Frist Road Race Ever!!

**SheFly** · 02-23-2009, 04:27 AM

Congrats! Hilly races will break up just as you described. It sounds to me like you did really well! As I have said to others on this board, remember that 9th is still top 10. You don't need to tell any of us how many there were

.

Can't wait to read about your NEXT race!

SheFly

**kacie tri-ing** · 02-23-2009, 05:15 AM

Congrats! That is so exciting! When IS your next one?

**OakLeaf** · 02-23-2009, 07:03 AM

Way to go! Sounds like you did very well, and got some great experience (for a better finish next time).

**smilingcat** · 02-23-2009, 07:47 AM

wahoo!!! Congrats.

17% grade at the finish

Being able to finish alone is a prety big feat. And the first time out.

I think the bacon cheesburger is well deserved.

smilingcat

**Wahine** · 02-23-2009, 09:39 AM

Thanks everyone.

I'm not sure when the next race will be but there are plenty of races to choose from around here so it shouldn't be too far off. I'm definitely doing a stage race here at the beginning of April.

That finish was absolutely cruel. But it turns out that I was incorrect, there was a 17% grade on the course but it wasn't there. I just assumed it was there because it was so painfully steep. It was so steep that I had problems keeping my balance because I was going so slow. Someone behind me had to do the hill serpentine style to keep from falling over. Turns out that the last 100 m were between a 12 and 15% grade. Still...

**aicabsolut** · 02-23-2009, 07:01 PM

When your legs are cooked at the end of a race, 12-15% is still pretty steep.

As for being in the "bottom half," plenty of people wind up way off the back in their first race, so don't beat yourself up. Yes, I know you are a strong rider from all the years of doing triathlon, and that certainly helped you, but think about all those people who didn't even finish. There is more to bike racing than just being fit.

**salsabike** · 02-23-2009, 07:20 PM

It's very interesting to read the technical advice from those of you who race. Thanks.

**SheFly** · 02-24-2009, 03:36 AM

Originally Posted by aicabsolut

There is more to bike racing than just being fit.

ABSOLUTELY! someone once told me that bike racing is not about being the fastest rider or the strongest rider - it's about who crosses the finish line first.

It took me a couple of years to figure this one out. There is so much mental tenacity required in racing as well - who should be marked as a likely wheel to follow, who is likely to attack, when an attack should be launched... This all comes from racing experience - you can't learn it any other way.

Of course, being fit is certainly a good starting point

.

SheFly

**NbyNW** · 02-24-2009, 06:29 AM

Belated congrats . . . looking forward to hearing about your next race!

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