First Cat 2 Mtb Race

This was actually February 27 but I realized I only put it on FB.

After stressing, worrying and fretting since I bought my license and decided to move up a category in mountain bike racing the big day arrived and there was no turning back. The day started well, for once my insomnia did not rear it's ugly head the night before a race so I slept well, Chris and I performed a small miracle a left on time and the new kits looked great which just makes you feel good when you look good.

My plan was simple: stay upright, have fun, finish in under 2:20 and not throw up. At the start line I was relatively calm, my legs felt really good for the start but soon my heart rate started climbing and then the whistle to start. I tore up the start, 3rd into the woods. Only problem with being a fast starter is I am not fast in twisty (or technical or basically anything), so I don't really know what to do with a good start! I will have to work on that. After getting the awesome start I quickly got picked off by my teammates, Kim and Kristi, plus one other competitor. It was time to just ride my race. One of our other teammates from another age group also passed me and I used her as my rabbit which really helped.

Out of the woods and onto the really painful part, down Gas Pass, to the Hay Field and then back out. I shocked the heck out of myself by making the dreaded carpet climb. It may have been the excessive cheering from the spectator at the top or seeing that it gave me an opportunity to catch back up to Kristi but I found some magic up that climb. I was so excited I let out a "wahoo" at the top, I haven't even made it 1/4 of the climb before. After that was time to recover since it was only lap one! Lap two was more of the same, I actually made the carpet climb minus the tight turn at the top. It was probably the guy behind me constantly telling me I could do it and seeing my teammate Carla (who was unable to ride this one) at the top of the hill trying to yell herself hoarse, I couldn't let them down! Then came the home stretch and the final pain. I was hoping to hold my fifth position but lost it in the twisty roots of the woods, Kristi is just far superior on anything even slightly hairy plus she rode smart and seemed to be doing better at keeping a steady pace. After she passed I didn't see her again so I tried not to get discouraged and ride slow, in past races I have faded if I can't see anyone. I really felt like lead on the back climbs, I couldn't make the carpet climb it was just too steep this time but I didn't get down and just focused on how close the end was. Up the last little climb and out to the finish.

I could hear the team and of course my husband screaming their lungs out. I felt amazing, I finished feeling like I left it all out there but didn't go too hard and blow myself up, stayed upright and my time was 2:15. I am exhausted but super proud of my 6th place ribbon and they must have planned it for me since it is purple. Plus in our age group our women dominated with Amy getting second, Kim getting fourth and Kristi getting fifth! Now it is time to keep riding and learn more from these faster girls.