Wow it has been a while since I last posted. After the MS150 I took a bit of a break from writing my cycling adventures. On May4th I raced in the GHORBA Big Ring Challenge at Double Lake near Coldspring, TX. My event was at 1:30 PM so I got to the park about 10:30 to begin getting ready.
We got to the race in time to watch Matt complete his second lap and start his third. We stuck around the finish line until he finished. He seemed to do a pretty good job.
I remember that for some reason my legs were really tight so before the race I kept trying to stretch but it did not really seem to help. While the experts raced, I made a few more trips back up and down the road to warm up.
While I warmed up, Vanessa helped with registration by marking legs. About this time the other beginners started to show up. There were several of us in the same age group. From the Woodlands we had myself, Chris V, and Seth. From work Chris E. and lastly Dan R.
When the race started we had a nice up hill sprint on the paved road before making the tight enterance to the single track. I entered the single track on Chris V's wheel. He was just on Dan's wheel. As the riders started to build up behind us we began looking for places to pass. That did not happen and as we came into a tight corner, Dan slowed up just enought that Chris and I rubbed wheels. Being in the back naturally I fell over, and lost about 10 places in the field. By this time my HR was up and I was just pushing to try to catch back up. Eventually I caught Dan and passed him. After that, I was mostly riding by myself. I completed the first lap in about 49 minutes. As I came through the feed zone I grabbed the glass of water and dumped it on my head. That felt good. I threw my cup and then passed a rider on the road that was infront of me. The second lap was tough. I needed to eat but did not want to stop, and could not find a smooth enough section to eat a gel. So I pressed on.
When I finally finished I had an average HR of over 180. Which is pretty high since my max is 199. My final place was 31st. With over 40 starting, I feel pretty good about my results.
Double Lake was my only race for the spring series. My goal is to ride the mountain bike more during the summer.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
2008 BP MS150
Well Vanessa and I completed another MS150. This makes number 4 in all. This was the first year that we rode with FMC Technologies. The team support was great. They provided full uniforms, a nice BBQ dinner in the tent, and massages in La Grange.
This year Vanessa and I once again started in different locations. She at Rhodes Stadium, and I at Technip with the rest of the FMC team. Saturday started out a little cool but comfortable. I started out riding in a small group of three of us. We rode straight through to rest stop 3. Between rest stop 3 and lunch we got separated. I stopped for lunch then headed out again. After lunch the wind started to get bad. We had to slug our way through a nice head wind most of the way to La Grange. Luckily we had a tail wind for the last 5 miles on Saturday.
I ended up getting into La Grange about 3 minutes behind Vanessa despite riding 16 miles further. After getting my massage and a shower, I started walking around to chat with people I knew.
Sunday morning was cold. When we woke up it was about 46 F. The bad point was it warmed up quickly. By the time I got to the first rest stop I had to take off my jacket. Once again I decided to go through the park. It is a nice route with some rolling hills that make for a fun ride. This year the blessing was that in the park, the wind was not nearly as bad.
After stopping at Whataburger for lunch, I headed out for the last 30 miles of the ride. At one point I got to riding at a comfortable pace and realized I had picked up about 40 riders following me. It seemed like I was passing and as I passed people would join up. At one point I jumped on behind another friend who passed. We rode together for about 5-7 miles. I dropped off when I thought we were close to the next rest stop. Once I got there I saw Vanessa. As I refilled my bottles, Vanessa took off again. I caught her at the last rest stop. There we saw several others from our team and made plans to ride across the line together.
As we approached Austin, I saw a few more FMC riders. We all waited and rode across in a group of about 10 FMC team members.
It was another successful MS150. We are still looking for people to donate to the National MS Society. If you would like to donate, please use the this link. http://ms150.org/edon.cfm?id=192109 .
This year Vanessa and I once again started in different locations. She at Rhodes Stadium, and I at Technip with the rest of the FMC team. Saturday started out a little cool but comfortable. I started out riding in a small group of three of us. We rode straight through to rest stop 3. Between rest stop 3 and lunch we got separated. I stopped for lunch then headed out again. After lunch the wind started to get bad. We had to slug our way through a nice head wind most of the way to La Grange. Luckily we had a tail wind for the last 5 miles on Saturday.
