I Wasn't the Last One!

[Jiffer]

I did my first road race a week ago. A 40 mile out and back course with 2,000 feet of climbing in Hollister, CA called Panoche Valley Road Race. I was pretty nervous about actually racing, assumed I'd be the last one, hoped I wouldn, but really, really wanted to at least finish respectably.

The Cat 4 women's group was way bigger than in past years, per results I looked up. There were 23 of us, plus 4 juniors who rode in our group. I was able to stay with the peleton over the first few hills, but couldn't hang on after that. I then rode with another woman for about five miles until we caught up to two other women, who I actually passed on the first major climb (I'm so not good with climbing, so any time I pass someone, it is pure joy). I lost that woman I had ridden with, so rode alone for a while. I was so looking forward to the turn around, where the way back to the finish had a lot of downhill, which I'm great at. Only the second I turned around "WHOOSH!" ... major headwind. Bummer! However, luckily at about mile 26 God sent me an angel to ride with. A gal who had mechanical problems was on the side of the road. She caught up to me and we were able to work together for the rest of the ride.

At the very end I knew we'd probably sprint it out, and was wondering how that was gong to go. I knew I couldn't last long standing and sprinting, so I waited for her to make the move. As soon as she was up, I was up, and we pushed hard to the end. Her wheel hit a few inches ahead of mine. Bummer! But I couldn't be too upset cause, after all, she was my angel who helped me get through a big part of the race against the headwind. And I was glad I got to experience a sprint at the end of a race.

I knew at least three people were behind me, but wasn't sure. After I celebrated my husband's 2nd place victory in his division with him (Go honey! 2nd out of 40+) ... all I wanted to do was see the list for my division to see how many people I was ahead of. Turns out I came in before five other women. Woo hoo for me! Not only not last, but I beat out five others! 18th out of 23. That was good enough for me and now I'm looking forward to my next race next weekend.

[bmccasland]

Yay Jiffer!!! A sprint to the finish, and the crowd went wild!
Congratulations on a good ride!

[PamNY]

Congratulations, and thanks for sharing your experience. I probably won't ever do a ride like that, but reading about yours inspires me!

[OakLeaf]

Yay Jiffer! Way to go.

[roadie gal]

Good show! Congrats!

[channlluv]

That sounds like a heck of a lot of fun, especially the sprint finish - wow!

Congratulations, and good luck next weekend!

Roxy

[tctrek]

Thanks for sharing your story, Jiffer. What an amazing experience! Good luck in your next race!

[Bike Chick]

Yeah! What a neat experience. I wish I was 20 years younger because you make me want to give it a try.

[arielmoon]

Great job jiffer! you go girl!

[Jiffer]

Thanks guys. Funny thing. When I was back at my car I saw the lady I "thought" was the next one to come in after me. I asked her how she did and she replied, "I don't think I was last!" And that cracked me up, because that's all I cared about too! I didn't want to be last. Her and I waited around together for the results to be posted so we could both see how many people we beat. She encouraged me to keep racing, which was nice. I keep having her voice ringing in my ear cheering me on.

When I started sprinting at the finish I saw my husband on the side of the road with his phone taking pictures. He was shocked to see me sprinting at the end. Later I found out his sunglasses fell off his head during that and he said, "You went flying by so fast, my sunglasses blew right off my head!"

[Psycler]

Way to go Jiffer. You did great. Good luck next week.