I'd heard there was a road TT at the Mountain Games the day after the XC race that lots of mountain bikers participate in. I was only slightly interested and even less committed to racing it. I didn't want to think about it until after my XC race, but I packed my road bike just in case. I ended up signing up for it an hour before registration closed and was still indecicve. I started my warm up and tried to not be intimidated by all the folks warming up on TT bikes, in TT helmets, skin suits and booties. I warmed up but didn't plan to take it very seriously since I'd shown up for a gun fight with a knife! I had a plan for the race based on an article the Joel Friel wrote that I read a few months ago (I can't find it right now, otherwise I'd link it here). I was passed (again!) by
Katie, who started 30 second behind me, near the end of the 3.5 mile flat section. She then swapped her bikes (off her TT and onto a road bike) at the base of the climb and that's when I caught her. I started climbing and just kept pedaling and giving it my best. I rolled across the line without any expectations. Especially after
Mara Abbot (the first American to ever win the Giro Donne) was at the top. I was shocked and pleased to find out
I got 3rd place! It made the weekend even better than expected and a great lesson learned; just sign up and race, you never know what's going to happen!
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Slightly nervous here! |
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All ready to roll |
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Erin and Erica (Mara had to leave before the podium) |
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The best little 4 year old race support! |
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Cool medal and some good money earned this weekend! |