USA Cycling XC MTB National Championship Bear Creek Resort, PA

My last post ended- "Let's see what happens".  I will tell you what happened alright, I got smoked by 3 girls and I didn't even know it was coming.  At the time, I wasn't sure whether to be shocked or excited I finally came across some serious competition!!!  I have been waiting four long years to race girls my own age.  And I was beginning to think that I was the only 12 year old XC racer out there.  Well...maybe on the East Coast, but definitely not on the West!!  Those girls from Utah and Colorado have some mad climbing skills.

My experience before the race started off very rocky (literally). Pre-rides with Coach Drew Edsall always ended in a crash.  And by the time the race rolled around, I was beat up with cuts and bruises and a swollen pinkie finger.  I also had to borrow a rear wheel from Stan's NoTubes because I broke 2 spokes during practice.  However, I was hoping that all the bad stuff was out of the way, so I could have a nice smooth race.

I was 3rd called up to the line, so that was awesome.  And a great start had me in the lead, until.......the climb.  Then, 3 of my competitors just pedaled on by like the steep climb was nothing to them.  Honestly, they were equal to, if not faster than the 3 top women I raced last year in the FSC series.  So, after the climb, my goal was to continue at a pace where I wouldn't be passed or have any crashes.  And I hoped the heat would get to the girls in front of me so I could catch up, but that just didn't happen.  I finished the race in 4th place.

Well, I came to Nationals to win and walked away with a 4th place medal.  I learned a lot and now I know what to work on.  Going to spend the entire year preparing for the next National race with the same goal of being on the top step of the podium.

A big "Thank You" to Coach Drew Edsall, Coach Chris Burnett, the CycleYouth team, Leroy's Bikeworks, and Twin Six for your support.

***Awesome pics by Jackie Bovine and Mrs Mace.