Barb – I am writing this one for you…because I think you might be the only one that reads this blog.
It’s Friday and I am just now sitting down to scribble about the double-header weekend that was the Eugene Roubaix and Mudslinger. Let’s just say I have been playing and writing for other people for the last couple of days.
The weekend was jam packed and fabulous. A little Oregon road trip, all by myself – a road race, a mountain bike race, a trip to the coast, time with my mom, my sister and my nephew, a drive home through Mt. Hood blizzard on Cinco De Mayo.
The Eugene Roubaix – A fabulous course with less than fabulous race direction. The race started about 30 minutes late, as a result, we were caught by the Cat 1 Men with less than half a lap to go. We (Cat 1/2/3 Women) were neutralized, our break of 3 minutes was completely for not and unfortunately, it came down to a sprint finish with the whole pack. I finish 6th, two of the girls in front of me weren’t in the break…. But that’s road racing and that’s all I am going to say about that. Up until the whole neutralization thing, the race was fast and challenging; we were really racing. I felt strong, comfortable and confident I belonged among those other women. What a change from last year. I guess I am a cyclist now; I have earned it.
The Mudslinger – Man, that one hurt. I battled it out with Shawna, from Sisters, for almost the entire race. I mean really battled it out, 30-90 seconds apart for 25+ miles. She got me at the end, by something like 7 seconds. I had just pulled as hard I my legs would allow for 2 miles on a gravel road, she was on wheel. She stood up and went. I tried to respond. Nothing happened. I was done. I might not have won, but I raced. I was thrilled that we were able to push each other. When we finished, she said her time was 16 minutes faster than last year. 16 minutes, that’s substantial.
Rest, recovery, a visit to the beach house, wedding planning, a couple of workouts in Portland, and 5 days away from Ben left me ready to return to Bend. A late season snowstorm made for a long trip over Hood.
The Bend bike-racing scene has a big weekend on tap… Bend Don’t Brake Saturday, Chainbreaker Sunday. Monday brings a new chapter in my life… excited to see how everything unfolds. I’ll keep you posted. And Barb, thanks for reading!
Check out Matt’s recap of the double-header weekend here.
4 comments:
now I am sure you know I always read your blog, and that was my race. Being in the lead loosing the lead screaming fast in the mud, no legs at the end. hard and fun.
I absolutely love reading your thoughts and comments (and recipes!!) more than ever. I love the excitement and education I experience as you narrate your race events. Most of all, I love your spirit and attitude that fills all the spaces between the words and the lines. You are a bold woman the way you are willing to be transparent in your descriptions of what you experience. I count knowing you as a privilege and a blessing, my friend.
Oh come on, you know I read it too. That's at least 3 people...hopefully the same amount that are reading mine, thanks for pointing folks to it.
So, I admit, I stalk your blog about once a month... "you've got readers" (said in a tinny female voice ala the AOL "you've got mail" phrase).
Keep turning over those pedals! And pictures of food, always good.
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