my first race prep

[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.

[bellissima]

Congrats on finishing your race! I remember my first races, I felt like I was going to die. It did get better with time as my body and mind started to get used to the suffering. As SheFly said, you must be really proud on trying and finishing the race

[Crankin]

You should be congratulated for just trying. Since I am such a wuss, I could never race, let alone the training factor! But, I do enjoy watching races and I wish more people would get out there, especially others who ride recreationally. I love the vibe around a race, and even though I am not one of the racers, I feel like I belong.
Funny, when Scott was racing, I hated going, but I think I was just worried about him getting hurt (which he did, numerous times). But then, it was kind of cool being known as the mother of a racer. Then, as time went on, when I started riding more seriously, I started liking it. When my exchange student son came to visit a couple of years ago, he won the green jersey at the Fitchburg Stage race. He was on the podium, when the announcer said something like, "his mother should be here..." I shouted out that I was his "American" mother and the whole crowd cheered for me! That was cool.