my first race prep

[SheFly]

All sounds good - except the diet part. What's wrong with pizza?

I race my bike for a few reasons - one, because I like to see what I can do, and to see improvement over the years. I am competitive, and racing is an outlet for that. Two, because it's fun. Yup - sometimes it completely SUCKS while I'm doing it, but there haven't been many times when I've looked back and thought it wasn't fun. don't get me wrong - it's hard, but that can be fun in and of itself. Third, I like to hang out with cool people. Racing has introduced me to another "family". I know A LOT of New England racers because I have done a lot of racing. These people are my friends, and we all have something in common, regardless of the rest of our lives. I'm not sure I would have met some of these people if it weren't for racing. Fourth, I like to eat, and drink beer Racing let's me eat pretty much what I want, within reason. I'm certainly not one who follows a strict diet, although maybe I would be better off if I did.

Six years ago, I wasn't interested in racing. A mentor took me under her wing, and I finished that season with over 40 races, including my first (and fourteenth) cross races.

Watch out - you could be getting into something VERY exciting.

I'll see you at the races!

SheFly

[redrhodie]

I'll see you at the races!

SheFly

I hope so! I'm trying not to get too far ahead of myself, but I'm thinking about Jamestown which is on Columbus Day, and how I could be there if I end up liking this. I've gone to watch a few times, and always thought I should do it.

[bellissima]

Good luck and let us know the whole story afterwards

[redrhodie]

Thanks! Clothes are packed. I keep having this feeling I'm going to forget my shoes, and last night I dreamed I was back in high school. I'm sure this won't be THAT bad!

But I'm pretty relaxed at this point. All that's left to do is race. I can't wait!

[redrhodie]

First and last race done! It was not for me. It didn't go as well as I had hoped, and it was the longest half hour of my life. I got dropped right away. Then Scott babysat me for the rest of the race. I have to thank him big time. He kept trying to get me back into the pack, but I couldn't do it. I tried, but I couldn't wait for the final lap!

The clincher for it being my last race was after I was done, I stayed and watched the A race, and one of the guys on my shop's team crashed hard. A bunch of teammates stopped with him, and he decided he was okay. Well, not so much. He had ridden to the race, so I ended up driving him to his car, which was parked at our lbs, and he seemed pretty concerned that something was broken (shoulder blade). I was also concerned about his head. His helmet was cracked. I didn't know this guy, and he seemed way too calm, which made me nervous. The shop manager was waiting for us in the parking lot when we got there, and took him to the hospital.

So, this was a good lesson. I'm glad I did it, and I didn't get hurt, but it's way too dangerous for me. And too hard. It's even harder than it looks.

[SheFly]

Well, congrats to you for a)trying it and b)finishing! You could have just dropped out, but you hung in there to the end, despite being dropped. Most riders would have given up, so that shows some dtermination and tenacity.

Good on you! I'm just sorry that you didn't enjoy it (but FWIW, a B race is likely not the best starting point... you need to find a C or D race, or a race with other women).

Sorry to hear about your teammate as well. PLEASE do not fool around with suspected head injuries. One of our juniors crashed on a training ride this season, and we didn't suspect a thing immediately. Then, he lost his memory. Turned out he had a VERY bad concussion, and we were later informed that he shouldn't have even been moved.

Don't give up! I'd love to see you at the races again sometime, and would be MORE THAN HAPPY to hook up with you in advance for some pointers, etc.

Congrats on getting one under the belt!

SheFly

[redrhodie]

Thanks SheFly. I really think that was it for me. I may still see you at a race, as I do love to watch. You racers are crazy tough! I know a lot of it is technique and skill, and those can be learned, but you have to have a passion for it from the start, and I didn't. If someone told me I had to do it again next week or else, I'd be filled with dread.

I just got an update, and the hurt guy is okay. Surprisingly, no broken bones, and his head is fine. Yay.