All three race reports in one! I will post some pictures when I get them.
NVDC- or Napa Valley Dirt Classic. The ending climbs are so brutal but the Hobbit Forest and major whoopdee-doos make up for it. I get out there every year and normally just hang in there. I was on a mission this year and tried to ride smart and strong. I started strong and hung in 3rd spot for most of the way. During the nasty climbs, it went back and forth a few times but in the end, I was third. I lot 6 minutes in the last 25 minutes. I cannot push my bike up hill to save my life. Need to practice Cross to get better at that. All-in-all it was a beautiful day even though I got locked in the bathroom at Cody's Restaurant on the way home. The owner had to kick the door down. Interesting how my husband did not do it. He said he would have if they had not gotten me out by the time he ate and was ready to leave. Did I mention he did not notice I had not come back from the bathroom for over 10 minutes and a passer by heard my calls for help from the door crack. More on this at a later time!
Madera - On how I love this stage race. I wish there were more of these. I was all excited to race my first real "3's only" race. I hung in for the long haul and the TT put me in good position. I took more risks instead of "sitting in". I ended up 12th overall which makes me a happy camper. I don't like they way they do the Crit timing though and will be whining about that to Bob L.
Sonoma #1 - (also known as the old Billy Cross Course). Well, I did not know that Sonoma was the old Billy Cross or I would not have stepped foot in the car. I saw this new series called "Bike Monkey" and it sounded so nice and pleasant. I have only quit one MTB race in 9 years and it was on this course. I wanted to leave and go home after 20 minutes again! The course is technical and only goes up or down (up in granny and down in big ring-try making those shifts!!). There are so many hike a bike sections. I think I was off my bike 32 times in the 2:45 minutes it took me. I was the last one off the course, pissed and moaned the entire time and generally hated life for the moment. But, my experience now tells me that I can get through it and then smile ONLY when I am done. Next time (if there is one), I will go in with a much better attitude and fight those little demons that grab my tires and torture me.
I was LOL at your description of being stuck in the bathroom. Hopefully your hubby's excuse what that he had raced too-and therefore couldn't think straight!!! Probably w/ beer in hand...
I think I am going to have to get the NVDC on my list for next year. Sounds too good to miss! And the Sonoma race sounds tough - great job on finishing!
