Draper - Laying it Down

I listened all night and into the early morning as the rain came down.  I wondered as many I am sure did whether the race would be delayed or post-poned.  Early in the morning the first tweet came in "Well, no snow out here.  Very light rain."  Then the next "No rain now. Clearing. Walked part of trail. No tracks. Sand drys quickly."   Eventually another tweet came letting us know the race was delayed an hour.  Hmmm... maybe the race course wouldn't be too bad, I was skeptical, but thought I may as well go and give it a try.  I liked this course and felt like I could do well.

Upon arriving to the race, I immediately realized the condition of the course was going to be the least of my worries.  It was cool and breezy--the cold part would not have been so bad but the breeze chilled you to the bones.  Just standing in line all of us in the women's sport division were chattering from the chill.  I could not wait for the start just so I could get going and get warm. 

My start went really well this time.  I went off the front, but this time I held it for at least a mile, and then somewhere just before we entered into the Equestrian area Ali passed me.  She was looking strong.  I had now worries about the pass, I was just thrilled I held the front that long.  As we entered into single track Jen soon came up on me and I let her know to let me know when she needed to pass (I figure you can pass and if I am fast enough I will pass you back).  She waited until we hit the double track and then up the hill she went.  My last words to her "see ya' at the finish".

I kept going strong and was surprised to not hear any other sport women come up on me.  In fact I didn't hear anyone until we hit the double track downhill.  I was able to hold the next rider off until we went into the switchback uphill climb--amazing!  And actually it was good she passed me here, because I definitely needed to pace myself in this part.  As I went up I could see Lyna behind me--I didn't know how long I could hold her off, but I sure was going to try.  Eventually she caught me on the down just before the half lap--snuck right by me, it was awesome.  Even better, I held with her.  My goal was to keep her in my sights for the rest of the race.

I was doing great at my goal, and then it happened.  I went into a downhill switchback that had a trench on the inside, a little percarious, but very easy as long as you hit it right.  I hit it right and then all of the sudden I was down, and I was down hard.  Not seconds after I hit I jumped up grabbed my bike and sent the two riders behind me on their way.  I went to get on my bike and saw my handle bars had turned around.  I went to turn them back and discovered they were stuck!  I tried and tried, but could not turn my bars around.  The course marshal came to help and he could not get them to turn.  They were stuck and they were stuck good.  It took some time, but eventually with some prying and jimming the course marshal and I were able to turn them back, but not without some damage to my bike.  During all of this I lost sight of Lyna and was passed by another rider in my division.  I took off and did all I could to catch everyone.

My poor bike.

I felt a lot of frustration welling inside of me as I rode.  I had wanted so badly to do well at this race and here, once again, I had crashed and had lost a significant amount of time.  There was a lot of encouragement from friends on the course and thanks to them I was able to stave off the frustrations here and there.  I tried hard, but never did catch the other riders.  I did see them, but just wasn't able to catch them--oh the frustrations.  I crossed the line in sixth place, and rode a good ride, but I felt a lot of frustration from the ride which I just could not seem to shake.  It was hard feeling so good and riding so strong and then to watch it all slide away due to a stupid crash. 

The reality is this is mountain bike racing and these things happen.  There are flat tires, chain suck, crashes and who knows what other mechanicals--all of these are a part of racing.  And although we don't like them and we wish they wouldn't happen they are part of what makes a race, and draws us to the next race.

As for me and my frustrations I should have remembered how much I accomplished this race instead of focusing on what I loss.  As I read through this I realized I stayed near the front for a really long time.  Not only that I kept with the front part of the group up until I crashed--that is huge.  I wished I had thought of this at the race.  Oh well.  For now I will celebrate my accomplishments and prepare to do it all over again.  Well, at least as soon as my sore muscles will let me.

Me with my trusty steed.

Proof mud was flipping everywhere!

My bike looks muddier than me!

Draper Pics

Draper race was delayed by a few hours. I let Mandy have the camera before I raced, while I raced and after I raced. I left the camera with her with specific instructions to take pictures of the team and of us racing. Here is what you get when leave the camera with a 9 year old.

Gotta' love it.

I Am Back

Well not quite, but I know I can ride hard again. Today's race was the test of where I am health wise and how hard I can ride at the next race.

At the start line there were some of the regulars and a few new faces. While we were waiting I leaned over to Jen and told her she better take first place. I really didn't think I was going to be competitive this race and I wanted Jen to make sure Mad Dog was represented well. By the way I was pretty sure she would take first as she has been smokin' at the races and still doesn't seem like she is putting any effort into it.

Off the start line I did not go out as strong or as hard as I usually do. Instead I went out reserved. I wanted to make sure I could get through this race. Going up the first quick climb Jen and 2 other riders that I did not know rode to the front. I followed them up to the first of the single track and followed up and down the first small portion. I ended up pacing off them and resting as they were not going too fast and I knew there was a spot coming up for me to pass--in fact it was at the same spot Dot passed me in our pre-ride. As soon as I could pass I took off and headed to the short little portion of downs. I was looking forward to the jump however as I started toward it I ended up going off the trail, luckily I stayed loose and was able to get back on without losing my positioning.

