Hammer Head

This was my first time competing in the Hammer Head 100.  Of course...I didn't sign up for the 100 miler, instead I entered in the 25 mile open women class. Going into the race, I had no expectations for a podium finish, and I just figured it would be a great way to get a training ride in.  Prior to the race, I did a couple 25 mile road rides on my MTB, and I also managed to squeeze in a couple extra sessions on my trainer.  So, with the exception of waking up at the butt crack of dawn on race day, I was feeling great!!!

After arriving at the Landbridge Trailhead, I was really surprised to see so many riders. There was 105 racers competing in the 25 miler (only 12 of them were women).  And I was super happy my Dad was going to be racing with me.  He's gotten a little slower these past few years (because he works about a gazillion hours a week and has no time to train), but we had a plan.  He would ride with me until he felt like his legs would fall off, and then I would pull away.  I just liked knowing he was behind me in case anything happened.

The race began with a controlled start for about 2 miles.  This gave me a chance to get ahead of 2 women before reaching the single track.  So, I'm pretty sure I was the 5th girl going into the woods.  After about 7 miles in,  I was finally able to pass another woman on a climb (she was super fast on the flats but was struggling with the technical stuff).  I, then caught up with Connor (Leroy's CycleYouth teammate) around mile 17, switching positions with him for a couple miles. Ditched my Dad at mile 20.  While trying to keep up with Connor's fast pace, I ended up passing 2 more women, finishing the race in 2nd place.





I officially met Duffy who rides for the Rose Bandits.  She's super cool and gave me these awesome glasses.