Ramsey's Revenge

I registered for this race a while ago because I had heard that Brandywine was a beginner friendly park. Then, I realized that the race was on the same day as my team's sponsored road race, Tour de Pitman. This meant I'd be up very early to work race registration before heading over to Wilmington for my 12:30pm start, right around the time I'd be wanting to take a nap.

I arrived at Ramsey's Farm while the first race was still in progress. I talked to friends and got some feedback on the course...logs, streams, rocks, roots and my favorite "bomb down" a hill...I can go up all day, but when it comes to going down I'm probably faster walking.

I checked out the prologue section, selected a gear for the start and chatted with a couple friends who were in my field. The horn sounded and we were off, some of us (the winner) faster than others (myself). I settled into a nice pace on the first uphill section, in second place with the leader in sight...then things got "technical" (at least for me they did) and I found myself off the bike (at logs and stream crossings) more than I was on the bike. On the climbs and flat open sections I would make up ground only to lose it on the down hill and technical sections.

The battle for second place lasted the entire race, but I was able to pull away on the the final climb. I might not be that lucky next time. It's definitely time to start working on technical skills!

Bike Line Spring XC at Fair Hill

On April 9th I did the Caffeinated Cyclist group ride. At the end of the ride, my heart rate went from 120 bpm to 200 bpm. It stayed there for about 15 minutes. My heart felt like it was going to come out of my chest, but I wasn’t short of breath or dizzy. My primary care physician referred me to a cardiologist, who gave me an appointment on May 8th. 

My plan was to take it easy until then, wearing a heart rate monitor while exercising and not allowing my heart rate to go above zone three. This meant that I would have to skip the Bike Line Spring XC at Fair Hill on April 27th. Everyone said that this course was beginner friendly and it would make a perfect first race. I have only been on my mountain bike a handful of time since purchasing it in December of 2012. I’ve never ridden anything technical. Most of my miles have been logged on the flat pines of Batsto. 

I wavered until the night before registration closed. My fear was that I’d stress my heart, initiating another episode of 200 bpm...but the weather was perfect and a bunch of my awesome CX friends were racing, so I decided to give it a go. 

I had spoken to my teammate Lauren about previewing the course, but it never panned out. She said that sometimes it’s actually better not to know what a course is like because then you go out there and just ride it. This was the best piece of advice I received (in addition to being told not to wear my skinsuit, thanks Robin). Had I ridden the course prior, I definitely would have talked myself out of racing...either that or I would have ridden very tentatively.  

Other than the race being a mass start (like CX) I had no idea what to expect. Instead of pinning a number to my jersey I received a plate that attached to my handle bars...and it was microchipped, which I thought was pretty damn cool. No one warms up on stationary trainers, so I pedaled around for half an hour before the race on some of the other trails in the park, then made my way to the staging area. The 17-39 women lined up in front of the 40+ women (my field) who seemed more tentative about the start...but it was just like a CX race and I went as hard as I could as soon as I heard the start command. I managed to pass most of the women in the 17-39 field but two were so far out in front that I never caught them. I lead my field the entire race, which put me on top of the podium...not bad for my first mountain bike race. 

I still have a TON to learn about mountain biking...learning not to have a death grip on the brakes while descending...learning how to ride over roots and rocks...and stream crossings...what was that all about? 

POST RACE (ROOT) BEER 
(FLOAT):
A growler of Iron Hill Root Beer, half gallon of Turkey Hill all natural vanilla ice cream and a can of Reddi Whip!

Non-Race Report: PA State CX Championships

AKA the day I was pissed at the world

There's something wrong with me. Despite the fact that I cannot raise my left arm above my head, nor turn my head in both directions...despite the fact that race time wind chill would be in the teens with gusty winds...despite the fact that I've already locked up the top spot in the PACX 3/4 Series...I seriously considered racing today.

Friday's crash on the road left me banged up. Saturday morning I was stiff and sore. My left arm felt like someone had used it for a speed bag. I decided to rest.  My brain, however, had other plans. The entire day was spent playing ping pong in my head...I will race...I won't race...I should race....I shouldn't race. 

