1st ever mt. bike race!

[runnergirl]

Today was the tidewater challenge mt. bike race, and since it's only 10 miles from home I had to do it. The course is on private property, and is only open 2 days a year, the day before the race for pre-riding, and then for the race itself.

The pre-ride yesterday freaked me out, the course is way harder than anything else around here, but I figured I had to do it since I'd pre-registered. I also cut up both legs, jammed two fingers, and bruised my collarbone falling when I pre-rode it. There aren't any rocks around here, so it's not like the pictures I see of west coast courses. More constant waaay up, and waaay down, there was one hill that was more like a free-ride jump with a lip and stuff, followed by another little one, immediate 90 degree turn and back down-stuff like that. And lots of big criss-crossing roots everywhere.

I was in the women's beginner class (2 4 mile laps), and actually managed to get 3rd out of 12! My legs felt like they could have handled 2 more laps, so next year I'll do Sport class. I couldn't believe how well it went! I think I may make a decent moutain biker yet! I got a cute broze medal which will make a great christmas ornament, plus an otter-pops jersey, and a pint glass.

Oddly, it took a race to force me to ride less cautiously. I'm really glad I did, because now I'll feel a lot better just hitting the trails for fun/practice.

It was awesome seeing the pro guys-trek volkswagon was there, they are so damn fast it's crazy!

[BikeMomma]

Good job! It sounds like you had a real blast out there, and that's the point, right? 3rd is awesome!

I'm thinking seriously of getting a mountain bike in the spring. I've always been a roadie, but after reading thread after thread about how fun mtb is, I want to try it. I've actually always wanted one, just never got around to it. Too much in love with the road, I guess!

Are you going to do any more racing this season?

[mtbdarby]

Runnergirl - what a fantastic finish! Way to go especially after a tough pre-ride. Sometimes it takes getting dirty to get the jitters out. And I know what you mean on how a race lowers the inhibitions to allow you to have more fun.

I will never forget that on all my club rides, I was taught to keep your feet on the pedals and that if you had to put a foot down you were riding out of control. In my first race I remember the rider in front of me taking her foot off the pedal to turn a sharp curve. I'm thinking "hey, that's gotta slow you down, etc", but I couldn't get it out of my head. So in my next race (yeah, I was out of control!), I thought I was gonna wipe so I put my foot down to take a curve and it helped me take the curve and keep some speed. So the moral of the story is, sometimes you have to try something knew to give you some confidence and help you have FUN with what you'rd doing. Besides, I thought it looked cool even if it's not technically correct......

[SadieKate]

I will never forget that on all my club rides, I was taught to keep your feet on the pedals and that if you had to put a foot down you were riding out of control.

What? It's called tripoding or dabbing and Jacquie Phelan teaches it. Motorcyclists do it all the time. There are times that putting a foot down is dangerous because it puts your weight too far forward on the bike, but at other times it can be fine. I think it is also a good way to learn to unclip the proper foot without conscious thought.

[CorsairMac]

way to go Runnergirl! Congrats on doing so well!! and I love the idea of the medal being an ornament! too cute!!

[Irulan]

What? It's called tripoding or dabbing and Jacquie Phelan teaches it. Motorcyclists do it all the time. There are times that putting a foot down is dangerous because it puts your weight too far forward on the bike, but at other times it can be fine. I think it is also a good way to learn to unclip the proper foot without conscious thought.

also called outrigger turns. perfectly acceptable technique for high speed cornerning.

[madisongrrl]

I will never forget that on all my club rides, I was taught to keep your feet on the pedals and that if you had to put a foot down you were riding out of control. In my first race I remember the rider in front of me taking her foot off the pedal to turn a sharp curve. I'm thinking "hey, that's gotta slow you down, etc", but I couldn't get it out of my head. So in my next race (yeah, I was out of control!), I thought I was gonna wipe so I put my foot down to take a curve and it helped me take the curve and keep some speed. So the moral of the story is, sometimes you have to try something knew to give you some confidence and help you have FUN with what you'rd doing. Besides, I thought it looked cool even if it's not technically correct......

I dab sometimes....especially on sharp switchbacks when I'm racing. I don't know if its a proper technique or not, but it has worked for me.

[madisongrrl]

I was in the women's beginner class (2 4 mile laps), and actually managed to get 3rd out of 12! My legs felt like they could have handled 2 more laps, so next year I'll do Sport class. I couldn't believe how well it went!

Good job....racing is addictive, isn't it.....

[traveller_62]

Awesome job runnergirl! Congrats!

traveller

[biker chick]

Awsome. Racing is such an adrenaline rush. You go faster and do things you never thought you could do. My first mountain bike race was 8 years ago as a beginner. I was so stupid about shifting etc. I didn't place, but I had the time of my life and was hooked on racing ever since. We all have to start somewhere. I even went down most hills with no brakes because I didn't wan't to lock up and and slide or worse do and endo. So I did some very fast decents. I have come along way in the last 8 years. Keep up the good work. I think you were more prepared for your first race than I was. I had pressure from my spouse and teenage son to race that first race. I will never regret doing that race. It was a life changing experience

[Yasmin]

Well done on getting the bronze! Imagine, that's just the beginning. Keep posting & letting us know how you're doing in future events. Awesome result. You must be so proud.