finished my first race!

[solveig]

Two years ago I NEVER thought I'd be racing bikes - or even riding a road bike - but I finished my first race today!

Finishing wasn't even my goal - starting was - because I've had a rotten head cold all week and have been moving very little, let alone riding. But I did it, alone of course, as I got dropped pretty much right away.

So even though I finished a lap down, I had this great feeling that with some sweat and experience I'll not only hold with the group but feel healthy and proud for the process I've undertaken to get there.

Thanks for being good folks to share proud moments with. (Or with whom to share proud moments, whichever you prefer.)

[Trekhawk]

Two years ago I NEVER thought I'd be racing bikes - or even riding a road bike - but I finished my first race today!

Finishing wasn't even my goal - starting was - because I've had a rotten head cold all week and have been moving very little, let alone riding. But I did it, alone of course, as I got dropped pretty much right away.

So even though I finished a lap down, I had this great feeling that with some sweat and experience I'll not only hold with the group but feel healthy and proud for the process I've undertaken to get there.

Thanks for being good folks to share proud moments with. (Or with whom to share proud moments, whichever you prefer.)

Congratulations. Im in awe of you girls that race.
Keep the ride reports coming we love them.:D

[BikeMomma]

Hey Solveig -

Nothing at all wrong with getting dropped, getting lapped, or even having different goals than perhaps everyone else. The fact is, you're out there doing it and having fun. That's the whole idea!

Way to go! I'm proud of you! Keep at it!

Speed (or just tryin' to) rules...
~BikeMomma

[AllezGirl]

This post couldn't have come at a better time! I start working with a Time Trial coach this Friday, and I'm starting to have those "what are you crazy!?!?!" thoughts. Mainly that I'm not fast enough and haven't been riding long enough, etc. I've even thought about calling the whole thing off...BUT reading your post has eased my mind and reminded me that I'm doing this for me, not to prove anything to anyone else. So thanks again, I can't wait to read more about your progress.

[CR400]

Way to go. You are way ahead of most women cyclists by even going out for a race. There seem to be very few women racers. I know what it feels like to get dropped. I used to get dropped right away too. Until this week I at least held on for 3/4 of a lap. People tell me all the time it takes time to get good enough to hang with the peleton.

[CR400]

AllezGirl,
Don't listen to that annoying voice. The only way to get faster is to go out and try. You may not be fast now but you will be faster someday. Trust me I'm preaching to myself here as well. I often feel that I am to slow to race, for crying out loud I can only solo at 17mph for 2 hours. That isn't good enough yet. Both of you just keep believing in yourself no matter what others say. Someday you will show them.

[CorsairMac]

And the fans go WILDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!! congrats on your finish - regardless of the result. To go out and just do it is a win in and of itself!!

Well Done!!!

[solveig]

thanks for being the cheering section! you guys rock my socks.

:)
Solveig