Then, I played coin flip...best out of three (don't race)...ok, best out of five (don't race)...no, wait, best out of seven (don't race)...I was getting annoyed with myself. When did I become this competitive? Why is racing CX so addictive?

I woke up Sunday morning undecided. So, I made a phone call and scheduled a work appointment in Southwest Philadelphia. The house had no heat (unless you count the oven) and little furniture. I sat on a plastic lawn chair and placed my bag on a dirty wooden coffee table. He sat across from me on a metal folding chair, thankful for my willingness to meet him on a Sunday afternoon.

That helped to put things into perspective. I guess that if not racing my bike today is my biggest problem I should be pretty grateful.

out of habit

The night before a race I have chicken and sweet potatoes for dinner. I soak in an epsom salt bath, then make two servings of oatmeal, one of which I eat before bed, the other I place in a small plastic container and set in the fridge. 

The morning of a race I drink a cup of coffee from my Santa mug and make a blueberry banana smoothie, with one scoop of vanilla egg protein and one spoonful of almond butter. My fearless femme bottle water bottle is filled with orange scratch labs, and three additional bottles are filled with water. The cooler is packed with 4 bottles, a hammer nutrition flask with one shot of gel and the container of oatmeal. I put on my under armour compression socks and blue sports bra. My back pack is packed with a change of clothes, my race bag is packed with shoes, helmet, socks, gloves, skinsuit. 

I drive to the race listening to whatever I'm in the mood for, but 15 minutes prior to my arrival I switch to the bonus cd that came with Taylor Swift Red (Target Exclusive)...and I sing. 

I pre-ride the course in sweatpants, then get my number and drink the bottle of scratch labs. My skinsuit is placed on a camping chair and my number is pinned on with eight pins. I change into it and my black honey badger socks before my second pre-ride. I return to the car for a shot of gel and some more water, then a piece of dark green extra gum. 

I'm not much for warming up. I don't bring a trainer to races (which I probably should). My warm up is the first lap (which is probably wrong). Post race, it's a pair of swiftwick compression socks and a bottle of hammer nutrition chocolate recoverite. 

I do these things out of habit. There is no correlation between this sequence and the outcome of the race. There is comfort in routine.

Kutztown CX (PA Series)

AKA the day I went to the bathroom before the race and almost didn't get my skinsuit zipped back up in time for the start

This was the 7th race in the PACX Series, held on the grounds of Renninger's Market. I parked in the grassy field and took note of the retro looking port-o-pottys. The course looked flat, a welcomed change from the past few weeks of racing. I checked in at registration and headed back to the car to suit up. A set of rideable logs had me feeling very uneasy after the warm up lap. They were featured in other races this season and every time I had to dismount and run over them. That was not going to be an option if I wanted to win today. The second time out on the course I went directly to the logs and practiced, which had me feeling a bit more confident going into our 2pm race.

The field was small, but there was a handful of strong women to contend with and I knew this wasn't going to be easy. I got a decent start (for me) and entered the course in fourth. Around half way through the first lap I made a pass in the corner and took the lead. There's nothing like the feeling of being chased for forty minutes...taking advantage of every opportunity I had to get out of the saddle and sprint gave me a bit of breathing room as the race progressed. I crossed the line in first, earning my first cash pay out, ever!

The top spot on the podium felt good, but ever better was the feeling I got after speaking with some of the women who race in the elite field. These women are always willing to offer advice, whether it's gear selection, how to ride a log or what tire pressure to run on the course. They've all been in my place at some point in time. It won't be long before I join them.

Kutztown CX Post Race Beer: Southern Tier Warlock

I heard a rumor that this was better than the other pumpkin offering from Southern Tier, Pumking. I think it all depends on your taste. This was good. It tastes similar to Pumking, but the finish is different. If forced to choose I'd still go with Pumking.

why i won't race elites (this year)

This is me when I was a freshman and sophomore in high school. 

