2013 Speedweek: Day 1- Terrapin Twilight

Terrapin Twilight has come and gone and boy, it was an interesting journey. Kat and I were on the same flight from Denver to Atlanta which was lovely and on-time. Sadly, our journey to Athens was just beginning. Right before I left, I definitely lost my credit card and was just traveling with a debit card...however...it would appear that Dollar Rentals doesn't let you rent a car with a debit card. Then it turns out TSA held my bike for two hours and released it 3 minutes before my flight. They were probably trying to locate the delicious smelling vanilla Gnar Lube. Needless to say, the bike didn't make it and Southwest said they would not deliver it due to where we were staying. Uhhh...okay...We ended up getting a "distressed passenger" voucher to a local hotel (everyone there was so friendly!) for the night.

The next morning, after a few calls to Southwest who had no idea where the bike was and us realizing we were running out of time, we decided to get a shuttle to the airport so I could search for the bike and Kat could try to rent a car. Four offices later and no thanks to an incredibly unhelpful Southwest, I found my bike in another airline's office and they had no idea why they had it. Thanks, guys. Meanwhile, Kat spent two hours trying to get a car rented after we made a reservation, only to be told that car had been rented. Almost in tears, Kat snags a Jeep for even cheaper than the car that we were trying to rent- score! 

Straight to Outback Bikes we went where Pete and Mike were awesome making sure our sturdy Veloforma steads were ready to rock and our State Wheels were in top-top shape. They ooed and ahhed over the sweet hubs ;-) A side note: Pete, Kate, and his family are the bomb-diggity. We're so grateful to have their shop Outback Bikes as a sponsor, but to also get to have them as a great host family and friends. If you are ever in Atlanta, definitely show your support and head to Outback for top-notch service from some super rad people. A quick trip for our first real meal of the day at 3pm at the Publix and we were heading straight to Athens. Luckily, we snagged probably the last free parking spot in the city and had smooth registration. To the start line we go.

Oh hey Outback!

Dining at the grocery store

with Pete, the owner of Outback Bikes

Final race machine: Veloforma bike, State wheels, Michelin tires, Syntace bars and stem, and SQ Labs saddle

At Outback Bikes

Ok let's do this

 As always, this race is nuts. Absolutely nuts. Tons of incredibly rowdy crowds in the most awesome and crazy way. This race is also incredibly fast and aggressive. It was definitely extra super challenging after our super stressful travels and our lack of care for ourselves as athletes. The race started off with a bang and stayed that way most of the race...single file with riders flying off the back lap after lap. There was a teensy lull after the hill on the backside of the square course about 7 laps in so I attacked and held off the field for a half lap to snag up a $75 prime. I was quickly caught thereafter. Kat suffered from a slow leak and flat. She was put back in late...in her hardest gear...not clipped in...that means pretty much the hardest way possible. With all the challenges faced, her day ended a little early which only means greater things later this week! I was able to try to put in one other attack and then tried to get in better position for the finish but was totally cramping...the past 24 hours finally caught up with me too and I could fake restfulness no more. I finished probably top 30-ish. Ahh Athens...we can't wait to take you on again next year and we'll be ready that time!