SCX Silver Lake CAT 4, Brian Bressler 

First off, if you've been reading my reports you know I've struggled to finish a race without a mechanical or a crash.  So from this point, the Silver Lake race was a fantastic success.

I've never been a fan the USA Cycling licensing system, it seems like an expensive hurdle to keep people from racing.  Therefore, out of principle (ha!) I've opted for CX races that don't require a license.  The MFG series and Cascade Cross series are excellent examples and the turnout at these races is growing and the races are extremely competitive.  This weekend, I happened to be in Seattle for my mother-in-law's birthday and my wife suggested I find a race.  She's awesome.

The Seattle CX series is USA Cycling sanctioned so I registered for the only race available to a rider without a license: CAT 4. 

The Silver Lake course is known for both the long sandy sections - yes plural - you hit the beach twice per lap and for the many very steep short climbs.  Since I have no points in this series I got the "everyone else" call up that put me about ¾ of the way back.  Within 15 seconds of the start we were on the 100 meter sand stretch where riders were already coming off their bikes and running.  I pre-rode the course and picked out a good line to ride.  Once we were out of the sand I trashed my way up close to the front and tried to ride as cleanly and smoothly as possible.  When the leader slid out on a fast downhill off camber to steep uphill climb, I first asked if he was ok (he's a riding buddy) then attacked and gapped the field.  This was my first win this year!

Next week, I'll be back in the MFG series and racing CAT 3 35+ again and hungry to finish without a mechanical or a crash.