First Mountain Bike Race!

I raced in my first mountain bike race last night in Park City...and it was awesome!  Why did it take me this long??? 

 

I put the hammer down for the first bit of the race because 1. it was mostly uphill 2. it was fairly smooth 3. I figured it was as good a time as any to get a good gap...

Worked out great until I hit the first down hill...which was rocky... and dusty... and a little scary for this newbie.  I know all these real mountain bikers keep telling me to get off my brakes and it will feel safer...but really?  I don't know....

Needless to say I lost a some ground on the downhills and there were some close calls!  Finished 4th for SKINourishment p/b Paceline Projects and had an absolute blast!!!

Glencoe Grand Prix Recap

Quick trip to Chicago this past weekend for the Glencoe Grand Prix.  It was a blast despite an unremarkable performance on my end in the windy, rainy, 40 degree conditions.  (Or maybe it was remarkable that I finished the 50 KM race in those conditions?  There's something about not being able to feel your hands and feet, and consequently your bike, that's a little freaky.) 

Anyway, the weekend was awesome because I got to visit with the Chiangs and I just adore them.  One neat thing about this bike racing business is having the opportunity to meet people all over the country, and these friends become part of your family.  I just love visiting with Regina, Michael, Elise and Amelia.  Amelia represented SKINourishment p/b Paceline Projects in her first crit, and she did awesome!  I had so much fun watching her and she crushed it.  Top step of the podium!