BEND, OREGON CX NATIONALS, LOOKS BRUTAL...

After experiencing Kansas City two years ago in the most incredible conditions I've ever tried to stay upright on a bicycle in, I must say that by seeing the pictures from Bend yesterday, I'm glad I'm not there racing. It would be most awesome to be there cowbelling and screaming it up, but I no longer have the desire to go batter myself in those types of conditions anymore, guess I'm just soft at 52.

With that said, Colorado showed and throwed some yesterday in Bend. Below, local favorite Gary Thacker was in defense of his 2008 National Title in the 55+ race. Gary ran into a buzz saw named Paul Curly and finished second this year. Yet another astonishing performance from Thacker, second does not suck Gary...well done. And Pete Watson overcame some mid season serious injuries to finish 18th in the same race, top 20 doc, not bad.

Thacker below burrying it for the cause....

photo Janet Hill

Curly on his battle with Thacker

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Other Locals had great races yesterday as well in the B Races (also known as the "Sandbagger" class to make USA Cycling a small pile of cash). Mike Robson of Moots finished second in the 40+ field with Darren the sneak Cheek fourth. Batchhelder was 8th and Farrell 13th. All crushers in tough cnditions...judging by the 50 or so DNF's.

Gage Hecht just won a CX National Championship in the 10-12 junior race! Freekin awesome Gage! Cade Bickmore 7th...sweet top ten!

Zane Godby is winning with two laps to go! Colorado is crushing. Godby finishes on the second podge spot!

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Colorado women crushed today as well....Laurel Rathbun, the sock diva took a bronze, Karen Hogan Silver, and Mina Anderberg is a National Champion in 2009.