FSC #6 Markham

I had zero expectations when heading down to South Florida. This was going to be my first time racing at Markham, and I heard the course was pretty technical with lots of locals competing.  So, when we pulled into the parking lot,  I was super happy that Adam Cohen and his Dad asked us if we wanted to go for a pre-ride.  With the exception of getting a flat tire, the ride was a lot of fun. And I was able to get lots of helpful pointers from Mr. Cohen.  I found the course to be like a "mountain bikers" playground.  With all the cool bridges, drops, and the pump track, I think it would be awesome to come back on a non-race day, and just play around.

There were 16 of us lined up to race.  The whistle blew...and with the long start, I was 10th getting into the woods.  During the first lap, I passed 2 woman on a climb and 1 on a downhill. This put me in the 7th position.  On the second lap, I tried to pass Zee (who was in 6th place), but she was just too fast.  However, I did keep her in sight.  And later on, I was able to get by her after she crashed on some roots, finishing the race in 6th place.

****Awesome pictures by:  Miss Tracy and Mrs. Mace 

FSC #5 San Felasco

This race for some reason has always been a challenge for me.  It's not that I find the course to be hard or anything.  I think... in the past, it was because of the grassy climb and the constant ups and downs that got to me (last year I ended the race in tears).  So when I found out I would be pre-riding with Andy and the Cycle Youth Team, I couldn't have been more excited.  I figured this would be a great opportunity to find out what I need to work on.

 

 

On Race Day,  I felt awesome.  The pre-ride on Saturday went well, and I got some good advice from Andy on braking and cornering.  And I think...with the back to back races, Drew's training, and riding with the Cycle Youth Team, I just feel like I'm getting faster and stronger.  Things were finally coming together and I was ready to fight for my 5th place spot.

 And that's exactly what I did.  I got to the single-track in the 5th position and continued on.  6th was close behind, so I knew there was no slowing down.  I pedaled faster... passing other riders from different classes, so I could put some distance between myself and 6th.  And it worked, I was able to keep my position ending the race in 5th out of 15.   

Awesome pictures by: Miss Christie and Mrs Mace. 

FSC #4 Alafia

I had an awesome pre-ride with the Cycle Youth boys on Saturday. And unlike in the past, the race course was smooth and fast (not a power course).  So on race day, with my lowered expectations and treating the race as a training ride, I still secretly hoped to be up on that podium.

While in Gainesville I had a good start, it was not the case at Alafia.  Before the race, my Dad switched out my broken pedals and replaced them with my Mom's (which are super stiff).  So after the whistle blew, I took off and couldn't get clipped in, which caused me to slip a pedal. Not liking the change in the race course already (leaving out North Creek first lap), I knew I was in big trouble.  I was thinking to myself, these ladies are going to crush me on the flats.  And I was right, I was almost the last one to reach the  singletrack.

Being at the back of the bus, I knew I had some serious catching up to do.  On the first lap, I was feeling very strong. I was using my gears more (thanks to Coach Chris), and was able to pass 3 women. Continuing on with the second lap, I was still feeling great. I passed another racer on North Creek, and ended up finishing the race not having a clue as to which place I came in.  After hearing from my parents that I came in 6th place out of 12 racers, I was okay with that. I felt like I gave it everything I had, and if 6th was the best I could do, well then so be it.  But...when I found out a couple minutes later, that I actually came in 5th place, I couldn't stop smiling.  Apparently, one of my favorite lady racers cut the course by accident, and forgot to do Roller Coaster on her second lap. So while she went back out to complete her lap, I was bumped up to 5th.  So I was able to get my podium finish after all:)

Team Cycle Youth is sitting in 1st place!!!

   Congratulations to the entire Cycle Youth team.  And thanks to Mrs. Mace and Miss Christie for the pictures.

FSC #3 Hailes Trails

Well, I got a good start.

Thanks for the picture, Mrs. Mace

And that... would be about it.  About 3 quarters in on the 1st lap, I flatted.  I had no CO2's with me, and even if I did, I wouldn't know what the heck to do with them anyway. So trying not to freak out, I pulled out my phone, and called my Dad. I know the rules about getting help, but I didn't plan on finishing the race anyway, so I didn't think it would be a big deal for him to fix my tire. Well apparently, it was a big deal because I got scolded by a lady in my class. So, the first opportunity I get, I will learn how to fix a flat tire!!! (I should already know how to do that anyway)

Believe it or not, I'm Okay with how things turned out (after crying a little, of course).  Thinking back, the pre-ride with the Cycle Youth boys was awesome, and I think I did pretty good on the time trial.  But, with the already fast women in my group plus a couple more dropping down from the sport class...top 5 just wasn't a realistic goal for me anymore.  So, I'm going to have fun, pedal forward, and think of the remaining races as training for next year.