Jackson Park - Cyclocross Race
Today was my first every cyclocross race. I finished. For me, that was a huge accomplishment and my only goal going into the race!
There were about 20 women in the Cat 4 race women race, and we lined up with the Juniors. Going into the first lap, I felt pretty strong and I actually passed a few people. The course was mostly flat and fast, with a few up hills that led to barriers, followed by twisty-windy sections on the downhill. By lap two, I was dying. :rolleyes: As time went on, I was passed by all of the women, and, eventually, all of the Juniors. :( There was one junior in front of me, and at one point I told him that he was kicking my butt and to keep it up cuz he was doing a great job. I guess that was the motivation he needed because he then killed me.
On the last lap, I was working so hard to get up the hill, that I then wasn't able to slow down enough to dismount before the barrier. I crashed right into the barrier, went over my handlebars, and ended up on the ground. I now have a couple of really nice, really large bruises on both shins from where they hit either the wood barrier or my bike. I'm thinking the barrier. ;)
I was lapped by two women, and two Juniors - and finished dead last. But, it was definitely fun and gives me the motivation to try harder next time.
Pictures from the day are here.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...7/IMG_3605.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...7/IMG_3615.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...7/IMG_3604.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...7/IMG_3622.jpg
