This is not the type of post race report I really like to do but I said I would do one so here it is!! We woke up this morning at 6:00 am to beautiful weather. Got the van all packed up and Jay and I were off to Stony Creek Michigan for my first marathon mountain bike race. I was totally excited, new challenge and I felt great (I have the back issues taken care of.....adjustment yesterday,Tiger Balm strips, and A535 today). All race categories went off in 1 min. intervals and got underway around 10:15 am. I was not sure what to expect from the course or from this type of race for that matter. I have never been on my bike for more than (3) hours so the game plan was to take it easy for the first (3) laps and more of a race pace for the final (2). The Elite/Expert women lined up and we were off. I took the hole shot at the whistle and held a very comfortable pace just to feel the other ladies out. Not even 5 min. into the race, I jumped over a log and lost my water bottle! I had not even taken a sip from it yet!! Not a good way to start a marathon race, however, I was very well hydrated before beginning so I knew I could get through and I just made sure to never over exert. After just over 1/4 of the 1st lap, I was out front with Danielle Musto (Kenda Tomac) right behind. Just over 1/2 way I was able to grab the wheel of another (male) racer and pulled away from Danielle. My legs felt great and I just took it really conservatively. Lap 2, I got a new water bottle and was going to hold onto the steady pace. I didn't even feel like I was racing (good feeling considering I still had 30+ miles still to do). Now on to lap 3..... Sitting out front with about a 7 minute lead, 3/4 of the way through I decided to take a sketchy line between (2) trees and I clipped my left handle bar. Not good!! I endoed, my face broke my fall, the bike went over my back, and I was still clipped in with my left foot. I "bit" it hard. Surprisingly I got up after unclipping, tasted blood but was ready to get back on and ride. My body was fine! Now for the biggest let down, I 'tacoed' my front wheel. I would have totally been able to race physically but my wheel was bent and with every pedal stroke it wobbled and rubbed my fork. I stood there trying to figure out what to do and a first aid guy came biking by. What are the odds! He asked me if I was ok and assured him yes as I eyed up his bike! Checking out his pedals, my cleats were compatible. Would he let me take his bike to finish? (You're supposed to finish on the bike you started on! But the thought crossed my mind.) I then checked out his front wheel. Same brakes as me, same tire choice, would he give me his wheel? I sort of hinted by saying I'm fine if I could just get a wheel I would continue to race. In reality I knew the medic couldn't give up his wheel, after all he is needed on the trail and that means he needs his bike and wheel! Now I was totally bummed knowing I had to DNF. After finding out the quickest way back to the finish area, I pushed my bike out. At times I tried to ride it downhill. I will say even on my way out as passing riders went by and asked if I was ok, I would reply I'm fine I just need a front wheel. (With hopes someone would take "pitty" and give me their darn wheel!! lol) (Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't expect anyone to do so.) So there you have it. My competitive drive, obsession to finish at all cost and total disappointment and let down at the fact I had to DNF. I feel unfulfilled from today's event so Jay and I are going for a (2) hour road ride tonight! What am I thinkin'?
Cheers,
Sue
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