Saturday was the first
race in the NC
Cyclocross Winter Series. Five races long
at various venues in the central area of North
Kakalaky. I woke up in the morning pumped. It
wasn't raining, my body felt decent and I was
racing for the first time in months. The women's
killer B's started at 12:15 and I really had
no clue what to expect. I've ridden a couple
cross courses in fun and have wrenched for a
few racers but it is much different to be at
the start line.
As
we lined up I looked around, trying to smile
at anyone that would give me the pre-race "glance."
You know the glance - the once over, looking
at your calves, quads and bike trying to get
a clue of what type of rider you are. There
were about 8 or 9 women in my field. and I some
how landed smacked in the middle of them all.
My strategy was not to have a strategy. At the
start I held on to the girls wheel in front
of me in to the first run up/barrier set. From
there I realized I was mid to end of the pack.
I moved up two spots on the first lap and tried
to hold on to 4th place. Half way through the
2nd lap I saw one of the twins that I was racing
against running through a fast section. As I
came upon her I realized she was running with
a crank arm attached to her shoe still. That
had to suck. It also meant I was in 3rd???!
3rd
lap into it my lower back started locking up.
I still haven't figured it out as it is a problem
that has plagued me for the past year or so
while racing. I'm thinking is partially being
unflexible and partially having weak lower back
muscles. As the back got tighter my pedals stopped
turning as quickly. I saw a girl in pink zip
by me and I did my best to get on her wheel.
My legs turned into putty and I was left watching
her go. 4th and final lap. I was in 4th and
becoming very happy with it. Gaining time up
on 5th place knowing that the finish line was
somewhere up there. Then the girl with the crank
mishap flew by. All I remember is pig tails
and pink socks.
Some
learning points are:
• That barriers aren't that bad if you
remember where they are.
• Less air pressure might of helped my
back.
• I need better brake pads.
Thanks to the sponsors. Twin Six for being supportive
for the past few years, Bicycle
Sport for being the best bike shop in Charlotte,
Ben
for using me as his photo test subject.
3rd
lap into it my lower back started locking up.
I still haven't figured it out as it is a problem
that has plagued me for the past year or so
while racing. I'm thinking is partially being
unflexible and partially having weak lower back
muscles. As the back got tighter my pedals stopped
turning as quickly. I saw a girl in pink zip
by me and I did my best to get on her wheel.
My legs turned into putty and I was left watching
her go. 4th and final lap. I was in 4th and
becoming very happy with it. Gaining time up
on 5th place knowing that the finish line was
somewhere up there. Then the girl with the crank
mishap flew by. All I remember is pig tails
and pink socks.
