Got some much needed racing in this weekend up North in Burnaby B.C. They had a double day event with every single track event, with the exception of the 500m TT, Pursuit and Madison. Instead of Category classifications as we know them here in the states, they divide riders into A B and C groups (A's - pros, B intermediate, C novice). I rode with the B's - a packed field of 13 men and 5 women. Knowing I was going to battle a testosterone fest, I approached this weekend as merely several training races.

Having a packed field on Burnaby's smaller track (200m, 47 degree pitch) did wonders for the bike handling and manuevering between racers. I am still a little apprehensive about the Miss n' out races - mainly because of my spill at one during a competition at Alpenrose. Unfortunately I lost the race even before I started it - and thankfully got pulled right away. I'm definitely going to have to work on that mental block.

It was tempting to call it quits after two days of thigh burning action - the night before we had completed an 80 lap points race... I managed to hang on all but the last 8 laps. One of our last races on Sunday was a Win N' Out and I almost didn't do it. Good thing I did - because I managed to get third in the race! I was tickled pink. They are holding another weekend event in January I will definitely attend. It's a good measure to see how your off season race fitness is going as well as keep you dry in our lovely PNW weather.

If you're in the Northwest area and have been contemplating track racing - let me know and I would be happy to introduce you to the sport. It definitely needs more women!