I ended up getting into La Grange about 3 minutes behind Vanessa despite riding 16 miles further. After getting my massage and a shower, I started walking around to chat with people I knew.
Sunday morning was cold. When we woke up it was about 46 F. The bad point was it warmed up quickly. By the time I got to the first rest stop I had to take off my jacket. Once again I decided to go through the park. It is a nice route with some rolling hills that make for a fun ride. This year the blessing was that in the park, the wind was not nearly as bad.
After stopping at Whataburger for lunch, I headed out for the last 30 miles of the ride. At one point I got to riding at a comfortable pace and realized I had picked up about 40 riders following me. It seemed like I was passing and as I passed people would join up. At one point I jumped on behind another friend who passed. We rode together for about 5-7 miles. I dropped off when I thought we were close to the next rest stop. Once I got there I saw Vanessa. As I refilled my bottles, Vanessa took off again. I caught her at the last rest stop. There we saw several others from our team and made plans to ride across the line together.
As we approached Austin, I saw a few more FMC riders. We all waited and rode across in a group of about 10 FMC team members.
It was another successful MS150. We are still looking for people to donate to the National MS Society. If you would like to donate, please use the this link. http://ms150.org/edon.cfm?id
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Miles of Discomfort
I did another mountain bike race. This one was in Comfort, TX at a place called Flat Rock Ranch. I had been wanting to do this race as soon as I saw it on the schedule. I just did not know how to convince Vanessa that it was needed to go. I kept asking. I was also beginning to doubt if I really could hold out for the full marathon distance.
I got my stroke of luck. I saw posted on the TMBRA website that rummer had it that a special guest was going to be participating in the open class marathon race. So I called Vanessa and told her that I wanted to race, and it looked like she would get a chance to meet a famous person she had wanted to meet, Lance Armstrong. That was it. I was in. I just needed to book a hotel room
I rode to work for a safety class on 1/20/08. On the way home it became very clear that my legs were not up for a full 52 mile mountain bike ride. So I was in for the half marathon. I was going to pre-register, but missed the deadline. When I did go look, I saw that Lance was on the pre-registered list. It looked like we were going to meet him.
Saturday morning we woke up about 5:30 am to get ready and re-pack the truck. We got to Flat Rock Ranch about 7:00. I walked down to registration and signed up. We were pretty early still so there was only one other rider in front of me at registration. I went back to the truck and go the bike out and pumped up the tires, put air in the shocks and got ready to ride. The day started out in the mid forties so I kept my jacket on and my tights. So I was basically ready to race, to Vanessa and I headed down to find the other Bike Lane/Woodlands Cycling members.
Once we found Sean Ansley, he confirmed that Lance was indeed at the race. He came in Friday and hung out and drank beer with everyone. We all proceeded to warm up for the race while we waited for the start. About 8:30 people started heading down to the starting area. They began lining up the marathon racers. Here is a picture of Wink (bib #6) and Lance (bib #7) talking before the start.
After the marathon racers started, it was my turn to line up. We started about 5 minutes after the full marathon race, of course there were a lot fewer of us. Here we are just starting out. (I am in the red and blue on the left side of the picture.)
The course was tough. We started out with a good climb and a couple tight tricky areas to slow the group down. Then things spread out nicely. Several of the rocks were slick and you had to be careful. I ended up falling on one rock with a small group behind me. I recovered before falling into the ravine, but it did make me slow down a little.
Flat Rock Rance is made up of two loops. The race started on the lower loop which is the longer of the two. It does have several long steady climbs but also has lots of good descents. The lower loop as a good mix of grassy sections, tree covered sections, and rocky sections. I was about half way through the lower loop and kept thinking that we were getting close to finishing up the loop, only to find out that we had several more miles to go. At one point I had to stop and take off my undershirt. The long sleeves just got to hot. After I took off the shirt I caught two guys who had passed me earlier. I ended up pulling away from them with about two miles to the feed zone. Far enough that I had no one to watch me almost wipe out on hospital hill.
