CX 2007 #2 - Lake Rebecca
16th place for C1, 19/66 in the race, i think 72 racers started.
The lesson learned at Lake Rebecca for me this year was ‘don’t take the small stuff for granted’. In particular, that *#&#(* log barrier. It was easily rideable, but ruled at the start line that the C racers must dismount for it. I understand that *some* C racers maybe shouldn’t have ridden it, but i think we should have had the option.
Anyway, so it was a tiny barrier, not even a big step over it, shouldn’t have been a big deal. On the first lap, i spun my cranks back and dropped the chain. I recovered practically on the fly, losing only 2-3 spots and getting a “nice recovery” from someone as they went by. Great! On the second lap, my left cleat didn’t come off the pedal fast enough, and i somehow got myself tangled up in the bike and ran for about 20 feet that way before going bum over teakettle, scraping up both legs, cutting my knee and hitting my ankle on something really really hard. After that, i was much more careful over that damn log.
Other than that, it was way too hot, but friend Benita helped with invaluable water handups. I have no idea how i placed, but was pretty happy with how i moved up through the pack after a start near the back (late warm-up lap). No other crashes, though it was a near thing at the end. I was really tired and eased off on the last long straightaway until 2 (two!) guys passed me with 100′ to go. I stood up and hammered and caught them both, though the second guy and i leaned on each other a bit (more like me muscling my way past, from his perspective) and i got a little out of shape right before the line but held it up ok. I think i got him by about 1/2 a wheel, but i didn’t get his name or race number to confirm. A gratifying finish to an otherwise tough race.
Here’s a link to a nice photo of me in action (looking fast for a change) from SkinnySki.com, whose photographers take shots at events around here year ’round.
Fellow teammate Lee finished in 2nd place for the women in her first ‘cross race ever!