first race!!

[ehirsch83]

Ok, so over easter I had knee surgery, so i was off the bike for a few weeks prior to that and then a few weeks after for recovery/finals at school. Then when I moved to albuquerque UPS lost my bike. So I just got my new bike 3 days ago. I have only ridden 3 or 4 times in the past month and a half so I had no plans to race this season. (I originally was going to start racing this season pre- knee issue time). So yesterday I took the new bike out for a ride, and rode to the LBS b/c my new pedals came in. During that time I somehow got convinced to go out and race at the crit. my SO was already racing, so I decided why not- no pressure, just go have fun!
So I went home, got my team kit and headed out to the balloon fiesta park(where the crit's are held). The D field was made up of the women and the juniors- in total around 20 and it was 15 minutes plus 3 laps(was supposed to be 20 but they changed it at the last moment). Before our race started, I did a few warm up laps and realized I couldn't get clipped into my left cleat(we had issues with it on the trainer, but thought we had fixed it). So I figure I will get it eventually.

So then we all line up take roll, and we are off! and I can't get my left foot clipped in! The front two packs take off and i get dropped, still not clipped in.
Most of the race is a blur, I forgot my inhaler and was having a horrible time breathing(still haven't adjusted to the altitude yet) but I keep my place and ended up pulling a girl almost all the way around. quite annoying, I would try to slow down so she would have to go ahead and pull and she just sat on my wheel then I would sprint off and she would hold. So I pretty much pulled her the whole time.

Anyways, so I never got clipped in on my left side, I finished!! I didn't place, but I wasn't last!! there were a few women behind me and all of the juniors,haha! and my average speed was 24mph for 20 minutes, so i am quite happy!!

Definitaly have to say that it was a great way to start racing, no pressure no expectations(not like if I had started racing before I got injured and was putting in major mileage every week).

Can't wait for next weeks race! and I will post pictures once they get emailed to me!

[NJBikeGal]

Wow...24 mph average...I wouldn't want to meet you in a dark Crit! Great job on the race...you should be very proud! Keep kicking butt!

[RoadRaven]

I hate it when that happens - not getting your foot clipped in... grrrr....

And you finished, and finished well - not last is a good place to be (LOL - last is where I am every road race at the moment - just moved up a grade and its a bit of a challenge)

Racing is a tad addictive, huh?