Sunday’s XC race was really enjoyable. In the beginning I was frustrated that we weren’t doing laps, just one big loop, but mid-way through I ended up being psyched that we got to see so many different trails. The heat was a big challenge, but I was able to stay on top of my hydration and was fine. I felt good the whole time and had some moments of sheer ecstasy! I dropped into 4^th through the winding trees. I wasn’t flowing as smoothly as Caroline and Erica and Pua was off the front. I chased on the climb and the dirt road and held steady through the trees. Once I came though the feed zone near the start finish I was ready to pull out all the stops. We started climbing Jekyll and Hyde and really opened it up. I caught Erica then as the trail started to get “textured” (we call it technical or rocky, the Alabama folks call it texture!), I was on fire! I knew the lines and was making every obstacle. I caught Caroline! Then the cap on the end of my crank came off and was covering my pedal so I had to stop to fix it. Caroline got away. I attacked with all I had. I rode as smooth as possible and had TONS of fun doing it. I rolled across in 3^rd, happy with my effort.