Battle of the Burg

This past weekend I raced my first mountain bike race since Mud, Sweat, and Beers way back in May. Kolo TC helped spread the word about the race, and offered up banana points for anyone racing in Elite category. I was up for a new challenge, even though I didn't think I would race Elite and score any banana points. Turns out the women's attendance was pretty low, with only two Elite racers and three Expert, myself included. The officials raced the women's and men's Elite together, and scored them together, so the Elite women, Sue Stephens and Johanna Schmidt, opted to race the Expert category. Jane Van Hof and Kati Krikke were the local talent there to kick some butt in the Expert women category.

After scoping out the start and waiting a long time for my race to start, we were off. I am proud to say I was with everyone until we hit the woods. Which for me is an accomplishment! Jane and I were together for a little while, before she eventually pulled away. The course was all single track except for a long climb at the end of lap up the ski hill, and a few small hills before you entered the the single track. I went with the goal of learning how to ride single track better, and I think racing three laps helped me with that. There were definitely some corners, roots, and drops that I would have either fallen on or jumped off my bike in the not so distant past. I may creep past some of this stuff still, but I was happy that I was able to stay on my bike and I felt pretty in control also. At then end of the second lap I could see that Jane had quite a lead on me, but I had heard some awesome news at the finish/start line-I had entered a raffle that day and they let me know I had won a single speed bike! The last lap I decided just to enjoy the trail and think about my new bike. The trail was a lot of fun, with some really great banked corners and good descents. I think I had a smile on for most of the race. All in all a good day. I came in 5th out of 5. :)

Training wise I have been enjoying some group rides, including a fun single track ride last Thursday that ended with headlamps on. Everyone was very nice and waited up frequently for us slower bush wackers. On Sunday I headed out with my friend Rich for a fun recovery ride on the Old Mission Peninsula, but since my legs hadn't been stretched in awhile, I ended up gunning it more than planned. It felt good to get out and road ride again! The Brockmiller Elite Endurance indoor cycling classes started up today, and it felt good to be back inside again, actually. The thing I like about riding indoors on the CycleOps bikes is how measured my efforts are, and I feel like I can push it a little harder, since if I fall flat all I have to do is get off the bike and go home, not ride back miles and miles.

Over the next few weeks I am looking forward to riding my first century during the Leelanau Harvest Tour, and will hopefully race both the Crybaby Classic and Peak 2 Peak before the Iceman. It's great time of year to be on a bike!