Race Debrief

Once again I learned a great deal at this race and yes it was brutal, but I still managed to have fun! Everything was perfect as the day started out, great breakfast, perfect weather, awesome warmup, etc.
At the start gate I was really nervous, the field was big and we weren't allowed to pre-ride the course--this is something that is so important in my opinion. As the start time moved back and the announcer continued to warn of the dangers: potholes (these were bike swallowing size), wildlife(yes giant turkeys), cattle crossings (multiples), and newly tarred holes that heated up and were now sinkholes for tires....lovely...my adrenaline was pumping.
Finally on the road all was good, I was staying with the pack until mile 1.2 when my chain came off, at first I was pissed at myself thinking I misshifted but then it happened 2 more times--I was furious and now dropped on the big climb.
Again my adrenaline was pumping, I was angry and now climbing like a mad woman. I knew I wouldn't catch the group as the downhill was not far off and with a national champion leading the group I was history.
However I don't give up, so I continued on spending most of the day being the "carrot" for the men's pack, racing the downhill side with the men's groups, getting dropped and doing it again. Just a love for punishment I guess.
Finally at the finish of lap 3 the champion lady lapped me. I spent the entire race thinking I was last, however I wasn't, I was second to last:)
The finish line was a complete cluster-- as the men 1-2 were lined up to start and I was trying to finish along with some of the men's 5s so that was a pretty hairy moment with lots of confusion and bikes going every which way.
This course left everypart of my body sore. The cattle crossing were tough on the back and constant rough roads and the pressure of downhilling dodging rocks and potholes with the men took a toll on my neck and hands. My legs have never been so sore.
I guess looking back on it this race put some fight in me and I really did race this one not just ride it, so for me it was good. Any race w/o injury is a good one for me.
Live to ride another day--crit tomorrow, but I'll be watching that one,maybe next year.
Ride on
RaeLynn