First Race Report! :D Berry Farm Road Race
I did it!!! First race ever... 42 rolling miles (3 14 mile loops) at the Berry Farm Road Race in Ashland, VA. I didn't crash, didn't knock anyone over, and finished in the pack with a 21mph avg on my computer.
I drove up alone, but found a guy I recognized from a group ride, and asked him a few questions, he helped me find the start and introduced me around some. I paid my money and pinned on my number according to the instructions. The start was from the gravel parking lot, and the race marshall gave all kinds of instructions I didn't understand. They combined all the womens fields--that worried me a little.
The first lap I hung on the back...I was too scared to get in the thick of the pack, even though it was only 26 or 27 riders. There were some nice hills, but no real climbs-I was worried about getting dropped on a hill, but apparently when compared to other women (rather than the guys I ride with) I'm not that bad at hills! :D
The second lap I started getting in the pack more, bumped elbows a couple times, stayed tight in the corners, got a little more comfy. When I came around the start/finish there was lots of cheering, and I heard "GO Sharon!!!"--the LBS guys had raced earlier were cheering me on! :)
The third lap was waaay faster than the first two. There was a crash about 2 miles from the finish, but it was only 2 girls. We had another scare 200 meters from the line, but due to some VERY good bike handling by one woman disaster was narrowly averted. The sprint was a little crazy, all of us crossed the line within 4 seconds or so. The guys said I was 4th or 5th from the back, so no great accomplishment, but I was happy just not to be last.
According to the guys, most crits are slower and safer, but as this was my first race I have no comparison. It was SOOOOO fun!:D I'm so glad I went for it, now I'm looking forward to February! :D
