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!

Slightly nervous here!

All ready to roll

Erin and Erica (Mara had to leave before the podium)

The best little 4 year old race support!

Cool medal and some good money earned this weekend!