Jackson Park - Cyclocross Race

[Sheesh]

Today was my first every cyclocross race. I finished. For me, that was a huge accomplishment and my only goal going into the race!

There were about 20 women in the Cat 4 race women race, and we lined up with the Juniors. Going into the first lap, I felt pretty strong and I actually passed a few people. The course was mostly flat and fast, with a few up hills that led to barriers, followed by twisty-windy sections on the downhill. By lap two, I was dying. As time went on, I was passed by all of the women, and, eventually, all of the Juniors. There was one junior in front of me, and at one point I told him that he was kicking my butt and to keep it up cuz he was doing a great job. I guess that was the motivation he needed because he then killed me.

On the last lap, I was working so hard to get up the hill, that I then wasn't able to slow down enough to dismount before the barrier. I crashed right into the barrier, went over my handlebars, and ended up on the ground. I now have a couple of really nice, really large bruises on both shins from where they hit either the wood barrier or my bike. I'm thinking the barrier.

I was lapped by two women, and two Juniors - and finished dead last. But, it was definitely fun and gives me the motivation to try harder next time.

Pictures from the day are here.

[redrhodie]

You earned those battle scars! Wear them with honor! Good going!

[wavedancer]

Great job! There is no shame in coming in last...You raced and had fun and are looking forward to more!

Ouch on the shins! I was anticipating that in my first race and showed up with shin pads under my tights! I had already whacked my shins enough in practice with the pedals and really didn't want to come home too bloodied

[Sheesh]

Shin pads! I wish I had thought of that!

[pll]

Congratulations! And the bike looks awesome!

[velogirl]

congratulations! it looks like you had a lot of fun and that's what really matters.

[SheFly]

Congrats on your first race! Sounds like you had a good time, and I'm sure that most of us have at least one barrier story to tell...

I can't tell you how excited I am to see so many first-timers out racing 'cross this year! The beginner women's fields are growing by leaps and bounds.

Heal those shins, and get back out there. We can't wait to read the NEXT race report!

SheFly

[Sheesh]

WooHoo! Results are posted and I didn't finish last! Two other women either didn't finish or finished after me - Either way, I finished 14 out of 16.

[cwodiva]

Congratulations!!!! You are an official cyclocross racer!!! You looked really great on your bike in the pictures and like you were having a blast! Keep sending us reports. It's so fun to read them. Hope your shins feel better soon.

[Voodoo Sally]

Nice going, Sheesh! You are a warrior!