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| Caution Slippery. That's what the sign said. |
Didn't have a great start off the line - was a little hesitant - wondering how all this is going to feel under my tires & almost wiped out just on the start loop! But saved it...and had lot of those 'moments'...and kept saving it so kept on going a little faster, passing people along the way as I got more comfotable with the muck.
Got a full on glimpse of how much my riding has changed in a year. Last year I was too scared to race here. I chickened out! I pre-rode & found it way too hard. Sure I was expecting lots of hills but it was the technical level of the course that was too much for me last year. Lots of steep downs & ups & tight switchback corners & rocky stuff that was just over my head. When I pre rode I felt like I was about to crash every 20 feet. No control. Way too scary.
This year when I pre rode - first lap felt awful climbing just because I was getting over a cold but the trails were FUN! Next pre ride lap a little less awful climbing and the trails & downhill sections even more FUN!
And then the mud element...I was a bit unsure how I'd feel...and with each corner...wow the skills work (thank you Peter)...I am in control! Riding steep downs & ups & stuff through trees in the mud...in control! Not scary anymore. Still hard...but fun instead of scary.
And then I caught up to Michelle. Through the woods & out to the big fire road climb that goes up the whole ski hill...and I was able to pass her at the very top steepest section! wow! (thank you again Peter)
I was psyched! I knew I was near the front (turns out I was in 2nd then)and on a mission to make space and catch up to 1st. Until...while riding down the super fun downhill part...my chain came off. Oh no! Tried all those tricks - pedalling & shifting to hook the chain in between corners. Had to stop to get it back on. Even had my bike upside down trailside to figure it out!
And then the mud element...I was a bit unsure how I'd feel...and with each corner...wow the skills work (thank you Peter)...I am in control! Riding steep downs & ups & stuff through trees in the mud...in control! Not scary anymore. Still hard...but fun instead of scary.
And then I caught up to Michelle. Through the woods & out to the big fire road climb that goes up the whole ski hill...and I was able to pass her at the very top steepest section! wow! (thank you again Peter)
I was psyched! I knew I was near the front (turns out I was in 2nd then)and on a mission to make space and catch up to 1st. Until...while riding down the super fun downhill part...my chain came off. Oh no! Tried all those tricks - pedalling & shifting to hook the chain in between corners. Had to stop to get it back on. Even had my bike upside down trailside to figure it out!
And...they all passed me back..ugh....(and Michelle took a moment to ask me if I was ok - yup she's awesome) Oh well. Got it back on & back on track to go get them again. I think I was just a couple minutes & maybe I could still catch up...
Well I caught up to 3rd! Then in the woods my chain came off again. This time it refused to go back in place. I was trailside for probably 10 mins this time & I just couldn't get it to stay on & just as I was about to surrender & hike back...another racer stopped and helped me! Totally would never have expected that (maybe its Karma?) and he was able to get it to work & I was able to finish!! Thank you Angry Johnny jersey man!!
Then it was over...and the sun came out...and I joined the line to hose off my bike. 48 mins later (yes they really need more than 1 hose!) done spraying a layer of muck off my bike & I stopped to cheer for the winners today & overall results for the season. Turns out I didn't finish last like I assumed after all my trailside tinkering!
Finished 4th for the day & 3rd Overall Women's Master Sport 40-49!
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| Just 4 pts apart for 2nd & 3rd! Love it! |
