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.)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7TeAmcMGpbVSrdpor4OfdxdM9nMMWtsdAIL12bY9CJzGL2aXoi-XZDBjSMtGKSBF4_weWB5VHEeWv1nZGiR8rDPltBtK93-CHVOVw6KOZUaNnlEF_ErI_QVxNAgxRmXXBAb4GvUb2pOv/s320/usgp2010a.jpg)
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.)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjPlp4PZaUTBXd0UoPBxUf8i-hxh5PyK-NlYPTaBEH6zx8B-6Lv5P32Iuro9a8_lwe3WUp5YLQLmt9R28A34vD4pfddj3J24zFOzIBR7RLilw9AEqQ3emXp2ULR6a_N1Q6WqWmsvjxNyB/s320/usgp2010b.jpg)
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.)
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