A Race to the Outlets

Often cyclocross races bring great bargaining power. I persuaded Paul to join me at my race on Saturday, October 4 in Hagerstown, so long as we went to the Hagerstown Outlets afterwards. It was much a motivator for me as it was for him. 

Another afternoon race afforded us time to sleep in and enjoy some coffee and donuts before leaving the house. 

As we drove, I tried to recall the course from last year and my memory proved fuzzy with the details, until I remembered that it had been this race last year that I had shown up with a raging hangover, spent watching the Red Sox play in the american league playoffs. Like last year, the Sox had won the night before but happily the hangover didn't accompany it. 

I benefited from my solid finish last week by enjoying a call up at the start of the 3/4 race. The race had minor changes, but overall it was fun and fast. A shorter course with not many obstacles. However it was full of sharp right-hand turns that proved to be mentally and physically taxing. 

Paul cheered me on from his spot near the VB tent and finish line. It was nice to see his smiling face. Even though he remains mystified by the strange sport, he is very supportive and enthusiastic. 

On the second lap as I approached the barriers, my back tire caught the barrier and sent me flying forward. I caught myself before hitting the second barrier, but I must have crashed my leg into my pedal, as after the race, a large growth emerged from my right leg. It seemed to be growing rapidly, throbbing and clotting. 

Determined to make it to the outlets where my fabulous new fall coat awaited me, I threw on my cycling skirt to keep the area free from constraining clothing. Paul and I made it to the outlets and sought relief via Orange Julius. Properly rejuvenated with sugar and fruit, we managed our way through stores in search of our new fall wardrobe. My plight resulted in a new pair of corduroys, a skirt and the aforementioned fall coat. 

Ultimately the day proved successful, I finished 18 out of 23. 

All Four Seasons in One Day

Leave to cross season to bring on all kinds of weather. Windy, hot, humid, sunny and rainy all in a four hour time span. 

Teammate, Nicole and I carpooled to Buckeystown, MD for the first MABRA race of the season. Ed Sanders Cross is always a very popular event and this year proved to be no different. After registering, we had lots of time to rest, warm up and seek refuge at the Velo Bella-Kona tent set up by our favorite cross family, the Styers. Hilary, Morgan and the Bella kids all welcomed us and helped tune up our bikes before we got really muddy. 

Also joining the VB ranks were Dee Dee Winfield and Melanie Swartz, our rad elites. Starting mere minutes behind them at the start, I was anxious to navigate my way around the long and tricky course. It was hot and humid, but we were graced with a brief rain shower on the starting line, which cooled us down a bit. 

The course proved to be fast at first and I positioned myself in the middle so that I didn't get hung up and flung into the mud pit that we had to muddle through precariously. I tried to ride to the side on the first lap and managed to avoid running in the mud for the first half. However I am proud to report that for the next four or five laps (who can keep track), I rode through successfully every time, even to the amazement of the elite racers to ran through next to me (despite the fact that they were lapping me). 

On the back stretch of the course, it was full of all sorts of activity. Run ups, downhills, long winding hills, surrounded by announcers, spectators and the sweet smell of beer. On my second or third lap, there seemed to be a lot of commotion as I came upon the long uphill that I dismounted and hiked up. They seemed to be cheering for me, to my surprise. However, as Dee Dee came up behind me, I realized to my relief that no one was clamoring for me, just her. 

As the course snaked its way infront of the Bella tent, I was encouraged by Morgan and Hilary, as well as some former teammates from PVC. It helped and I began to catch racers in front of me. The course played well to my strong legs, as it provided me with long stretches to make up time lost in technical sections. I felt good and was encouraged by my ability to surge when needed. 

The race proved to be successful for all the Bellas racing. Dee Dee won and Melanie placed 3rd in the elite race, while Nicole placed 6th and I finished 13th out of 20.