Mooch Madness 2016
I love the Mooch Madness course. Climbing, rocks and descents. Last year I didn't get to race but had the opportunity to ride the course multiple times. This year I made it my first race of the season. The weeks leading up to Mooch Madness, I'd been exploring other bike-related activities and having fun just doing my own thing. So when I signed up for my first race, I had to be realistic about how I would feel and my expectations. I had to remind myself that this was a long race - and not a CX race. I had three laps to race, and estimated it may take me about 2 hours. There were four women in my category - and eight total lined up between all of the Cat 1 and Pro women. We lined up in the back of the group and laughed before the horn blew. I remember charging up the gravel road and following the Pro women into the singletrack. I could hear the other girls behind me, right on my wheel. I made a pass on the first climb but...