This was not only my first ever sanctioned race, but this was also my first time even attending a cross race. I wanted to ride out there early, see the course, and watch some of the early races, but some personal stuff happened and my friend Nat and I drove in about an hour before our race. I was so glad Nat was there to show me the ropes of how to do racing (where to put my jersey number, when to do lap warmups, etc.), I would have been so lost otherwise.
We kept loose and tried to get one more lap of the course before we were called to the line. Like before any race I let my nerves go (it helps build adrenaline, which helps me go faster). The whistle blew; and off we went. I started middle of the pack, probably closer to the back. I tried not to eat shit in the pack (riding in a group is new to me), we bottlenecked on the first turn, but bottlenecked worse on the mud where there is only one line. I ran it to try to take a few places only to hop back on for another bottleneck (I wish I had seen some more of the course, because now I know that was a place to run too).
The first lap was tight, but by the time we rounded the final bend the race opened up some. I tried to focus on picking off the people in front of me, which it felt like I was doing. I honestly only really remember people passing me when I put my face on the ground (note to self; it doesn't belong there). From there I rode pretty clean and picked people off slowly but surely. I pushed it hard to the final bell. There were three folks I followed the last lap that I just couldn't quite catch, oh well, I still felt good about my race; that is, until I saw the results, 46th of 73rd. I guess I can't complain since it was my first sanctioned race ever and besides one spill, I rode pretty clean and safe.
Our race ended right at dusk. Once the sun set below the peninsula hills the beer started flowing. Being a sucker, I had work at 8 AM the next morning, so I opted to drive and not drink, but it didn't matter the party gathered up on "Heckle Hill" for some shenanigans. The race, the party, everything, I cannot wait for the next cross race. I'm hoping to make it down to the Surf City race next weekend in Santa Cruz. We'll see!
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| Dollar handups! |
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| Stop smiling, this is racing, it's not supposed to be fun. |
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| Jortz! |
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