Battled the Bear

Since it was so close to home at Bear Creek Reservior, I couldn't resist racing this weekend. My labors bore their fruits, as I finished 2nd at the Battle of the Bear. It was a fast smooth course, but with half the biking population in metro Denver competing today, the trick was in passing people. I got a lethargic start, and basically felt like a slug in spandex for the first 4 miles. Upon completing the first climb, my muscle fibers kicked in, and I suddenly felt like racing! (Maybe it's because I love the hills- imagine that!) From that point on, my sole mission was to pass as many people as possible and not look back. Through the second 10-mile lap I made up gobs of time, and soon my competition was back in sight. I got a little over excited and momentarily lost my focus in the twisty-tree section, crashing hard directly on my right kneecap. It is now a lovely black kneecap, and hurts like you know what. Gritting my teeth against the pulsating pain, I cranked the pedals even harder. Within the next 3 miles I passed all my competitors except one (who was way beyond visual distance), and powered through the remaining 2 miles to the finish.

After a rough first week back at school, it was a great confidence-booster, and quality training before the big Angel Fire race next week. It was fun to hang out with many CoMotion teammates who raced. I missed seeing Chris cheering and taking photos, but he is having a fun time fraternizing with the Yeti tribe this weekend. Next up is Angel Fire... climbing and technical descending... my cup of tea!