wavedancer
10-05-2009, 05:27 PM
The Grand Prix at Goucester was my Terry Valkyrie's baptism by mud! Pouring rain, 25 mph winds, longs steep muddy run-ups...a real 'cross experience. Driving to the race in the downpours I told myself it was OK to just watch the races, but once I was there I knew I had to do it. It was my first race this year and I was anxious to see how the Valkyrie would feel.
The bike did great...handled well in the tight turns, small frame with an open triangle that I could shoulder easily, and 26-inch wheels with no toe overlap. I had a couple of miss-shifts with the Rival double-tap system, but I couldn't be happier with it. I am still really slow and off the back of the pack, but I wasn't last :D. I was actually looking over my shoulder hoping the leader would pass me so I wouldn't have to do another lap! (And she did, just before the last sprint. I was second over the finish line, though :p)
The second day there was no rain, but the course was still wet and muddy, although they totally changed it. It was a much faster course without the muddy hill of doom, but they added another muddy chicane and sandpit. I felt better on the second day and didn't get lapped and still didn't finish last. My goal during my last lap was to finish before they completed the podium presentations. I just made it!
I'm feeling stronger than I did last year and looking forward to a coulple of months of crazy fun on the bike :)
The bike did great...handled well in the tight turns, small frame with an open triangle that I could shoulder easily, and 26-inch wheels with no toe overlap. I had a couple of miss-shifts with the Rival double-tap system, but I couldn't be happier with it. I am still really slow and off the back of the pack, but I wasn't last :D. I was actually looking over my shoulder hoping the leader would pass me so I wouldn't have to do another lap! (And she did, just before the last sprint. I was second over the finish line, though :p)
The second day there was no rain, but the course was still wet and muddy, although they totally changed it. It was a much faster course without the muddy hill of doom, but they added another muddy chicane and sandpit. I felt better on the second day and didn't get lapped and still didn't finish last. My goal during my last lap was to finish before they completed the podium presentations. I just made it!
I'm feeling stronger than I did last year and looking forward to a coulple of months of crazy fun on the bike :)