FSC #7 Lakeland

Thank goodness... I learned a long time ago, not to have high expectations when it comes to racing.  I have specific goals- yes, but I never assume that a race will turn out a certain way.  And a prime example would be this race.  Things definitely didn't go as smooth as I had hoped!!!

First, see that little tiny speck in picture about the 9th one back??? Yep, that's me.  Still working on my starts!!! 

Photo by:  ID Angel Maccarty Racing

In no time, I was able to catch back up to the main pack (with the exception of the first 2 juniors). I continued on, making my way up a steep climb on Puff N Stuff, when I was bumped from behind by a junior running his bike up it.  Yep- happy to see that I'm not treated any different because I'm a girl.  A quick "I'm sorry" (as I dangle off the ridge) and he was on his way. That's racing for ya.  So, I hopped back on my bike and continued on.

Photo by: Nancy Cyman-Bregg

Unfortunately,  my game was off a little now.  So, I wasn't surprised to find myself stuck in the bushes after hitting a root and flying sideways over the bars.  Guess I caught a little too much air. So, there I was, in the bushes on Cruddy Buddy near the alligator infested water. Helmet tangled up in some vine crap, the legs somehow stuck in the bike frame, hurt shoulder and chest, so yeah-  this time- there was just no hopping back on the bike, I really couldn't get up. To my surprise, Kyler Hall (one of my teammates) saw my little crash and stopped to offer help.  So, I took it.  And I'm so happy he didn't end up getting passed by anyone in the meantime.  I would have felt really bad if he lost a position because of me.

With the exception of being super sore, the second lap went really smooth.  I was able to pass a junior towards the end and finished the race in 8th place.  Even without the crashes, I don't think I could have done much better.  And I'm happy with my lap times when comparing them to the women.  Good bye for now and looking forward to the Santos race.

FSC #6 Alachua

Oh yeah...things are coming together quite nicely.  Ever since the Alafia race- I don't know- I just feel stronger.  Intervals on the trainer don't seem to be as challenging, and I feel like I'm flying on the trails.  I haven't hit my growth spurt yet (the doctor said that probably won't happen until I'm 14) so, it has to be Coach Drew's training program. I wanted to see if I had gained some extra power, so I decided to put myself to the test at the San Felasco race.

I had a plan for the race. I was going to get on Ethan's wheel and hang on as long as I could. With his fast pace, I figured he would get me up into the main pack, then it would be up to me to hold it.  What I had not planned on was such a bad start.  I slipped a pedal and was pretty much in last place heading up the grassy climb.  Thank goodness my legs were feeling great.  I was able to pedal my way through the racers and put my plan back into action.

Photo by:  Nancy Cyman-Bregg 

   
I caught up to Ethan and stayed with him for the first lap and going into the second.

Photo by:  Christie Burnett

Photo by:  Carol Coker

 And then... Ethan and a couple other racers started to attack, switching positions a couple times. And for me...well let's just say I didn't have any gas left in the tank to go into attack mode.  So, they pulled away, but not by much. Out of breath and ready to puke, I finished the race in 7th place.  But this time instead of being minutes away from a podium finish, I was only seconds.
  

Photo:  Nancy Cyman-Bregg

 

 

FSC #4 Alafia

I do believe my racing has come full circle, only things are much different now!!! Back in 2006 at Alafia, I was un-defeated against the boys.  But this year...we all know that's not the case.

  

I have been racing for 8 years now, but it's been a long time since I actually raced (if that makes sense).  Last year, the top 4 women racers were so much faster than me, I was left behind.  So, I kinda went at my own pace and as long as no one passed me, I was fine with that.  But now, I knew if I wanted to get faster for Nationals, I couldn't settle.

 

So...I had a couple goals going into the race.  Get a good start, keep racing, don't settle in, and keep the heart rate up. 

    

 And wow, the race went just how I had hoped.  I had a pretty good start.  With the exception of the 2 leading boys, I was able to keep up with the rest during North Creek. -Oh... and I lost my water bottle at the beginning of the race, so I had to do the entire first lap with nothing to drink- Anyway after North Creek, the group broke up again.  Two more pulled away, but I still had 2 racers to chase.  I do think the training is paying off because I was actually able to hang with them. ....Until the 2nd lap when a couple guys from a different class passed me, the boys ended up pulling away from me.  Still going at good speed and keeping my heart rate up, I continued on. And to my surprise, I was passed by a boy on Bridges, and ended up placing 8th again.

 

 I pushed myself, never settled, raced the entire time, and couldn't be happier with my results. Some may think that I'm disappointed that I didn't get a podium finish, but trust me, I'm not.  Those boys are so much stronger than me- I mean come on, I weigh 76 lbs- so, the fact that I can even hang with them for a short while, well...I'm good with that!!!   And just to give you an idea of how crazy fast the J3 class is, here's the times compared to W CAT 1-3.  Granted,   I know CAT 1 & 2 race 3 laps, but still...