 

Although the nicknames from grammar school (big momma, refrigerator and chicken mc nugget) didn't stick, the stigma attached to being a fat kid did. I participated in sports, practicing just as many hours as the rest of the team, but always sat the bench when it was game time. I never ran a mile until I got to college and joined the novice crew (rowing) team. The pounds came off and a physical transformation took place. 

I bought a bike in 2011, did a bunch of group rides and decided to race in 2012. I left my first road race in an ambulance and crashed out of my second one. About half way through the season, my teammates suggested that I try cyclocross. It sounded like fun, so I bought a bike and went to a clinic at Belmont Plateau. That was the first time I was on my CX bike. The second, was Whirly Bird CX, my first race. I was in love! I completed seven races last season. My best finishes were 4th at Crosssasuarus Awesome and 5th at Stoudts CX. 

From January to August I rode my bike 4,975 miles...that's 306 hours on the bike, most of that time was spent alone. 

My only goal entering this season was a top 10 finish in a MAC Race. After making the podium in my first PA Race, Town Hall, I began thinking that I had a shot at winning the PA Series. The following weekend I went on to win Star Rock CX and West Chester CX. It was the first time I had won anything. Those wins gave me enough points to upgrade from a 4 to a 3, which I did. 

After my third win at Crossasaurus Awesome, I started to hear the word "sandbagger" being tossed around, along with the suggestion that I move up to race in the 1/2/3 field. 

At 39 years old, I will most likely never be in this spot again. I worked my ass off for eight months in preparation for this season. I have every right to enjoy the feeling of success.

FSVS CX

I love cross. Today, it didn't love me back.

The pre-ride went well in the sense that it gave me a game plan for the tricky sections. Then came the call ups...the official lined us up nine across in a space fit for only six or seven riders. We were elbow to elbow. The whistle blew, I was cut off and fought to stay upright. I kept my composure and tried to move up. Then, two riders in front of me crashed on an off camber turn. While they were sorting it out, the rest of the field was gaining distance. I squeezed by, knowing that at this point I had over a minute of ground to make up. We entered the next section of steep, off camber hills and another rider went down. I narrowly avoided being taken down with her.

The field spread out and things settled down on the remaining laps. Out of contention, my focus shifted to riding the corners cleanly and making smooth transitions. It became a much needed practice session because my technical skills aren't very good.

I finished in ninth place, still respectable for a MAC race, but not where I had hoped to be...that's the way it goes in cx...sometimes you're the windshield and sometimes you're the bug. Today, I was the bug. Thankfully, there's good beer and a another race to look forward to.

FSVS CX Post Race Beer: Epic Brewing Company Cross Fever

This was given to me by the most awesome winner of today's race. It reminds me a bit of the Vienna Red at Iron Hill.  I will drink the entire thing in her honor, but mostly because at 4.8% I can.

Stoudts CX

AKA the day that my legs broke...

It was cold and windy, but the sun was out. I arrived in time to pre-ride before the 8am race. The course was noticeably different from last year. There was no mud and it felt a bit more hilly, which my legs did not appreciate. I returned to the car and discovered that my socks did not match. I pinned my number and changed into my skin suit. The pins popped off. 

So that's how it's gonna be...

At the start, the rider next to me got bumped by someone behind her. We ended up brushing wheels, which enabled two people to move ahead. I entered the course in fifth. 

Unable to make a pass, the lead rider got a gap and never looked back. Five laps in second place and that's where I finished. I was one and a half for five on my attempts to climb goat hill. I don't know which was more painful, running it or riding it. I do know that I am quite content waiting another year to race that course again.

Stoudts CX Post Race Beer: Stoudts Double IPA

Because we're at the brewery and because it's not even Noon, the 10% Double IPA is the perfect recovery drink. This one wasn't too hoppy or bitter, but I drank it so fast that I'd need another one to give you more detail. Unfortunately, at 10% that was not possible for this light weight, but it's definitely worth giving it a try if you have the opportunity.

