Shhh, just it was Tour of Cedar Creek I have done a lot of crits, but this was my second road race ever. I am getting stronger and was able to stay with the field longer than ever. I also hit my max MPH ever on one of the downhills! So, two personal bests, but I'm deemed 'slow' Oh well...It is just a blessing that I can even ride my bike, let alone race. I recovered from chronic fatigue syndrome, along with some accidents, injuries, poor bike fit, and here I am Yay!

I think the part of the 'lecture' that bothered me the most was that the official said that us Cat 4 Women were given a 10 minute lead over the other fields and that if anyone in the other fields caught us, then 'shame on us' for being caught! He said we need to get faster! That just really bothered me, especially since the previous road race our first lap time was only 30 seconds slower than the Cat 1,2, 3 women's field.

It also bothered me when at the start, I was just clipping into my pedals and the same said official yelled at me and said, 'You better go faster. Faster! Faster!" Yelling right in my face Not the best way for me mentally to start a race, but I didn't let it bother me.

I am in my 30's so I am not a shrinking violet, but had I been younger, I don't think I would have been strong enough to maybe come back and race again. I always thought the Cat 4 Women's group is the beginner group. Aren't the beginners basically the bread and butter of our sport? I mean, if there are not beginners, how does the sport continue to flourish?

I really wish I had the guts to write USA Cycling a letter or to at least the promoter of the race But, the thing is that this official is a big wig in Michigan racing...I fear retaliation or worse if I were to do this. He could try to make my life hell later in races, know what I am saying? Yep, I'm a wimp! I can't even imagine sticking up for myself in the next race if something similar were to happen. I'd probably get DQ'd before the start

I am thankful that there are wonderful male and female friends of mine who official in a professional manner. I also am thankful for so much support of my racing by my husband's racer friends (he's a Cat 2)--they are always kind and gentlemanly towards me...

Grrr!!! What year is it again? Hello, 1950 called and they want their values back! LOL

*Bear growls*

Thanks for listening to me and for the advice...

Trying to let it go...*Breathing in and out* LOL