 

 

 

 

FSC #3 HARDROCK

So, after my 4th place finish at Nationals, I got to thinking.  I no longer cared about Florida State titles, I wanted to be a National Champion.  And was determined not to let the fact that I live in Florida hold me back.

I knew that I had to step up my training or I would fall even farther behind.  Changes were made to my race schedule (less Florida races and more GA/AL races). More climbing experience is a must, those girls out West crushed me.  I have also decided to race with the 11-14 juniors (all boys).  I was originally going to race CAT 2 women, but with the helpful advice of Mr. Mace, I changed my mind.  He made me realize that the extra distance would not help me at Nationals.  The junior boys are actually faster than most CAT 2 women anyway.  So..."boy chasing" was decided, with a very slim chance of ever getting on the podium.

Now what stinks is trying to balance school work and training.  And man has that been extremely challenging.  I'm in all advanced classes this year, with about 2-3 hours of homework each night (even on weekends). But...so far-thank goodness- I'm making it work.  I have straight A's, have never missed a workout, and even manage to squeeze in some time to hang out with my friends- skateboarding and jumping ramps on my BMX bike.  I feel stronger, power is increasing, and I'm getting some defined muscles in my arms and abs from the core/full body workouts.

Finally... on to the race report.  I will make it short since I've been rambling on.  The course at Hardrock MX was AWESOME!!!  Many of the racers complained about the drops and climbs, not me, I loved them.  I hope they open the course year round for bikers, so I can go back and play around.

The race started with a steep climb, I managed to position myself in the middle of the pact.

photo by: Christie Burnett

          And then, nothing really exciting to report.  I keep at good pace going down all the drops and making all the climbs.  Nobody passed me, and yes according to my heart rate monitor, I did slow it down during the last 15 minutes of the course.  Hey, I was tired and boy chasing was wearing me out. (Not sure I like wearing the heart rate monitor, it's like a little spy camera, ha ha.)  Anyway, I ended up finishing 8th out of 16.   Had lots of fun and happy to be racing kids my own age again (even if I have to eat their dust).

Thanks Coach Drew for helping me get stronger and preparing me for the race with your custom training plan.      

photo by: Nancy Cyman-Bregg




 

photo by: Christie Burnett

A Story/Page1

  .....Once upon a time there was a girl named Madison who was at the 12 hours of Santos race with her very talkative Dad.  Sometimes her Dad's constant chitter-chatter can be very annoying, especially if she's moody (which can be quite often, after all, she is 12 years old).  But, little did she know, something amazing was in the works.  While Madison's Dad (Bruce) was making his rounds at the race talking to practically each and every racer, he came across a guy named Mike Davis.  Bruce found this guy to be extremely interesting and learned he has been in the bicycle industry for 25 years and now hand builds custom bike frames for his company, Deep South Bicycles.  Madison's Dad was always looking out for his daughter.  He knows pretty soon she will be in need of a new bike.  So, he made sure to keep in touch with that cool guy named Mike with Deep South Bicycles.

 .....Seven months later, Bruce and Mike still continue to chat on the phone, almost like they are besties or something.  And shortly after Nationals, Bruce received a phone call from Mike that shocked both himself and Madison. He asked for Madison's measurements, and said he was ready to start building her a custom, one-of-a-kind bike frame.  Story to be continued..............................

Trail 2 Trail Race

Another awesome T2T race with my former teammate Kent!!!  Some really tough competition this year on the co-ed teams. I was the only female to do the MTB part of the race. And although my times were much faster than last year, I was still minutes behind the leading man on the first lap.

So by the time I made my way back through scoring, we were in 3rd place.  I handed the baton off to Mr. Kent, and he took off like a rocket.    

 

With Kent's unbelievable fast speed, he passed 2 women in our class which brought our team up to 1st place.  He was also able to give me a couple minutes head start on the last lap.    


 

During the final 7 mile lap, I kept a good pace determined not to let anyone pass me.  I finished the race in first place (co-ed team), but with only about 50 seconds to spare before 2nd place came through. Man...that was a close one!! 

    Congratulations to the entire CycleYouth/Leroy's Team.  And a special thank you to Cody Burnett for taking the time to pre-ride the course with me.

Cool pics by:  Christie Burnett, Robin and John LaManna, and Big Dog Action Photography 

So...I was going to post a little something on FB for LeRoy's Bikeworks, but figured Mr. LeRoy deserved so much more than a quick thank you.

How many times have you walked into a bike shop and was greeted by the owner with a warm hug???  Probably never!!!  I have been to many, many bike shops over the last 7 years and never felt more at home than I do at LeRoy's.  Mr. LeRoy treats everyone as though they are part of his family.  He not only supports junior racers, he also keeps them busy by providing them with jobs at his shop.

So here's to you, Mr. LeRoy:  I am extremely thankful for everything you do!!!  You are an amazing person with a huge heart.  Your kindness and generosity is very much appreciated.  And I will forever be your loyal customer, friend, and biking buddy!!

P.S.  Sweet new wheel set!!!  Breaking 2 spokes at Nationals definitely worked out to my advantage:)