HPCX Double Weekend

I registered for both UCI races at HPCX.  I checked the list of ladies registered in my class and knowing the names of the girls registered, I knew it was going to be a tough weekend.  I made my goal for Day 1 to not get pulled and finish on the leader’s lap.  


I warmed up on the trainer while trying to watch Lance’s race.  I arrived at my start and rode around, chatting with the ladies.  I had a 3rd row start and picked a wheel I knew to line up behind.  The whistle blew and we charged up the paved hill.  And then I heard it.  That awful sound of carbon “crunching” next to me.  I didn’t know what was happening, whether it was a crash or something else, but I’ve learned is never look back.  
photo by Barb Foley

I stayed with the group for as long as I could.  And then girls started pulling away.  I was left riding by myself with a carrot ahead of me me to chase  I heard “2 laps to go ladies” and wondered if I was going to make the 80% rule - that is, to not get pulled.  I came around for my 6th lap, looked at the race officials and continued on.  Yes! I wasn’t pulled.  But I had another lap to go.

photo by Ben Tufford

photo by Barb Foley

 My race ended up being 51 minutes.  One of my longest races of the season.  I met my goal of finishing on the leader’s lap.  I got some feedback from Ben on my race and learned that I need to pedal more.  He said “I know you are tired but you need to keep pedaling”.  That was going to be my goal for Day 2.  
photo by Barb Foley

Our field was smaller on Day 2.  A girl I’ve been racing with this season who finishes a few spots ahead of me was at the start.  I made another goal for the Day 2 to race with her and stay on her wheel.  
I was with a small group on the first lap, holding on with the wheel I had as my goal.  Going into the 2nd lap, she pulled into the pit and I never saw her again.  I passed girls with mechanicals and those who flatted.  I pedaled every moment I could. Or at least that was how it seemed in my head.  

As I approached the barriers I could hear the cheering.  I know CX can be painful.  But how can you not laugh when you have a crowd like this?  Thanks to all who reminded me that this was supposed to be fun.


photos by Barb Foley


While my results on US Cycling may not appear stellar, I was pleased with my race.  Every race I’m gaining experience and learning from my mistakes.  This weekend I learned a lot about what I need to work on and how to grow.  And that’s a win in my books.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mountain Bike Camp 2020

Image
Looking for a fun camp for your kids this summer? Join us at Morristown-Beard Day Camp for mountain bike camp!  Morristown-Beard School , located in Morristown, New Jersey, offers weekly camp programs throughout the summer. Each morning, campers arrive at the campus where we head to various parks in our area. Our beginner week is for boys and girls ages 9 and up offers attentive instruction and a low camper-to-counselor ratio. Riders of all abilities will learn the basics of mountain biking and safety while making new friends and exploring great trails. Campers should have some experience riding a geared bicycle. We will introduce trail etiquette and bike maintenance and basic trail riding skills to the campers. We will be riding approximately 8-10 miles each day. This camp runs 6/29-7/3. Our regular camp weeks for boys and girls ages 10-14, will include riding approximately 10-15 miles each day at challenging off-road locations. The pace and activities will be based upon...
Read more

Hippo CX 2018

Image
Since I am friends with the guys at Pure Energy, I decided to add Hippo CX to my small list of races for 2018. I signed up to help support the ladies Pro/Cat 1/2 field even though I knew I'd be DFL. I also offered to help with set up and registration. Nothing like a full plate. And everything I've ever done to prep for a race in the past? Didn't happen. After helping set up the course Friday and not getting home until 11:30 only to get up at 5 am Saturday to return for registration...I wasn't in the mood to race (as probably expressed by my Medium face at registration). That morning I said "I'm not racing". As a matter of fact, I gave my pit bike away for the rest of the season. But a friend registered in our race because she said she saw my name. How can you not race? I worked registration until 30 minutes before my race. Quick changed and pinned my number. I rolled up to the start realizing I still had the car keys in my pocket. I rolled up already ...
Read more

Cured from Sleep Apnea?

Image
I posted a few weeks ago that I no longer needed my CPAP and would be donating to the local hospital.  Some of you reached out asking "how did you get rid of your sleep apnea??" Here's my story. I have no medical results that fully back this - other than allergy testing and my most recent sleep study.  Could it be coincidence? Possibly.  Will this work for others? Who knows - but this is what worked for me. Some background first.  I have a slew of food  allergies .  And until recently, I was suffering from sleep apnea. About 6 years ago, after two sleep studies, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and was put on a CPAP .  I hated wearing it - and I did not feel refreshed in the morning.  I was mostly wearing it so that my snoring didn't bother Lance.  I discussed my frustrations with my pulmonary doctor in August.  My nightly readings from the CPAP were not alarming and actually quite low. He had some ideas and ordered another sleep s...
Read more