Swashbuckler CX

November 2nd marked the date of my team's inaugural cross race (Caffeinated CX). It was also the date of a PA Series Race, Swashbuckler CX. As the season has progressed, the prospect of winning the Women's 3/4 Series in PA has become a realistic goal. Taking nothing for granted, I headed West this weekend to the grounds of the PA Renaissance Faire for Swashbuckler CX. 

Prior to inspecting the course, I'd received feedback from others that it was unsafe. The pre-ride left me feeling a bit uneasy. This was largely in part to the longest sandpit ever, which rewarded me with a pretty nasty battle scar after a failed attempt at riding. 

An up hill start left me in second place. I lost contact with the lead rider after the sand pit (I was 1 for 4 in my attempts to ride it) but quickly regained ground as we entered lap number two. At some point, I passed the lead rider, but we remained close. On the second lap I was able to ride the sand pit cleanly, which gave me some breathing room. The last two laps I turned it up a notch every opportunity I had, then dialed it back as not to make a mistake when approaching the technical sections. 

The promoters gave every participant a voucher for a turkey leg and six pack of beer. The podium was in front of a pirate ship and I was given a wooden sword for my first place finish.

Swashbuckler CX Post Race (Root) Beer: Appalachian Brewing Company

Because I need to get up at 5:30AM both days this weekend. Discovered circa 2001 while working on a research project for Temple University. I frequently had to visit a prison not far from Appalachian Brewing Company. After sampling all of their offerings, I opted with the six pack of root beer to go. It has been my favorite ever since.

Crossasaurus Awesome

This was the fourth race of the PACX Series. Coming off back to back wins last weekend at Star Rock and West Chester, I was nervous, especially because the woman who won the second day of Nittany CX was in the field. The course was a bit different than last year. Gone were the straightaway hammer sections, replaced by technical stuff. I had my best start of the season and went into the steep dirt ride up in second place. After a few off camber twists and turns we headed onto a gravel straightaway and I passed the lead rider. My lead grew as the race progressed and I did my best to keep pushing because in CX, you never know what can happen. I crossed the line for my third win in a row.  

Many times, I'll arrive at a race and hear people say that the course is flat and suited for roadies or it's technical and the mountain bikers will do well...or (my favorite) it's really hilly, hope you brought your climbing legs. 

I'm not a sprinter, in fact I'm still uncomfortable sprinting in the drops. I'm not a mountain biker, my technical skills aren't great. I 'm not really a climber, because there are no hills in South Jersey. I'm not particularly good at any of these things but I'm decent enough to get by. I think that versatility has played a key role in my success this season. I still have a lot to learn. I worked hard from January to August in anticipation of this season. My intention is to enjoy it because I know that next year, I'll get my ass handed to me.

Crossasaurus Awesome 
Post Race Beer: Southern Tier Pumking with a side of Edy's Grand Pumpkin Ice Cream

I was feeling a little Belgian after this race, but a friend showed up with a special delivery and I couldn't say no to the best pumpkin beer ever. The ice cream was pretty decent too...a handful of Nestle Toll House Morsels make an excellent topping.

West Chester Cross Classic

I probably should play the lottery tomorrow...either that or we'll be getting a foot of snow some time this week.

Last weekend I raced a double...Saturday was early and Sunday was late (and shorter). This weekend, Saturday was late and Sunday was early. I arrived at Bayard Rustin High School to preview the course before the 9AM race. After doing more climbing in 8 miles than on a 40 mile ride in South Jersey at Star Rock CX, my legs were not happy...but they had no other choice.

When we lined up, I noticed that a few of the ladies that I usually battle with had moved into the 1/2/3 field. This increased my chances of doing well, but there was still some strong competition in the 3/4 race. 

I got a decent start (for me) which meant that ten people didn't fly past me and stayed in the lead group for the first lap. Mid-way through the second lap I took the lead, but there were still two ladies close by...too close for my comfort. On the third lap I got some breathing room thanks to smooth transitions and a few short, hard efforts on the straightaways.  One last technical section through a rock bed and I was home free for my second win of the weekend. I still can't believe it.

