Race Day!
11 Nov 2010 Leave a Comment
With the support of you all! I rode faster than I could have with only my own energy. Like a tailwind, I felt the power of my family, friends, and community behind me. The start was unlike any race start I have witnessed. Amassed in a huge circle I, along with 1000 others, began to circle around and around to the music from the loudspeakers. We were advised the night before that the start would be part yachting, part NASCAR and part musical chairs. The music stopped and an opening was created, releasing us from the circle into an outward spiral leading toward the course from the large grassy field. It was chaos, as costumed party focused participants, more race focused riders and all sorts in-between were set off. I made my own presence and “hep, hepped!” my way towards the lead group before funneling onto single track. I passed and passed and passed until the riders near me were all riding at a level that I could not exceed. We formed chains at high speed, wheel to wheel we soared over the trails. At each opening I would surge, hoping to gain a position or two. I passed fallen riders, remembering to stay well focused and as safe as I could be. I completed the first lap with just over a dozen riders ahead. I knew that the lead was out of my reach, I would not be the Champion, but as a competitor and at heart I continued to dig deep. I was racing! During the second lap, skilled riders, with less fortunate starting positions began to filter through. I could sense a group of riders hot on my wheel as I careened through the banked corners. I was scared! At a widened stretch I allowed the group of four to pass but latched on and as a group of five we began to take on other riders. Fighting to keep on the wheel in front of me, I found myself entering and exiting corners at an astonishing speed, with the ground disappearing from beneath my tires several times as I launched off of drops that I had maneuvered around on the first lap. According to a sweet volunteer handing out the cold beverages, I reached 17th place at the last beer short cut and worked so hard to finish strong. The finish featured a deep creek crossing and I experienced full submersion! Quickly I gained my footing, grabbed my bike from the soupy, muddy waters, remounted and finished! Soaking wet with a huge smile across my face! The champion was already receiving the customary tattoo, and no record past the top five was kept, but I was triumphant, and completely spent. I collapsed at Deborah’s feet and would not have had it any other way! I don’t need a tattoo to show, I will forever remember the race, but beyond the race I will be forever grateful for the support of my friends and family that gave me the confidence to reach so far into my capabilities. It was a tremendous experience to have the health and strength to engage in the adventure leading up to and through the event. Now with our bikes and supplies we are set to head south. We are filled with anticipation as the second stage of our travels begins.
