35 Degrees, Pouring Rain, Lots of Mud.
Last Saturday was one of my favorite races that I had been looking forward to all year. The course is packed dirt, mostly flat, and really fast. There's one big climb (big for MI) at the end of the lap, then you shoot through some fun single track down the mountain to the finish. It's also the first and only race that I had ever placed in Expert. I was hoping to place again this year, but I didn't have high expectations as the field keeps getting stronger and I haven't been as focused as I was last year.
The weather forecast was miserable as the title says: just above freezing and pouring rain. Not an awesome combination for a course that is 90% black dirt. The Sport races were in the morning, there was a drizzle then--just enough to start turning the dirt to mud.
As I was getting ready for the Expert start the heavens opened up and a hard, cold rain began to fall. And it didn't let up, not once for the duration of the race. I came somewhat prepared with a large pack of Grabber Toe Warmers. I lined the bottom of my shoes with them and then I put some inside my bra. That's right, in my bra. ;) It was the best move of the day as I heard reports that others were so cold and numb they couldn't feel their limbs. Post-race, many racers were visibly shaking and trembling while I was rather comfortable.
Before the race even started we were soaked through. I had a decent start, staying in the front half of my field. Unfortunately the course was so muddy that the spray from wheels made it impossible to stay close to anyone. I was covered in mud in the first few minutes—grime and dirt in my eyes, my mouth, everywhere! My shoes were filled with water and my feet were sloshing around in their own personal mud hole.
The course had turned to slick, slimy mud at least 6" deep--much deeper in sections. I was slipping and sliding all over the place. I lost my brakes, the ability to shift, and was victim to chain-suck . . . as was everyone else.
Thankfully the director's decided to shorten the race from 3 to 2 laps. Even so, there was a drop-out rate of at least 30% (from what I can tell). It was miserable.
I managed to come away with 4th place out of 6 that finished. At least 4 in our cat dropped out. My husband called it quits and didn't finish.
Our bikes are destroyed.
As miserable as it was I kept finding myself smiling--I was on my bike afterall! What's that quote? Pain is temporary, quitting is forever. I knew the misery would end at some point. And I'd be lying if I didn't admit that it is fun to ride your bike straight through a giant mud pit under 6" of water! This mud pit just happened to last for 11 miles :D
I have a longer race report on my blog, the link is in my signature.
