|   Me and Mayhem at Middle Mountain | cleatgrrl
May 18, 2002 6:21 AM | | Two years ago I did this race, and all I remember is that I couldn't even hang on to the front group for 5 minutes. The course winds immediately up a mountain on a narrow switchback climb, and the girls hammer up it like their legs are impervious to pain. I suspect jet propulsion must be involved, the way they disappear on me.
I'm trying not to hold that image, though I know Mayhem Meghan will ride right away from me. She's undeniably stronger than me. We went and did sprints together on Thursday night, and she rocketed away from me every time, head bobbing like crazy. Hopefully she tired herself out a little that night, and I'll be given just the slimmest chance to hold her wheel tomorrow.
Last year the race got flooded out, and many were stranded in the campground until well past Monday, their vehicles trapped by a torrent. But this year it's looking good, and we're driving down tonite to the lovely So. Virginia paradise that is Douthat State park.
I feel stronger this year than I have in the past, but who knows? It's sort of a drag being the only one in the vet women's class. Come on you Southern Virginia gals--get on your bicycles and let's rage!
The race is some 26 miles of lovely singletrack, and when the laurel blooms, you ride in a cloud of puffy white. I'm trying to get pyched up for this race, as I'll be up there mostly alone, grinding away the miles in a haze of pain and I'm not exactly sure what the reward is. Since I've been on the road more, my mountain bike feels heavy and awkward. My technical skills are rusty and my saddle feels uncomfortable.
I long for the days when my bike and I felt as one. Tomorrow I'll try to put all that aside and race my ass off with no regrets and that special feeling of being able to conquer the world that has to be with you if you want to win. Where can I find that feeling again? |
| www.WILL-TO-WIN.com, $59.95 | AK Ken
May 18, 2002 6:46 AM | | |
| Just ride CG... | ®andyA
May 18, 2002 7:45 AM | | ... you never know what'll happen.
As far as you and your bike, the feeling will return. Unfortunately, it might happen after the race -hehe. With all the riding you do, you should fair pretty well.
Good Luck
Randy |
| Here they are | cleatgrrl
May 18, 2002 8:05 AM | | All the badasses who kick my ass. That's me in the white helmet, trying to stay in contention. |
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