While our original intentions were of getting in one last long mountain bike ride this weekend and taking it easy, plans changed and we headed up the hill for two days of high-altitude 'cross in Frisco.
The aspen trees were in their full golden splendor the entire weekend, making the landscape feel even more magical!
I packed all my warm clothes, expecting anything from 60F and sunny, to 20F and snowing. The nasty weather managed to hang over the Eisenhower Tunnel both days, so we were treated to mild overcast days in the mid-40s.
We also packed the trainer for warming up, and it proved to be a good decision when the wind picked up. Chris took a break from racing this weekend, but was there in every moment of the action, snapping photos, taking video, prepping my bike, cheering feverishly, handing me water, and giving me the most awesome support!!
I previewed the course each day, riding 2 easy laps, and re-riding the tougher sections. Each day had a different course, and they both dealt out some unique terrain, with a mix of tough uphill sections on cement, bombing singletrack, sketchy flat turns, log barriers, and a steep run up a sandy hill. Not to mention racing at 9,000 ft, made for some lung-burning hypoxia.
On Saturday, I was lined up right next to National Champion Katie Compton (Spike). When the gun went off, I was ahead of her for about 2 seconds before she was gone! Talk about intimidating!!
I charged hard from the beginning to establish position, but probably should have ridden with a bit more caution, as I washed out twice on a loose, sandy corner, dropping my chain 4 times, and losing nearly 20 places. The rest of the race I played catch-up while riding tentatively. I was disappointed that I lost so much time in the beginning with those mistakes, but still finished a respectable 4th in Cat 3, and 17th overall.
Sunday's race was a slightly altered course, but just as taxing! My goal was to ride a smoother race, and minimize the types of mistakes that cost me places the day before. I was sporting the Yeti argyle socks just for extra good luck! The field was deep with talent again, and I got off to a solid start. I worked my way up the entire race, clearing the barriers cleanly, and taking the flat turns cautiously. On the last lap, I bridged up to three girls, put the hammer down and passed two. In the final 50 meters of the race, I cranked as hard as I could, and nipped the third girl right at the line, by a mere half-tire length!! I finished 3rd in Cat 3 and 11th overall!
I certainly had a lot of fun this weekend! It was great to see Gary, Oliver, and Bubba out there tearing it up, and then hearing their cheers! I'm continuing to learn a lot, especially technique, pacing, passing, and negotiating obstacles. I've still got some practice to do if I want to earn my first win!
The aspen trees were in their full golden splendor the entire weekend, making the landscape feel even more magical!
I packed all my warm clothes, expecting anything from 60F and sunny, to 20F and snowing. The nasty weather managed to hang over the Eisenhower Tunnel both days, so we were treated to mild overcast days in the mid-40s.
We also packed the trainer for warming up, and it proved to be a good decision when the wind picked up. Chris took a break from racing this weekend, but was there in every moment of the action, snapping photos, taking video, prepping my bike, cheering feverishly, handing me water, and giving me the most awesome support!!
I previewed the course each day, riding 2 easy laps, and re-riding the tougher sections. Each day had a different course, and they both dealt out some unique terrain, with a mix of tough uphill sections on cement, bombing singletrack, sketchy flat turns, log barriers, and a steep run up a sandy hill. Not to mention racing at 9,000 ft, made for some lung-burning hypoxia.
On Saturday, I was lined up right next to National Champion Katie Compton (Spike). When the gun went off, I was ahead of her for about 2 seconds before she was gone! Talk about intimidating!!
I charged hard from the beginning to establish position, but probably should have ridden with a bit more caution, as I washed out twice on a loose, sandy corner, dropping my chain 4 times, and losing nearly 20 places. The rest of the race I played catch-up while riding tentatively. I was disappointed that I lost so much time in the beginning with those mistakes, but still finished a respectable 4th in Cat 3, and 17th overall.
Sunday's race was a slightly altered course, but just as taxing! My goal was to ride a smoother race, and minimize the types of mistakes that cost me places the day before. I was sporting the Yeti argyle socks just for extra good luck! The field was deep with talent again, and I got off to a solid start. I worked my way up the entire race, clearing the barriers cleanly, and taking the flat turns cautiously. On the last lap, I bridged up to three girls, put the hammer down and passed two. In the final 50 meters of the race, I cranked as hard as I could, and nipped the third girl right at the line, by a mere half-tire length!! I finished 3rd in Cat 3 and 11th overall!
I certainly had a lot of fun this weekend! It was great to see Gary, Oliver, and Bubba out there tearing it up, and then hearing their cheers! I'm continuing to learn a lot, especially technique, pacing, passing, and negotiating obstacles. I've still got some practice to do if I want to earn my first win!
1 comment:
Great job Mtn Cougress!
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