10/09/2018

Karen's CX season

2017 was a a bit of a crap year for Karen as far as riding and running goes.

A mix of injuries and possibly a bit of over training meant motivation to get out, and put in any sort of effort, drifted away to almost zilch.

So it was kind of timely that 2018 was going to be a gap year for me, as Karen decided she'll do the same. Only ride when she wants to and not because she has to. On the very short list of "Has To" though, is Huttcross.

This is her 5th season of Huttcross, although most people wouldn't realise it as she is quite unassuming, and depending on her fitness at the time she may be at the pointy end of C grade or mid pack. The one thing that doesn't change, is her smile.


The 2018 series has now succumbed to grandfather time, as all things do, and I had great pleasure getting along to support Karen as she fought with single digit temperatures and a bed like a womb but still managing to get out to ride the dewy grass and mud of Upper Hutt's "Fields Of Joy" (Yes, I stole that). Having said that, the last race, while pretty nippy due to a southerly that just won't quit, was run in unseasonal dryness. Most of the bikes will need the tyres brushed off and not much else.



There is an unspoken love/hate relationship with wet, cold, muddy events. Yeah, I know it's not always all of those things. I believe we all don't turn up on these Sunday mornings for the glory. We turn up because, although it's hard, it is fun.

2018 has seen a change of management at Huttcross. They were seriously big shoes to fill but we think the new committee members have done a sterling job and we thank you. It's was awesome to see the inclusion of a new venue this season, in the form of a stock car track and rumour has it that there could be new venues in store for us next year.

Karen has already spoken of next year's step up to B Grade 😀.  Probably on the same bike but maybe there is a wheel upgrade in the future. This could be just the motivation needed to practice your dismounts/remounts. Most importantly, a 40mm carbon wheel set will look great on the start line of the 2019 Cyclo Cross National Championships in .... where ever it is.


Whatever the rest of the cycling season looks like for us, if possible, we'll keep those 3 months of winter clear so we can roll up to the start line with the rest of the crazies.

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