We waited around for a long time, but they finally called us up for the podium and I was handed a bag of goodies...so much stuff that I still haven't finished sorting through it. The best part of all of this was sharing the podium with four other great ladies. I look forward to seeing them every weekend from September to November. I love CX.

West Chester Cross Classic Post Race Beer: Southern Tier Pumking

Hell yeah! I bought two bottles of this last month and was saving it for a special occasion.  It is my favorite pumpkin beer...cheers!

Star Rock CX

When the race calendar came out in August, I was left with two options for the 19th of October. I could drive an hour and a half up the NJ Turnpike for a NJ Cup Race. I could drive two hours West for a PACX race. After racing CRCX last weekend, I decided that $35 for 24 minutes of racing just wasn't worth it. Instead, I fired up the Jeep and headed West to Washington Boro for Star Rock CX. My plan was to arrive at the course early enough to get in a few laps and relax. After two hours in the car, things tend to stiffen up on this 39 year old body. 

A 1:47pm start time was tricky as far as food was concerned. I didn't want to eat a full lunch, but enough time would elapse between breakfast and the race that I had to eat something. I elected to eat coffee.  

As the day went on it go more and more cloudy, windy and cold. By the time we lined up, I wanted to get moving just to warm up. The start was on a paved incline, at least a 4% grade, which is what we call a hill in my part of NJ. We took off and I entered the grass portion of the course in 4th because I suck at starts. Shortly thereafter, I narrowly avoided a rider in front of me who went down and settled in to a race pace effort. By the third lap I was in the lead and thought to myself "holy shit, you might actually win." I crossed the line for the fourth lap, disappointed when I din't hear the bell ring and realized that this would be a five lap race...but I stuck it out...and I opened the gap on my closest competitor...and I won. It was the first time I had won anything in my life, aside from $75 on a scratch off lottery ticket a few years ago.

There was no podium, but I have this to prove it...

Bypassing the post race beer at Lancaster Brewing Company (which would have put me in the direction of the PA Turnpike), I drove home on quiet farm roads, past horse and buggies (shout out to my people, the Amish) and the scent of methane. 

I...unpacked my bag, did a 20 minute yoga podcast, ate dinner, took a bath and went to bed...just another glamorous Saturday night in the life of a Cat 4 racer.

CRCX

Photo Credit: Will Rivas

Last month when I attempted racing on back to back days it was an epic fail. Heading into this weekend I tried to be realistic. I picked one race (WhirlyBird) to focus on and would give whatever was left in the tank my second day at CRCX. This race was also the NJ State Championship. While it would be nice to win a State Championship, the Cat 4 field is small and I find it more of a challenge to keep up with the stronger women in the the 3/4 MAC Races. 

I arrived several hours prior to the start of my race to watch some friends in other races. This gave me an opportunity to spectate at the trickiest section of the course. I watched what worked and what didn't, then I practiced it several times. 

The course was flat. The weather was windy. I had a decent startand remained in contact with the lead group of three for the first lap. On the second lap I moved into third place. On the third lap the bell rang...(shortest race ever)...I started to gain on the second place rider, but there was also a familiar face gaining ground on me. I knew if I rode cleanly through the last technical section I could get separation and a spot on the podium. I nailed it...second in the State and third

overall...complete with the most banging prizes! Thanks Peanut Butter & Co. 

CRCX Post Race Beer: Terrapin Pumpkinfest


One thumb down, one thumb half-way up...I was slightly disappointed because I've had some good Terrapin Beers in the past. They missed the mark on this pumpkin one...way too much spice!

WhirlyBird CX

Today was my one year CX anniversary. I remember that nervous feeling at WhirlyBird last year. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, nor how much I would enjoy it. 

I opted not to take the first row start my bib number entitled me to. Instead, I lined up in the second row behind a wheel that I trusted. Starts are a work in progress…there's the tension at the starting line, your heart rate going from 88 to 188 in 10 seconds, all while trying to clip in with thirty people around you...not to mention trying to find the proper line. I lost contact with the lead group shortly after the start, but kept them in sight the entire race. 

