way to go on the race, Rita.!!!

Sounds like maybe you want to work on getting looser on your bike. This is where you can be attatched only at four points, hands and feet, but really be relaxed and comfortable moving side to side, back and forth as your encounter various things riding.

There's a video clip here:
http://www.wildflowermtb.com/video.htm

that shows some of the skill they work on but look at how she shows side to side, that's one excercise you can use to get looser so you are more comfortable getting back.

Irulan