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.