of stater's what it's all about!!!!
-A