Racing against your friends

[firenze11]

I agree, I think you should be able to race the race. She doesn't own it and it sounds like she's hurt and maybe insecure from her last experience.

It seems like she got wrapped up in an odd mental place. I can't imagine not wanting my friends to be in a race. First of all, it's their choice. And secondly, that's part of the fun, they push me and I push them. A little healthy competition is good!

I say go do it and race YOUR race. Have fun. And maybe you'll set an example that racing with friends can be fun.

[limewave]

All of you are affirming my feelings. She does seem to be taking it way too personally.

We had done some ARs together and she was really snippy about those too. I won't even go into the drama of what happened at those, but I left the last one wondering why she's my teammate. . . . but it's hard to find women that are interested in AR's.

Anyways, I'm going to try and ignore her and enjoy the race. DH is also racing and we have a babysitter for the entire weekend. I will not let her ruin my fun--life is too short.

[tulip]

Good for you. She obviously has issues, and only she can work on them if she wants to make the effort to do so.

Have a wonderful time! Post a post-race update!

[SheFly]

I agree with everyone else here - go and race! Like Eden, I have become friends with many of the women against whom I race. On race day, however, the gloves are off. And frankly, if they beat me it is because they were better, smarter, faster than I was that day.

Re: drafting in an MTB race. It depends on the course. If there are a lot of fireroad/carriage road sections, this is certainly possible. I know that I have used someone to draft in an MTB race, but when it comes to a technical section that doesn't work so well. Your friend clearly doesn't understand race tactics if she let herself get into the position of dragging someone around to get beaten on the line. Many of us have learned this lesson the hard way!

Good luck in the race (and definitely do the Sport category). Let us know how it went.

SheFly

[limewave]

The race isn't until November . . . But I'll be sure to post a race update. It's going to be a tough event. With my schedule right now, I'm lucky if I get out to ride once a week. And ecstatic if I get a mountain bike ride in once a month!