Cross Nationals

reminders are important

 I was able to attend the Cyclocross National races this past weekend.  The racing scene is really not for me, but I do appreciate people's bike handling skills and willingness to make themselves suffer.  I went to provide mechanical support especially to a group of juniors from our racing team.  There was not a lot of work to be done, but with 9 riders, I kept alert throughout the days.  

conditions were a bit soggy

The biggest thing I am saddened with is the lack of freedom to capture images.  I was able to sneak about and grab some photos, and I definitely learned a number of things to help with my shooting cycling events.  It is one of the best things about cyclocross, being so close to the riders and having multiple opportunities to shoot from a number of different points.  One thing I am happy about is having a good outcome from tightening in on my subject.  I have been in the practice of backing off and framing my subject after the fact.  But by zooming in close, I grabbed a couple of photos that turned out almost exactly as I was hoping for.  That confidence goes a long way for me.

I don't think this bike was racing

2012 Begins

As with everyone in the world, I am thinking of what I want to do different this year.  One of my goals is to be more consistent with this blog.  I am shooting for once a week.  Just glancing back through past posts, I am aware of how nice it is to recall various events and adventures.  I also like to make sure to insert a photo with a post.  I think it makes it a little nicer on the reader and it is also something I want to do more of this year.  Once a week, trying out different photo techniques and ideas.  

So I leave you with a photo from my recent trip to the Seattle area.  I didn't take many photos, but I did happen to capture a couple of things that make me feel good to see.  The day I ferried over to Seattle, it was classic northwestern weather.  Grey and almost rain, but not quite.  I was very happy to see these tents set up at the edge of the market.  I even had a vehicle wait for my while I was taking this picture.  It certainly brightened my day.

a little color on a gloomy day