a race

Mind Over Mud

It rained for a week, the Tsali trails are not known to drain well…I thought my decision would be an easy one! NOPE!!!! BUT…the weatherman called for a wonderful spring day for the race…he was correct!

The course was typical Tsali…at least what I know of it. Fast, dry, wet, puddles, dirt, sand, mud and puddles. The women were the last wave to go…we powered up the gravel road to the point of entry …I felt good (an hour warm-up will help with that!) entered the singletrack at about middle of the pack. Knowing it would be slippery I was taking it a bit easy to get my bearings in the muck…the gal in front of me was all over the place…one went down!!! Then another!!!! Worked my way up slowly by maintaining that upright position that is so important in cycling…hehe. As we winded around and came to more technical sections the pack began to split up.

My technical skills carried me through for the most part…but my speed failed to exceed! I played leap frog with one gal for miles until I took a leap and tried to pass her on a turn…my wheel slipped out and BAM!!! I was down! As I rolled to make sure I was not in danger I watched a guy zoom by asking if all was ok…of course I was fine! Nothing bruised but an ego…so I kicked up the pace and managed to pass the mister but never managed to catch the gal again!

The next section was tricky…lots of rocks and sharp edges…not to mention the steep fall in the case of any miscalculation!!! Once again I managed to power myself through all that and pass numerous people…not looking at anything but my line I failed to see who I was passing. As the trail smoothed out and the gradual climb began I was feeling the effects of too much exercise and not enough nourishment…I was being passed, again, and again…arg!!! My body was shutting down…my legs were not going around fast enough!!!! Where was the end???

“GO GIRL!!!” those two little words never sounded so sweet…it was my hubby in the distance! If I could get to that voice I will be ok!?! As I climbed the hill towards that voice I heard another “5 more miles!!!” Oh Boy…I can do this…I can do 5 more miles…so I pedaled on…found a second wind and powered through the last bit….

The second loop (right loop) was dry smooth twisty, and FUN!!!! I wound around the fingers of Lake Fontana…one right after the other, and another, and another…can I do this??? MUSIC??? Do I hear music???? YES!!! It is done…I am at the finish!!! I found some desperately needed electrolyte drink thanks to NOC…chugged 2 and began to relish in my glory of finishing my race!!!! I knew cross-country racing would not be easy but there is a whole new set of lessons:

#1 – eat good…and lots!

#2 – an hour warm-up is good!

#3 – electrolytes are your bestest friend ever while riding

#4 – eat more

#5 – pay attention to your body so you can fix it next time

#6 – eat more electrolytes

Ok…back to my intervals! I love riding my bike!!!!

Wow, that sounds intense :eek:! Congrats! Glad you weren't hurt in the fall. Sounds like you even had fun!

Congratulations Bouncy!!!
What a great ride and report I felt I was there with you.

You sure are one tough mountain chick.:)


Now after reading that I feel a little exhausted and must go have a nap.:D

Great job and a nice report! When I did my first (and only) mountain bike race, I had the same thing happen with trying to pass someone and getting knocked over. It's definitely a whole new kind of riding.