On to the feed zone I go. When I get there I strip off my tights, refill my water bottle and grab a gel. Vanessa and Jamie ask me about Kellie. I tell them that she is behind me. I ask them about Wink and Lance. Both were back through and on the lower loop again by the time I got into the feed zone. As I am leaving I hear the announcement that the first half marathon rider was crossing the finish line. I had another 11 miles to go and my race winner just finished. Out I go again.
I plug on through and into the upper loop. It is a lot of climbing on some pretty tough climbs. I get through the first half not to bad. I am at about mile 21 over all and there is a valley that we descend into and have a long rocky climb up the other side. I get about 5 peddles into the climb and my right leg cramps hard. I get off the bike, suck down some water and another gel, and decide to walk out the cramp. I get to the top of the climb and ride around the top of the hill. I see a billy goat in the distance. I end up catching another rider on the course. She was struggling with some of the descents where I would gain on her, however on the next climb, I would cramp up again. More walking. Another climb. Walk. At the top of another hill I see some cows near the course. Turns out the cows were on both sides of the trail and I had to ride between the cows. At least one was laying down just 5-10 feet from the trail.
By this point I was walking up every hill and riding down. I was about 3 miles from the finish and I hear the race leader is approaching. I got lapped by Wink. Shortly after I get passed by the second place rider. I plug on. I decided that I did not want to get passed by Lance. I press on. I run out of water, and think to myself that I got to be getting close. I get passed by another rider, 3rd place. I fight off the cramps and plug along, pass the last check point and kick up the pace. I know the finish is within half a mile. I cross the finish with a total time of 4:17:01 for 27 miles.
I mentioned that I was just trying to not get passed by Lance. I then hear that Lance is already in. Turns out that he called it quits due to cramps after his second lower loop. Off Vanessa goes to see about getting his picture. I head up to the trailer as well since it is one the way to the truck. Lance came out about 5 minutes after I got there and was very nice and willing to pose for pictures and give autographs. We posed for this picture with him, and I got him to sign my water bottle. What a great Birthday.
I got my stroke of luck. I saw posted on the TMBRA website that rummer had it that a special guest was going to be participating in the open class marathon race. So I called Vanessa and told her that I wanted to race, and it looked like she would get a chance to meet a famous person she had wanted to meet, Lance Armstrong. That was it. I was in. I just needed to book a hotel room
I rode to work for a safety class on 1/20/08. On the way home it became very clear that my legs were not up for a full 52 mile mountain bike ride. So I was in for the half marathon. I was going to pre-register, but missed the deadline. When I did go look, I saw that Lance was on the pre-registered list. It looked like we were going to meet him.
Saturday morning we woke up about 5:30 am to get ready and re-pack the truck. We got to Flat Rock Ranch about 7:00. I walked down to registration and signed up. We were pretty early still so there was only one other rider in front of me at registration. I went back to the truck and go the bike out and pumped up the tires, put air in the shocks and got ready to ride. The day started out in the mid forties so I kept my jacket on and my tights. So I was basically ready to race, to Vanessa and I headed down to find the other Bike Lane/Woodlands Cycling members.
Once we found Sean Ansley, he confirmed that Lance was indeed at the race. He came in Friday and hung out and drank beer with everyone. We all proceeded to warm up for the race while we waited for the start. About 8:30 people started heading down to the starting area. They began lining up the marathon racers. Here is a picture of Wink (bib #6) and Lance (bib #7) talking before the start.
After the marathon racers started, it was my turn to line up. We started about 5 minutes after the full marathon race, of course there were a lot fewer of us. Here we are just starting out. (I am in the red and blue on the left side of the picture.)
The course was tough. We started out with a good climb and a couple tight tricky areas to slow the group down. Then things spread out nicely. Several of the rocks were slick and you had to be careful. I ended up falling on one rock with a small group behind me. I recovered before falling into the ravine, but it did make me slow down a little.
