Cyclocross Season is Here Again!!

Fall is here, which means that it’s cyclocross season once again here in Anchorage, Alaska!! If you’re a regular reader, you may remember my photo series from last year, when I shot and raced every single week of the 2012 season. I tried to approach each week with a slightly different technique, which really pushed my creativity from week to week. Unfortunately, I got there late this week and didn’t have much time to shoot photos of the first race, I just snapped a couple of shots with my Fuji X20.

However, I did race. After taking 3rd place last year in Beginner class, I jumped into the Open class and got my clock totally cleaned by the ENTIRE FIELD. It was great! I came in a little unprepared; with such awesome weather in Alaska this summer, I spent quite a bit of time exploring in the little Cessna. Flying doesn’t get you in shape for cycling, though. I figure that I’ll get in shape while I race.

After jockeying for position through the first few turns, I quickly found myself at the back of the pack as soon as we hit the first straightaway. I spent the next 3 laps all alone by myself on the course, pedaling through wet grass and puddles that suck your energy and make you fight for every inch, running and carrying my bike  through shin deep mud and trying to avoid the moose turds on the corner over by the sandy section.

Halfway through the race, the leader lapped me, and a few minutes later, some of the other top racers passed me as well. I came in last place, but I managed to ride fast enough to get a bell lap. Got a good workout, though. 56 minutes of all out exertion and getting my lower body covered in mud. Just what I needed.

Halfway through the race, the leader lapped me, and a few minutes later, some of the other top racers passed me as well. I came in last place, but I managed to ride fast enough to get a bell lap. Got a good workout, though. 56 minutes of all out exertion and getting my lower body covered in mud. Just what I needed.

I plan to shoot more photos during the next race, so stay tuned! In the meantime, check out my series from last year, including the final race in heavy snowfall, and think about what kind of multi-week project you can do with your photography this fall.