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!