You would love the Texas race scene. It is like a big old family. I ride with girls I race against, my husband rides weekly with his closest competition. We congratulate the person that handed our arse to us.

When I wrecked hard at my last race I had about half a dozen people I race with (various age groups) start taking me to find my "mojo" and get my confidence on the 29er. Because of them I am excited to race this Sunday and the best rider I have ever been.

After the races we stay for hours, one of our friends brings his little grill and we all bring stuff to throw on it or share. We have a beer or two, there will be some smack talking to each others face but it is more just ribbing our friends. BUT the road scene in Austin is how you described, very catty. Bizarre really when this should be for fun. It isn't like any of us our paying our bills this way.

Congrats on the second place!