my first 2008 race report: rock cut

Half to not injure myself on the longer course, half because my back-of-the-pack sport finishes were a real turn-off last year, I registered for the 1-lap "beginner" race at Rock Cut, and I'm glad I did. I talked a teammate, Audrey, into joining me, who was riding singletrack for her first time ever- and on a singlespeed!

The lineup was a loose pack of the types of people you'd expect at the first race of the year in a beginner group. One woman had no helmet, headphones on, and a basket on the front of her bike. Several really young juniors, several rather burley weekend warriors. Audrey and I decided we would ride together and just enjoy the day.

At go time, we took off. Audrey's a really strong rider and was unafraid to roll over anything on that rigid fork. I was working hard to stay with her, struggling to remember how trigger shifters work (it's been a long winter), and really hating the long slow uphills. I took Audrey's lead and plowed over bigger logpiles than I'd ever taken before and I was breathing hard- audibly hard- trying to tail her as she powered uphill. This was a harder effort than any of my running has been.

The mud was sticky and ankle-deep. Many of the dudes would walk it, and I'd try to power through until they got in my way. I was a mess. Once a guy slammed on his brakes right in front of me and I did a zero MPH wipeout into a thorn bush, drawing blood and making me look totally hardcore. I said I wouldn't injure myself and I didn't, but I did bleed anyway. The 10 mile lap was longer than the WEMS laps we're used to, and I found myself impatiently looking for the finish way before I should have.

Ann from the Hayes team was on our tail the whole time, too, keeping us honest. She was better on the ups, and I was faster on the downs, but knowing she was there kept my heart rate through the roof. We traded spots several times, she'd pass me when I dumped my chain, I'd pass her on the down. The final 200 yds or so was on pavement, and with those tires and heavier gearing helped me power past and seal the deal. Audrey took 1st in our age group- what an accomplishment for a first-timer! - and I took second. (Photo by Jason's mom shows the finish- Audrey, me, and Ann, right in a row.)

We ladies did handups for Helge, Mike, and Ben (and would have for teammate Jason if he needed it!) on the 2/3 lap races. The news of the day was Ben doing a flying-treeplant-wipeout, aka being attacked by a large and body-checking gnome, on the 2nd lap of his race. Yes, that ambulance at the finish line was for him. You'll have to ask him more about it, but from my perspective, all pleas for medical attention are landing on the ears of a tough guy who hates doctors. If you could help me convince him, I'd appreciate it.

My injured foot hurts far more today, but it was worth it. It's that first race of spring gig where everyone we haven't seen since cross season was out and folks were super friendly. Linking all the folks would take forever (Amy, Rachael, Gina, the Polska guys, Cody, and dozens of others...) Catching up after 4 months is always fun, and it was a sunny good day.