I completed my first Mountain Bike race at Lake Bryan in Bryan, TX. When I knew I was getting a mtb bike, I discussed racing the BTU Power Pedal race with Vanessa. She started calling around to get a hotel. So we made a full weekend of the event.
We drove up Friday evening after work, checked into the hotel, then went to get supper. The plan was to get up in the morning and go out to the park to warm up a little then at 1:00 the NRC/Pedalmasher race team conducts a beginner clinic. The point of the clinic is to go over the rules, give pointers, and such to new riders before their first race. After the clinic they also pre-ride the course and give pointers along the way.
I also saw before leaving work on Friday that Sean from Woodlands Cycling Club was staying at the campgrounds at the park. About 9:00, Vanessa and I got to the park and started getting the bikes ready. After that we rode over to the campsite where Sean, Josh, and Kellie spent the night. They were beginning to move around and get their bikes ready to pre-ride the course. Josh and Sean got me all set up and showed me the right air pressure for my tires and shocks. After all that was done we headed over to the course.
On the way over we rode the last half mile to the finish, then rode a simulated start. On the way to the finish line there was a wash out in the course and I thought I was far enough to the left of the wash out. Oops, guess not I stopped quickly and lost my balance, rammed my handle bars into my shin. Ouch, that will hurt. As we rode my leg hurt but not to bad, so I kept riding. We did the start, and I followed Josh, while Sean was behind me giving me pointers. We rode an easy pace. At one point Josh and I saw a snake on the path, but luckily no one got bit. A little later I went to make a turn and the front wheel slid out from under me. I landed in the sand and took a little skin off my knee. We continued and I followed the beginner course when Sean and Josh followed the sport course. Now I am thinking great, I scraped up both legs and I have not even got to the race yet. How is tomorrow going to go?
Vanessa and I went to the beginner clinic at 1. It was the two of us and two other ladies who were also first time riders. I skipped out on the pre-ride since I had already ridden the course earlier.
That evening Vanessa and I met one of our friends oldest son, who is at TAMU, for dinner, then called it an early evening. Of course I put dressings on my wounds to protect them from the dirt during the race.
Sunday morning came early. The beginners started at 8:30 but I wanted to be sure that I was able to warm up and be ready for the race. We got to the start area at 6:50. I got the bike out, checked the shocks and put air in the tires. Then headed over to the camp site, which I figured would be a good warm up. When I go to the campsite I realized my front shock was really soft. After looking at it, it appeared to be out of air. We pumped it up again, then headed back over to the start. I grabbed my shock pump and carried it with me on the course. I also put even more air in the shock and hopped it would get me through the race. Now I am ready to go. I see Matt from work and talk to him for a moment. Then get my leg marked, and head toward the start line. Vanessa and Matt get some pictures and we find Chris, also from work.
Here we are waiting at the start line. (Thanks to Matt L. for the picture)
Here is another shot Vanessa took at the start.
When the race started, I stayed pretty close to the front, but I know I would not stay there long. We did a few twists and turns before getting into the single track. There was about 4 riders trying to get through the two tight trees at the opening of the single track when I got there. I had to stop and wait my turn. Then there is a bridge shortly after that, which the racer in front of me messed up on. I had to go to the left of the bridge then jump back into the trail. I lost a few placed there but Chris was right on my wheel. I rode a brisk but safe pace through the single track. Then we climbed to the top of the levee. At which point Chris took off and I did not see him again for the rest of the ride. I did a lot of twists and turns. Passed a few B1 and B2 riders. Got passed by several B4 riders. We got back to the start area for our pass through to the east loop and I was tired but still feeling pretty well. I had a rider on my tail which I eventually was able to drop in the next section of singletrack. Matt got a good picture of me leading that rider through the start area.
I was having fun by this point and was just starting into the really tight areas, I just rode at a pace where I could make the turns and stay on the bike. I would let faster riders pass if they were in a group that started after me, which by this point was most of the people who caught me.
The last 2 miles of the course was the most technical, or at least if felt like it after running all out for 45 minutes. I finally made it across the finish line in 54 minutes, and I was still smiling when the finish photographer took my picture. Over all my ranking in my category was 24/34 riders, 28 of which finished. Here is the picture that had of me crossing the finish line.
For my first MTB ride I can't complain. I had fun and accomplished both my goals. Finish and not be last.
Can't wait for the next race.
