ronald strasser

Nice day at Barton. My 15th time through the maze. My last C. Crusade
race in 60+. What a great group of more mature individuals. This is not
about me however. This is about all those wonderful experiences people
have out there on these courses. Racing with someone, back and forth for
12th place. Just hanging on to finish when your body is telling you the
choices you made the night before were not the best is another lesson in
life. Or just hanging on to finish when you get little training in during
you work week. Seeing a friend / family member have a better than usual
race is another thing making for a good day. I hope racers take time to
soak some things up that are outside of their own space. These things that
make these OBRA race environments very special places. I find one of the
most amazing things about C. Crusade is that even with the largest fields,
the whole feeling is mellow and welcoming to all. This (and fairness) is
in their genes. I know many call it quits with Barton, but again I urge
folks to check out the last few races on the OBRA calendar. May be a trip
for the Portland area folks but supporting the other races is a way to show
them what they are doing is worth continuing. They sure come our way to
race. I will be at Saturday Psycho. I will, of course, be telling myself
(during the race) I should not have done what I will do on Thanksgiving
day. But the rain coming this week will allow it to be a classic NW cross
course. Mud! Fun!
If you are done, have a great winter.
ronnie