Unlike previous years, upon arrival I didn't run straight toward the Laptad Margatini Bar. Instead, I jumped in the rental van and hurried to the Laguna Seca Raceway to pick up my number plates and timing chip; I was pre-registerd to compete in two events, the Cross Country and Super D races!
On Thursday, I suited up in some warm and fuzzy riding gear and asked Jeremiah to join me for a pre-ride on the Super D course that I would race later that day. We boogied down the wide open access road and checked out the big (relatively- it was a downhill race after all!) climb at the start. I got some warm up tips from JB before he went out to preview the Cross Country course.
I did a great job of putting it all together to ready for my event. And while the men's races started, I stuck to my warm-up plan instead of waiting nervously by the starting area. It seemed like everything was going smoothly until after I lined up for my race. The announcer did a recap of the rules and gave us the "one-minute-to-go, Ladies." My heart was pounding. "30 seconds." Then, "Okay, we have a medical on course, we're going to hold you here." Well, so much for my nerves. Instantly my first-race-of-the-season-jitters were gone.
After 15 minutes or so, we finally got to start, and I surprised myself when we finally did. I wasn't great at the La Mans style run-with-your-bike start, but I wasn't too bad either. My new Trek Fuel 9.8 felt super fast, I pedaled hard, the rear suspension locked out for the first climb. Once I hit the true downhill, I rode the course pretty much how I planned to based on my pre-ride. It was exciting to have a bunch of spectators cheering on at the steepest washed out sections. I almost got caught up in the excitement when someone yelled "GET SOME BIG AIR!!!" If my skillz matched my enthusiasm, I might have tried to.
By the time I reached the rolling straight-away to the finish, I was starting to feel the burn, but I gave it all I had. I didn't want to let a place slip away at the end. I saw my Dad and Mom on the side of the trail and tried to manage an expression as if to say "I see you! Thanks for cheering! I'm giving it my all because I knew you guys were here!" (This expression, as I was later told, was interpreted as "ouch.")
That's me (left) with my tricked out JBL podium hat.
It was great to finish my first race of the season with Mom and Dad there to celebrate! We waited for the delayed podium ceremony, and as you'll see below, I'm glad we did.
(Check out the functional PINK head tube cap in the center of the medal!)
There are a lot of photos to sort through from the weekend. My next post should be pretty exciting.
Hope you are well,
Erin
Labels: Bike Racing