Flat Rock Rance is made up of two loops. The race started on the lower loop which is the longer of the two. It does have several long steady climbs but also has lots of good descents. The lower loop as a good mix of grassy sections, tree covered sections, and rocky sections. I was about half way through the lower loop and kept thinking that we were getting close to finishing up the loop, only to find out that we had several more miles to go. At one point I had to stop and take off my undershirt. The long sleeves just got to hot. After I took off the shirt I caught two guys who had passed me earlier. I ended up pulling away from them with about two miles to the feed zone. Far enough that I had no one to watch me almost wipe out on hospital hill.
On to the feed zone I go. When I get there I strip off my tights, refill my water bottle and grab a gel. Vanessa and Jamie ask me about Kellie. I tell them that she is behind me. I ask them about Wink and Lance. Both were back through and on the lower loop again by the time I got into the feed zone. As I am leaving I hear the announcement that the first half marathon rider was crossing the finish line. I had another 11 miles to go and my race winner just finished. Out I go again.
I plug on through and into the upper loop. It is a lot of climbing on some pretty tough climbs. I get through the first half not to bad. I am at about mile 21 over all and there is a valley that we descend into and have a long rocky climb up the other side. I get about 5 peddles into the climb and my right leg cramps hard. I get off the bike, suck down some water and another gel, and decide to walk out the cramp. I get to the top of the climb and ride around the top of the hill. I see a billy goat in the distance. I end up catching another rider on the course. She was struggling with some of the descents where I would gain on her, however on the next climb, I would cramp up again. More walking. Another climb. Walk. At the top of another hill I see some cows near the course. Turns out the cows were on both sides of the trail and I had to ride between the cows. At least one was laying down just 5-10 feet from the trail.
By this point I was walking up every hill and riding down. I was about 3 miles from the finish and I hear the race leader is approaching. I got lapped by Wink. Shortly after I get passed by the second place rider. I plug on. I decided that I did not want to get passed by Lance. I press on. I run out of water, and think to myself that I got to be getting close. I get passed by another rider, 3rd place. I fight off the cramps and plug along, pass the last check point and kick up the pace. I know the finish is within half a mile. I cross the finish with a total time of 4:17:01 for 27 miles.
I mentioned that I was just trying to not get passed by Lance. I then hear that Lance is already in. Turns out that he called it quits due to cramps after his second lower loop. Off Vanessa goes to see about getting his picture. I head up to the trailer as well since it is one the way to the truck. Lance came out about 5 minutes after I got there and was very nice and willing to pose for pictures and give autographs. We posed for this picture with him, and I got him to sign my water bottle. What a great Birthday.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
The Talon Trails Excruciation Exam
I competed in my second mountain bike race yesterday. It was the The Talon Trails Excruciation Exam. This consisted of a lap at Bluff Creek Ranch in Warda, TX. Then a ride on back roads (gravel) to Rocky Hill Ranch in Smithville, TX. Do a 20 mile lap around Rocky Hill, then a back road ride back to the start with a short 3 mile lap there. The total distance was 87 miles.
I woke up at 3 am to drive to Warda since I did not know exactly how long it would take me. I arrived at 5:30. Which worked out great since registration opened at 6:00. There was a ride meeting at 7:00 with a 7:30 am start.
The race started with a Lemond start which involved putting the bikes in a specific area, We lined up and had to run around a tree, then back to the bike and head off on the trail. I was with the back half of the group for about half of Warda, but quickly became isolated from the rest of the group. By the time I reached Rocky Hill, I was the last rider to start the 20 mile loop. Rocky Hill took me just under 4 hours to finish, which meant that I missed the safety cut off and had to catch a sag back to the start. My time was prorated so that I still got a finish. I was never so glad to take a ride after a day on the bike.
I came in dead last, but at least I did not get a DNF. At the awards I won a park tools BBQ set. All in all, it was a much tougher ride that I should have tackled but I did it and had fun. That is all that matters.
I woke up at 3 am to drive to Warda since I did not know exactly how long it would take me. I arrived at 5:30. Which worked out great since registration opened at 6:00. There was a ride meeting at 7:00 with a 7:30 am start.
