On October 29th, Team Muleterro, a local bike team (http://teammuleterro.com/) hosted Mulecross, the second to last Montana 'cross race of the year. I got a great start, but crashed into a post about 30 seconds into the race. I only gave up one spot, which I quickly took back. There were two run-ups, both of which could be ridden, although the first was faster to run. After the mishaps on the first lap, I was able to build up a stable lead and won by about thirty seconds.
The second day was the State Championships (apparently no one wants to race 'cross in Montana after November 1st). The main challenge was a steep hill followed by a 1-2 foot drop. There was a B-line around to the rider's left, but you would sacrifice at least three seconds, which can add up very quickly. I had never ridden the A-line, but decided to do it about twenty yards before. After the first time, I got confident doing it and rode strong for the rest of the race and to a solid second. I've had a great CX season and it snowed for the first time last week! I've already got a ski jump built in the back yard. Big Sky and Moonlight Basin open Thanksgiving weekend, and Bridger Bowl opens December 9th.