My coach explained a race as a series of "if, then" scenarios. Today was the best example of that statement I've seen thus far. It's hard enough to keep your legs moving when your heart rate is pegged and your lungs feel like they're bleeding...having to incorporate anything cerebral into the equation seems too taxing...but if you don't stay mentally sharp, you're going to go down with that girl who just toppled over in the mud...you're going to get passed on the inside by that girl who's on your wheel.

I rode a smart race today, made two big moves in the last lap and finished 8th. I also attained a season goal of finishing in the top 10 at a MAC Race...Happy CX Anniversary to me!

WhirlyBird Post Race Beer: I picked something up at Canal's on the way home and had every intention of drinking it, then it was 7:30pm and I was in my pajamas. There's always tomorrow!

Town Hall CX

The second day of Charm City CX was a bust for me. I'm unaccustomed to racing back to back, had a poor start and was unable to get clipped into my left pedal a majority of the last lap. A seventeenth place finish is not bad (top 5 Cat 4) but it wasn't what I had hoped for and not the way I way I wanted to spend my birthday. On the drive home from Baltimore, the race replayed in my mind. I spent the week working on starts, determined to improve on my last performance. 

Town Hall CX was the first race of the PACX Series. I did a few of these races last year and they were my favorites because registration is cheap ($25) and they give merchandise prizes to the top five in each field. The course had a significant climb entitled the St. Luke's Staircase and one set of barriers. When I previewed the course I was unable to ride up the steepest section of the climb, but hoped that would change when riding at race pace. 

Photo Credit:Dennis Smith

I lined up in the front row, knowing that I had to maintain this position on the start and first lap in order to finish well...and I did. Heading in to the bell lap I was in a group of three and heard the announcer refer to us as the "chase group" for third place. Shortly thereafter, one of the riders flatted, leaving myself and another in contention for third place. We had battled for most of the race. I passed her on the climbs and she passed me on the descents...and that's exactly what she did on the final lap and I could not catch her. I crossed the line in fourth place for my first podium of the season.

Town Hall Post Race Beer: Fegley's Brew Works Devious Imperial Pumpkin.   
The Bethlehem Brew Works was about three miles from the race course. I called in advance to make sure they would fill a growler from another brewery (they do) and planned on getting one filled after the race. The Main Street exit was closed and traffic in the area was a mess. I could see the Brew Works two blocks ahead and pulled into a twenty minute parking zone. Growler in hand,I ran two blocks, up hill (that hurt) and found myself in the middle of a parade. I slipped into the Brew Works and the bar tender filled my growlier with Devious Imperial Pumpkin. It's 9% abv of pumpkin awesomeness and runs a close second to Southern Tier Pumking and my favorite pumpkin beer.

Charm City CX

My pre-race neurosis set in around 9pm on Friday night. One quick call to a dear friend set me straight. I texted my Saturday morning ride to let her know I'd be driving on my own. 

I arrived at Druid Hill Park on Saturday morning just before 8:30AM to pre-ride the course. It seemed more difficult than Nittany CX two weeks ago. I went to registration, got my number 613 (lucky 13 again) and did one more lap on the course. I wasn't feeling it. I rolled up to the starting line nervous...more nervous than I have even been for a CX race...then the whistle blew and it was fun again.  

The course had one set of barriers, a staircase, tree planter and double sand pit in other words, I'd be on and off the bike at least four times per lap. During the warm up, I made the decision to run the sand pits as opposed to riding them. It was a wise decision, which enabled me to pass people who got stuck or fell down in the sand. 

There were so many people on the course it was difficult to tell where I had finished...but my lungs felt like they were bleeding and the entire race was a blur, both clear indicators that I given it a good effort...turns out, good enough for 11th place in a field of nearly 50 women...my best MAC finish and one spot away from my season goal of cracking the top ten. 

Charm City Post Race Beer: Du Claw Brewing Company, Sweet Baby Jesus! Normally, I'm not a fan of porters, but place the words "chocolate" and "peanut butter" before it and it's a different story. If you are in the Baltimore area (there are three locations), check this place out. The beers are fantastic and a growler fill (they'll fill any) is only $12.

