T.J.'s story: Caribou Cross

BaseCamp athlete T.J. Morton shared his experience at the 2025 inaugural Caribou Cross cyclocross bike race in Idaho.

After a few weeks of inconsistent training—recovery from the crash at the Fall Ultra, vacation, and travel for a wedding—I lined up to race the "B" division at Caribou Cross just south of Pocatello, ID. It's a new event for this year, hosted at Pocatello Park and Rec's Mink Creek Nordic Center.

I had about a 45-minute warmup with some short threshold intervals and a trial ride around the course. I just had time after my warmup to get in some of the coffee I had brought with me and roll to the start. At the gun, I went out with the lead group, but two or three folks took off like shots! I knew I didn't want to burn that many matches at the start, so I held back a bit. I always struggle with that decision. I probably should burn a couple of matches, as the race is only 45 minutes! And while my lap times were pretty consistent, I found myself at a consistent gap to a podium spot. If I had burned that match, maybe I stay near the leaders and contend for a podium. Oh well—next week!

7.2 miles, 53 minutes, and a 167 average HR with a max of 178.

Did I mention that the venue was GORGEOUS? See the photo for proof!!! Those aspens were just showing off!