Ontario Cup #2 Woodnewton........

I was off the bike for about a week and a half after Mansfield with a chest congestion/infection. Although after the first Dr. visit I was able to get the hacking cough and burning chest under control, the heavy chest and shallow breathing persisted. Unfortunately, it sidelined me for the Fort Custer race and I was hoping it wouldn't keep me out of O-Cup #2. So it was back to the Dr. to see what I could do about this constant tightness/heaviness! I had originally planned to head up to Uxbridge and pre-ride the course on Sat., May 12 but I woke up not feeling great! I figured one more day at home, try and get good rest and re-evaluate on Sunday morning.

Well Sunday morning came and I felt a bit more chipper. The weight had lifted off my chest and we were out the door by 6:45am! No pre-ride, just ride/race!! I have raced at Woodnewton the last couple of years and had a general idea of what the course would be like. After 4.5 hours of driving we had reached the race venue! I warmed up on the trainer and soon enough headed over to the start line. Once again my start was less then spectacular! I got a good nudge from the girl on my right and while everyone pedalled away I was trying to get on my bike and clipped in! I was pretty close to last leaving the line! The race opener was a longer gradual open double track climb. I was patient and slowly began to pass some riders. I was about 6th going into the first set of single track and a small gap had formed between the first 3 girls and the 4th place girl. Once things opened up again, I got around 4th and 5th and tried to chase. 3rd place, Mandy Dreyer (Lapierre) was in sight and I felt pretty strong. Toward the end of the lap I cleared the longer rock downhill smoothly and came around to an area where rocks were spread fairly far apart. There was no issue riding right between them, however I clipped my pedal on a rock which caused both of my feet to unclip. I was carrying quite a bit of momentum and heading toward a small drop! I tried to get my feet back on the pedals before hitting the drop but was unsuccessful! So I dropped and catapulted over my handlebars and face planted! I knew when I was in the air this might not be good..... my hands and face seem to hit at the same time. Luckily I missed the rock and landed in softer dirt! Other then a charlie horse to my right quad, a bloody nose, a few cuts in my mouth and a mouth full of dirt I was fine! Of course this all happened in front of a crowd. I could hear the "awe's" and "oh's". I got up, picked my bike up and swung my leg back over the saddle. The crowd cheered and I pedalled on. I thought "this mom doesn't stop "pushing" until it's over"! :) With 3rd place well out of sight I was determined to at least hold onto 4th. I came around the next 3 laps without an issue and did manage to remain in 4th!
Congrats to all who raced and thanks of course to Chico Racing.... it's a tough job and they do it well!!

Cheers,
Sue