Nittany CX

Ten months. I waited ten months to write this post. Cyclocross season is finally here!

I took some time off from structured training after Crossasuarus Awesome. When January rolled around I was back at it, forever changed. Riding on the road was ok, but it wasn't cross. As the months went on I found myself less interested in road racing. The workouts became more about maintaining fitness for CX Season.  

My first race of the 2013 season was Nittany Cross on Sunday September 8th. There were 47 women in my race (Cat 3/4 Women). It was the largest field I've been in so far. 

The course was mostly flat. We dismounted twice, once for a log and another for a set of barriers. After a rooty, winding section in the woods there was a long straightway, which was my favorite part of the course...hammer time!

The race started fast and stayed fast. I learned a valuable lesson last season about the importance of the first lap. I did my best to hold my position through the first two laps, then went to work, picking off riders. When it comes to racing cross, my strength is the ability to endure suffering. My weakness is choosing the right lines, which is one area I'm looking to improve upon this year.

I crossed the line in 13th place. Lucky 13! I can only hope that it is foreshadowing...if so, it should be a good season. 

My post race beer selection was a Pumpkin Ale from Iron Hill Brewery. Definitely not my favorite offering from Iron Hill. Definitely not my favorite Pumpkin Beer, but I was able to force down two pints.

The (very predictable) NJ State Road Race

At the beginning of the season I was instructed to identify a handful of "goal races" to make structured training more purposeful. I picked the PA and NJ State Road Races.  

3969 miles later I had checked out. The majority of the 243 hours I had spent on my bike since January were alone. It was cold, then it was windy, then it was windy again and then it was hot. 

"Will race for cookies." True story. A friend promised to bake me snicker doodles in exchange for my race entry. Done deal. 

Start time was 12:15PM. It was hot. 

The race consisted of two, eighteen mile loops. There were twenty five women in the Cat 4 Race, fourteen of them were from the same team. We got off to a slow start. I looked down and saw 14mph, then 16mph...and it stayed there. Seriously? Is this a "C" Ride? 

Fifteen minutes was about all I could stand of that. I moved to the front of the field and turned on the gas, which was exactly what I was instructed NOT to do. I stayed on the front, trying to be aggressive and pushing the pace for most of the first lap. After one last attack through the feed zone, I settled back in to recover. My thought was we'd either finish with a group sprint or someone would make a move on the set of rollers with nine miles to go. It was the latter and I was on the wrong wheel. The lead group of five stayed in sight but I never caught them. I time trialed my was to an 8th place finish. which was a place or two better than I had expected. 

When it comes to road racing, my downfall is that I race hard, not smart. I'm counting down the days until CX season.

Somerset Circuit Time Trial

After reviewing some pictures from CX races in the fall, I decided that a skinsuit was an absolute necessity for 2013 racing season. It arrived with the kit order in March, far away from being able to put it to use.

I've spent so much time alone on my bike in recent months, that an Eddy Time Trial seemed like a good fit. The Somerset Circuit Time Trial was an opportunity to test this theory AND most importantly, gave me a reason to wear my skinsuit.

Most time trials are an out and back, flat course. The Somerset Course had several turns and some climbing...more elevation gain in 10 miles than we normally get in 40 miles down here in the South of Jersey...BUT I heard that it was a "fun" course and a few of my friends had registered. I decided to make a day of it by racing and then going for a ride around the Round Valley Reservoir.

The morning of the race I felt good, despite having to wake up at 4:45AM. The course was about an hour and a half away from home, which prohibited me from previewing it earlier in the week. I gained bits of knowledge online and from speaking to friends in order to prepare. Pre-riding would have given me an advantage, but that was a lesson learned...along with the fact that Eddy Time Trials are my new jams.

I've made better food choices since the Ten Minute Criterium. I've also come to the conclusion that training is much more meaningful when it is done in conjunction with a goal that is set on your own terms.