Pink Kona
03-04-2006, 05:58 PM
Mason Lake races are typically known for wet pavement and cold conditions - but today we lucked out! The morning was a chilly 39 degrees, but once we started racing it warmed up significantly. It was great to see all of the familiar faces - catch up on old times and find out who's got the early season legs. The 1-3 womens group does 4 laps around the lake - with a couple risers but relatively flat terrain - a total of 48 miles. There were several attacks and chases - one of which looked threatening to blow the pack appart. But on the back side of the lake the headwinds pick up so unless you are immune to wind, you'll be caught by the peloton.
Personally, the winter didn't hold much group riding so it took a few minutes to get used to riding in a pack again. But within 5 minutes it felt natural again and it seemed as though the group was really comfortable together and we avoided any crashes. The final sprint came - after some swooping down hill and curvy sections - and then a slight uphill incline toward the finish line. Unfortunately I was in a bad position -boxed in and held there. Good thing they are training races though - I will know better for next time. It was funny though - when that sprint happens time seems to stand still and it seems as though I float and cruise through the finish line. It was a good reintroduction into road racing. But I must admit to thinking at least once that track is sooo much shorter . ;) Then again, some of the top track womens field are excellent road racers as well so on with the hills!
Personally, the winter didn't hold much group riding so it took a few minutes to get used to riding in a pack again. But within 5 minutes it felt natural again and it seemed as though the group was really comfortable together and we avoided any crashes. The final sprint came - after some swooping down hill and curvy sections - and then a slight uphill incline toward the finish line. Unfortunately I was in a bad position -boxed in and held there. Good thing they are training races though - I will know better for next time. It was funny though - when that sprint happens time seems to stand still and it seems as though I float and cruise through the finish line. It was a good reintroduction into road racing. But I must admit to thinking at least once that track is sooo much shorter . ;) Then again, some of the top track womens field are excellent road racers as well so on with the hills!