Surf City #2 -- Costume Cross

[velogirl]

No time to write a real race report right now. It was a great race and I think the hardest I've ever raced. The course was fabulous with the longest run-up I've ever done and lots of flat power sections and the "blair witch swirly."

I raced Bs and noticed that many of the women are really aggressive. The Bs and masters raced together. I was in a pack of six women for the entire race, first time I remember being in an actual pack. I got elbowed off my line twice and pushed into a pole once early in the race (by the leaders)! Sheesh! I guess I should be more aggressive.

The Bs was a super-close race, with almost everyone within two minutes of the 2nd place girl (the first place girl belonged in the As and was way ahead of everyone else). I was much better at the technical stuff and got slowed down behind three of the women so I decided I had to pass them. I was able to pass three of the group of six early in the race by just powering on the flats. I blew it on one turn, went in way too hot and ended up riding in a pile of woodchips while two of my competitors rode away from me. On the last lap, I got lapped by the leader of the As at a really bad spot. I had to actually stop and let her go because there was no room for both of us. The girl behind me by about 5 seconds didn't have to stop and rode by me. This kinda demoralized me and I was never able to catch her again. Our little group of six all finished within one minute of each other. I felt very competitive, but just couldn't pull it out when it really mattered. Oh well, good race all the same and I was able to hang with the women who usually beat me by 3-4 minutes.

The highlight of the day, of course, was the costume race. So many great costumes. Here's me. Three friends and I were the go-go girls. We rode two laps in 4 inch heels, including barriers, mounts, dismounts, and run-ups. We won the best group prize.