Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Never thought I'd need a C bike...

Hard to believe the season I have been counting down for since last December has already snuck up on me! And so far in the local early season races, it hasn't been meant to be for me. I'm hoping that means that I'm just getting my "bad news" races out of the way from the start.

Case in point, my MFG Kirkland Kick-off Cross race experience
I had a fantastic start - got the hole shot and was 100 feet off the front by the time the race hit the trail. Held that lead going into the second lap when I got so excited about being in the lead by such a margin, I lost focus on a grass-pavement-grass while off-camber corner and took myself out in spectacular fashion (kartwheel with bike type action where next thing I knew I was on my back, backwards facing the course). Thankfully it was close to the pits, so easy transition to B bike to begin the chase from 7th place. After finding my groove again, I worked back up to 4th and had just solidified it a quarter into the last lap. (having calculated every dismount for the past 3 laps as my R cleat was loose and rattling like a jingle bell). Going into the final trail section which has a "whoop" approach (down & up a small gully onto a rocky hill), my front tire went flat after cresting the last of the rocky hill. I tried riding it to no avail. Running was not ideal unless barefoot because of my cleat, not to mention I did a number on my left knee in my previous acrobatics, so I unfortunately DNF'd. Bummer. In the span of 1 race, I had gone through 2 bikes, 1 cleat and 1 knee.

Oh well, hopefully things can only get better! Despite the misfortune, I still felt really good about the race and how I rode and can hardly wait for Starcrossed!