Mountain Bike TT

[limewave]

Today was my first mntn bike race. It was a 13 mile time trial--very hilly, single track, and sandy. I love to mountain bike, but I only get out on the trails 6 or 7 times a year. I knew this race would be a real challenge.

My race started at 11:30 AM. They spaced us at 30 seconds, two at a time. I was so nervous before the start, I had an upset stomach and had to visit the bathroom multiple times. I had a hard time eating anything--not good.

I quick slammed down a half pack of goo before we were off! The first mile is a complete blur. I rode as hard as I could until I couldn't hear anyone behind me. The first 4 miles are the hilliest with a brutal climb that everyone walked up. For the most part I rode alone. I was passed by 4 male riders and then I passed 2 of them again later on.

About mile seven I started cursing mountain biking. This was the most painful, torturous race I had ever done. It was climb, after climb, after climb. On a twisty-turney down-hill I lost control in a deep sandpit and nearly wiped out, thankfully a tree was there and somehow managed to bounce me back on course injury free.

Around mile nine I started to hyperventilate and see stars. I knew this was not good so I got off my bike to walk a minute. The next thing I know, I'm laying in the middle of the trail with my arms sprawled out and my bike next to me. This was heaven. I wanted to lay there all day. Look at how pretty the branches on the trees are! Oooh, a birdie! Smells like grass. Then I thought about my bike again and slowly reality started to set in. Race. I'm in a race.

Just moving my right arm I was able to grasp my water bottle and take a few sips. I laid there for another minute or two before I got up. I shifted into granny gear and very slowly rode on until, thankfully, prince charming came up behind me. Bless his heart, he had an extra Goo!!!!!

I sucked it right out of the package. I felt better instantaneously and was able to ride-on. Shortly after that, I passed a man walking his bike and he informed me I had less than 1 mile to go (I really need to invest in a computer for my bike). Yay!

I picked up my pace and for the first time since the start, actually felt like I was racing instead of sludging on like a snail. It was so exciting to cross the finish line.

My final time was 1:19:03. I placed first overall for the Beginner Women (25 minutes ahead of the rest). Even with passing out, I was only a few minutes behind the third place Sport Woman. So, of course, the first thing I think of after having the most excruciating race experience in my life is that if I keep with it, next year I could race Sport and even place!

The creme-de-le-creme, I won the grand prize drawing: a Serfas FMP500 Floor Pump worth $60. You gals have no idea how much I have wanted a new floor pump.

Will there be another mountain bike race in the future for Limewave . . . you'll just have to stay tuned.

[rocknrollgirl]

Hey Limewave, Great Job, and welcome to the world of painful, but oh so fun mt bike racing.
I always laugh because people will ask me about a race, and I will say, yea, it was 15 miles...they always say...15 miles, that is it?

They just don't get it!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is tough, tough, tough....

Sounds like you had a great race...

Congrats!

[RoadRaven]

Thanks Limewave
I found this fascinating as (like I said in your other thread) I had no idea that mtn-bikers did TTs!

Well done on completing the race - despite bonking BIGtime!

And congrats on the prize, most excellent bonus!