From here it was time to climb. I love climbing. By this time I was going at a good pace--I was breathing hard, but I could also carry on a conversation. Just about where I wanted to be. I began to pass people one at a time, but I knew there was no way I would pass Jen. As I headed up I ended up behind 3 riders going into the single track with the steep climb. I made sure everyone knew to be ready for the steep climb. The young rider in front of me went even further and let them know he was going all the way up and if they couldn't do it he would appreciate if they move over. I let him know I would be right behind him, so don't mess up. One of the riders pulled aside while the rest of us went up. The young rider in front of me did not make it, and I ended up having to go around him. I got a little further but by going around I lost the traction I needed and skidded out at the top. I got off my bike took a couple of steps up and got back on just in time to see the first rider (a teammate) endo huge. I went by and saw he had flown right into a stutter bump--tough luck.

The next section of the ride is nice it is great recovery as you prepare for the next long section of climbing. I had a blast going down. As I headed whipped up the hill to the next portion of climbing I took time to down a gel, this was a huge mistake. The gel seemed to stick in my throat and I could not breathe as well. I had to drink from my water bottle several times to try and get rid of the coating it left in my throat. It was somewhere around here I saw Jen and we let out a hey how are you. She looked great and was going strong.

I continued on entering into the uphill switchback section. I was surprised at how many riders were struggling on this section. There were a lot of guys going down and dabbing to not skid out as they went up the switchback. Luckily there mishapes did nto affect me. As I entered into the next uphill somewhat technical section three riders got off their bikes and stopped. I actually had to holler out to let them know I was going up. I was surprised they did not expect me to go up--come on guys just because I'm a chick does not mean I am going to quit. I passed through all the guys, went up, and made it to the top without any incidences.

Now the downhill section. This time unlike my pre-ride I took it at a steady pace, and very controllable. I did not want to lose my positioning by crashing. Oh and did I mention there was a UMB rider behind me. I didn't know if she was in my division or not, but I was not going to lose my positioning. Once I got through the single track downhill I took off at full speed lightening. I actually hooped and hollered. At this point I rode hard and finished off hard.

I ended the race feeling really good about how I did--2nd place! I did not expect this, but I am glad. I feel great tonight and did not need to rest or end up crashing at home after the race. I am totally excited for the next race and know that I will be able to go full out for the next race. I can't wait--it feels great to know my health is almost 100%. I can't wait to go riding all this week!

Ooops one final thing. I rode without my camelback this time and only water bottles. It was great, I stayed cooler and was able to ride much better. Unless it's way long or impossible I am going to race with water bottles from now on.

At the start line!

Heading towards the finish line.

Sherwood Hills

I was still coming off being sick this week, and wasn't sure if I would to to this race. My blood pressure has been low. On Monday is was 70/40 and my husband was determined I need to go to the hospital. After calling Arantix-Doc he decided I could wait for medical attention, I needed to see a doctor soon and there would be no riding of bikes. I didn't feel up to riding, so for the first time staying off my bike was not to much of a challenge. My first ride of the week ended up being Friday. I decided if I could ride my bike to work and back without any major set backs then I could go to the race. It worked out and so the next morning off to the race we went.

The morning of the race I felt good. There was a small showing in our division, perhaps because of Mother's Day weekend. I am not quite sure why, but the weather was perfect for a race. We waited and bantered a little bit at the start, and then it was our time to go up. I started off the line great, and then got into a pace. I knew Jen would be up soon, and sure enough she was. We talked for a movement as we rode. Jen made a comment she was on the wrong side, and right at that moment I got smacked in the face by a branch! I let her know she was not on the wrong side. About 1/2 a mile into the race I all of the sudden quit breathing. Jen heard me gasp and asked if I was okay, I let her know asthma and we continued on. From that point on I kept having problems breathing, and when I could breathe it burned my throat. I am guessing this is what happens when you do not ride for almost 2 weeks.

It didn't take long for Jen to pull a little bit ahead of me, but little by little she pulled away. I just couldn't get my legs to go. My side ached during most of the race--it wasn't bad, but it was annoying.My legs and body just did not seem to want to work. By the last hill of the race I actually geared down to my granny gear. I was tired and felt completely out of shape. I thought I was up to par, but by the time the race was over I realized I was not. I don't know if it was because I have been sick, or if it was because I have been off my bike for close to 2 weeks. Perhaps it is a combination of both. It was good to be out, and I love racing, and the trail was fun. So despite the semi-poor riding I had a good time. It's always great to be on the bike.

At the start chatting it up.

Off to a good start.

Mandy waiting her turn at the start line.

Mandy is off to a good start.

Finishing her race.

Happy to be done with my race.

Mandy on the podium.

Me, Jen & Sally podium--Sally was off watching the race.