The race started with a Lemond start which involved putting the bikes in a specific area, We lined up and had to run around a tree, then back to the bike and head off on the trail. I was with the back half of the group for about half of Warda, but quickly became isolated from the rest of the group. By the time I reached Rocky Hill, I was the last rider to start the 20 mile loop. Rocky Hill took me just under 4 hours to finish, which meant that I missed the safety cut off and had to catch a sag back to the start. My time was prorated so that I still got a finish. I was never so glad to take a ride after a day on the bike.
I came in dead last, but at least I did not get a DNF. At the awards I won a park tools BBQ set. All in all, it was a much tougher ride that I should have tackled but I did it and had fun. That is all that matters.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Been a while
Wow, it has been a while since I last posted anything. After bike around the bay, I have done a little riding, but nothing to serious. I did become a League of American Bicyclist Certified Cycling Instructor (LCI). I can now teach any of the cycling safety classes that LAB offers.
New year is time to kick of the riding with a bang. We started with a short 32 mile ride on new years day, then I have a nice long mountain bike race tomorrow. So I better head off to bed. Look for the report tomorrow.
New year is time to kick of the riding with a bang. We started with a short 32 mile ride on new years day, then I have a nice long mountain bike race tomorrow. So I better head off to bed. Look for the report tomorrow.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Lyondell Bike Around the Bay
What a fun weekend.
Vanessa and I just completed the first annual Lyondell Bike Around the Bay. The ride started in Fort Anahuac Park in Anahuac, TX. We rode into High Island, then down the Bolivar Peninsula to the Bolivar Ferry. This was a nice 30 mile ride with a slight crossing head wind. We stopped for lunch in Crystal Beach. After the ferry ride we rode across Galveston Island to Moody Gardens.
At Moody Gardens, they had the Saturday finish line/Sunday start line. We stayed at Moody Hotel on site. They had nice rooms, but were under prepared for the people staying over the weekend. We got there and our room was not ready. Over all we had to wait about 1.5 hours to get our room.
The organizers planned for drinks and dinner at Moody Gardens. They announced the dates of next year's ride. Which Vanessa and I will very likely do again.
Sunday morning was a good start. We checked out of the room, and headed over to the start. They had breakfast and drinks before the ride. The ride started on time because they closed 2/3 lanes on the I45 causeway for us to ride over. This was the first time they had a ride do that. It worked pretty well. We ended up riding over the Galveston causeway, the Kehma/Seabrook bridge, and the Fred Hartman bridge. None were really bad to climb, but they were still good climbs.
For a 150 mile 2 day event the ride was very well supported. There was about 450 riders. The plan is to have a cap next year, and we will be guaranteed a spot because we rode this year.
Vanessa and I just completed the first annual Lyondell Bike Around the Bay. The ride started in Fort Anahuac Park in Anahuac, TX. We rode into High Island, then down the Bolivar Peninsula to the Bolivar Ferry. This was a nice 30 mile ride with a slight crossing head wind. We stopped for lunch in Crystal Beach. After the ferry ride we rode across Galveston Island to Moody Gardens.
At Moody Gardens, they had the Saturday finish line/Sunday start line. We stayed at Moody Hotel on site. They had nice rooms, but were under prepared for the people staying over the weekend. We got there and our room was not ready. Over all we had to wait about 1.5 hours to get our room.
The organizers planned for drinks and dinner at Moody Gardens. They announced the dates of next year's ride. Which Vanessa and I will very likely do again.
Sunday morning was a good start. We checked out of the room, and headed over to the start. They had breakfast and drinks before the ride. The ride started on time because they closed 2/3 lanes on the I45 causeway for us to ride over. This was the first time they had a ride do that. It worked pretty well. We ended up riding over the Galveston causeway, the Kehma/Seabrook bridge, and the Fred Hartman bridge. None were really bad to climb, but they were still good climbs.
For a 150 mile 2 day event the ride was very well supported. There was about 450 riders. The plan is to have a cap next year, and we will be guaranteed a spot because we rode this year.
Monday, October 15, 2007
BTU Power Pedal
What fun!!!!
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.
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.
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