First Win!

[Aggie_Ama]

I did my second race tonight, a local short track mountain bike race. Actually it is on a motorcross track. I won! I didn't realize during the race I was riding an extremely smart race. The first lap I went too hard and got caught, so I decided to hold the pace as close as I could with the leader. I thought she was riding an even pace and so I just followed hoping for second. By the next to last lap she was fading a little on the climbs and I just followed as close as I could. Finally the last lap she cracked, maybe me riding just 10 seconds back was pushing her over the limit. I took off even though I felt like throwing up. By the time I crossed the finish I was a least 1/3 lap up on the second place person. I got a gold button for the win and a bike bell. Hey, it was only a $5 race but dang it was fun.

[badgercat]

What a thrill! Congrats!

[jelee1311]

Congrats! That sounds like a blast.

[OakLeaf]

Woohoo! Congratulations!

[SheFly]

Yippee! congrats - sounds like you rode that race with awesome tactics.

SheFly

[limewave]

So cool! Sounds like a blast. Great job

[m.eliza]

Awesome! Congrats!

I used to do a little mountain biking, but definitely never considered getting into racing. I'm curious, though - what's the general strategy for passing someone in a race on a stretch of single track? I'd be terrified I'd cause a crash!

[Aggie_Ama]

Since this was a motorcross track it is about 15 feet wide, it isn't your typical race in that aspect but it does teach the cardio side and managing how hard you go. I have done one singletrack race and it is pass when you can. It is pretty hairy, most people will let you pass if you signal your intentions and aren't in their class. You better be pushing them to the brink if they are in your class.

[redrhodie]

Great job! I loved your race report, and I can totally picture it. You sound like a natural.