Something wicked this way comes

What's creepier than day-glo bikes?
I've also noticed the 1x10 setup gaining in popularity
Who needs a front mech anyway?

Although I only had one day off this weekend, I have to say that it was a pretty solid two days. Saturday was Halloween, which is my favorite fake holiday. It was also another chance to pretend that I'm a 'cross racer at the Wicked Creepy Cyclocross in Bennington, Vt., in the morning.

The race went about as well as any 'cross race has gone for me this fall, with me getting a poor start position in the larger-than-usual field, passing some people, then fading late in the race. I am embarrassed to admit that even in the short, 45-minute 3/4 race, my back was killing me -- likely signifying that both my position is too aggressive and that my core is too weak. I think I'll work on improving both of those over the next few weeks.

In the last couple laps of the race I got into a battle with a Battenkill United rider, a fellow cow-print wearer (sorry, I should know your name, but I don't!). While he ultimately wound up out sprinting me for a mid-20s finish, I thought our matching Kona Jake the Snakes were quite a pair -- mine in day-glo orange, and his in day-glo yellow. I actually heard a report that friends back in Saratoga were able to watch us battle it out, just by keeping an eye out for the colors.

The Wicked Creepy course, in a town park, was right next to a BMX track, and after the race, John and I did a little session on the table top and rhythm bumps. I think I may have missed my true calling, and will be trading 700c wheels for 20s next spring.

This sandy whop-de-doo was only 100 meters from the finish
I needed another 50 meters to come around in the sprint
So it goes

After the race, it was time to head to work for an afternoon of trying to track down trick-or-treaters, most of whom were inside, hiding from the rain by the time I reported to work. So it goes. In the midst of it all, I managed to pull together a Halloween costume for myself.

As readers know, I'd been having a difficult time coming up with a costume, but a little last minute pressure seems to have been the trick for me over the past few years. This year, a number of people suggested I go as a cyclist, or as a reporter -- both ideas I rejected on the basis that Halloween is a day for dressing as something that you are not.

I settled on Michael Jackson, after some prodding by Mareesa. Later on, I went out with Marrissa and Mareesa (who could have passed for Janet Jackson, though it's not clear if that was actually her intent) and some other friends. Here is a photo of Mareesa and I, in our costumes, outside of the City Tavern:


Much dancing ensued, followed by a glorious extra hour of sleep. Thanks Day Light Savings!

I spent four hours on the bike today, the longest ride I've done since that rainy century back in October. This time, it was sunny and warm, and I had the roads up to Sacandaga, from Providence to Hadley, and everywhere in between, nearly to myself. It doesn't get much better than that for a fall afternoon!