1. At the end of the starting straight (paved section), moments from entering the back forty, pretty sure this is on the first lap when I drilled it and cooked myself. Stupid, stupid. (Note my rear tire, exhibiting tubular envy and being dangerously underinflated for a clincher. I am surprised that I did not bottom out and flat during my race.)
2. In the switchbacks, trying not to die on the short, steep inclines in the trees. Second lap. I'm about 2/3 of the way through the course at this point and I'm ready for my race to be over.
(Lesson: don't kill yourself in the first 50 seconds of a race. Ugh.)
Yes, I have a belly, a rather noticeable one for a bicycle racer.
In a field of sleek, slender bodies I stick out.
Still, I pinned a number on and propelled my belly around a muddy race course.
In forty-degree temps.
On a singlespeed bike.
A hundred women my age stood on the sidelines yesterday and did not do that.
So today I am enjoying the afterglow of my race and feeling like a bit of a rock star.
I am SO glad I raced at USGP this year. It was a satisfying way to end the season.
(Photos taken by Janet Hill and used with Permission.)
6 comments:
congrats
i think you deserve total rockstar status if for no other reason than this: "A hundred women my age stood on the sidelines yesterday and did not do that."
damn straight! hope you're enjoying your day off :)
You rocked the course. Sticky mud, greasy corners, steep off cambers and you didn't flinch (at least visibly). Sleeping in would have been easy. Well done !!
Richard, JJ & Dave -- thank you!
So great to see JJ & Dave out on the course this weekend (JJ -- I saw your city bike on Sunday but couldn't find you before I left).
Today I am SOOOO tired and slow. I had contemplated doing some puttering on another bike in the stable, but right now I think I'm about ready for a nap. (Glad I scheduled this day off back when I signed up for the race, I figured I might need it...)
Dave -- As you can see I sprung for a couple of J's photos -- she does NICE work and I sent the link to friends.
JJ -- I'm going to contact you and a few other bikey friends about scheduling some playdates in the dirt in the early spring, out by Gatewaygreen. Please say yes. --b
yes :) i've been wondering about biking out there! i wasn't sure if it was "allowed"...i'm also always up for coffee/pastry road rides :)
Well done as you said no matter how you feel or what you look like - you WERE doing it.
Rock on...
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