the anvil

Saturday was the Ride with Rendall Anvil 'cross race, a new event to the Ontario 'cross calendar, one day before the Ontario Cyclocross Provincial Championships. It was being billed as a not to miss event, and certainly lived up to expectations. Course design was by local 'cross legend Greg Reain, and Glen Rendall (of RwR fame), a beautiful course, located at the Nepean Equestrian Park, not much in vertical, but nice and twisty, a good power course, a sand pit, and fun!
Weather wise, it was perfect November, roughly 10 degrees, cool light breeze out of the north, and mid-race we got a light drizzle to slicken things up a bit. Kelly and Leiden were joined by Kona to help with the cheering, no camera at this race, so we'll have to rely on others, it was a good sized crowd so I'm sure something will turn up for viewing pleasure.
A small group of 13 would contest the Master A race, no doubt everyone was home "saving legs" for provincials tomorrow, wimps.. We were off without incident one minute after the Elite Men. A few unfamiliar faces from the Toronto crowd were there, so a good start would be ideal, and figure the rest out as we go. Fortunately for me a great start as we headed off put me at an instantaneous gap from the gun, right to the finish! I think this is the first time I've lead a race start to finish(?) and it was quite awesome.
By the second lap I had begun to really put a gap into the small chase group containing (teammate) Marc Beaulieu, who was riding spectacularly by the way, I'd also started the task of working up through the back end of the Elite men.
By mid race, after holding a decent pace and building a good lead, the rain started, it was never hard rain, but it was cool, and enough to slicken the grass making some of the corners trickier. I was noticing Rob Orange (Master B leader) working his way up from behind, giving a bit more motivation to continue working my way onwards and upwards.
With two laps to go I had my first slip up on one of the sloping corners, (Mel got the whole thing on her camera so we'll get the pics soon), I guess just a reminder to watch the lines for the last couple of laps.
A strong finish capped a great race, with a lead of roughly 2min 45sec to second place, it would certainly back up what felt like a great day on the bike! Marc B. also had a fantastic day, with the best result of his 'cross career finishing in second (two Rouleurs on the podium, very nice!)
Looking forward to Sunday's race, the start list looks a little longer, so it should be quite interesting. Hope the legs hold up well after today's race!