Well September racing didn't start off too great. I raced all of maybe 20 minutes at Addison Oaks before taking a pretty hard crash! I was using Addison as a "get the legs ready" for Battle at The Burg (which was taking place the following weekend). I felt great right from the start and had a commanding lead over the rest of the women's field. With about 1 mile to go in lap 1 (of 5) I clipped my pedal on something and I went flying over my handlebars. My right quad took a hard hit but I got up quickly wanting to keep moving. As I picked up my bike I noticed I had snapped off my front brake lever. I wrapped the brake cable around my handlebar and thought I can ride without it. I straddled my bike to get back pedaling and with very little pressure on my handlebar, it snapped! With the impact from my crash I broke my handlebar, brake, lockout, and rear shifter! Now I had no choice but to walk.... because unlike some.... I cannot "ride a bike with no handlebar!" So that was it, race over. I limped around cheering on my teammate Erin and the other racers!
(Team G.R.I.T./Domino's post Addison)
All week I was really sore! I couldn't bend my right leg completely until Friday. My right quad was lumpy, bumpy and bruised. I got on the bike on Friday to try some openers. They went alright. I did not have much power but I knew my endurance would compensate. I did not want to miss out on this awesome race and I committed to going. Besides.... the weather forecast looked great and I had some anger about my crash to deal with!
With the pro race starting at 1:30 on Saturday we were able to easily make the race a day trip. We arrived at the venue around noon. Registered, warmed up, went to the line. For such a GREAT event, I was bummed that there weren't more women out to race. The payout, the course, the sponsors, the promoter (Matthew Schmucker).... all top notch! This race should be/must be put on your calendars to do next year!! So needless to say, we were a small field but the ladies that were there, were supper cool and I am glad I got to meet them!!
(Top of the ski hill climb - Julie McGraw Photography)
I lead the whole race. I felt pretty crappy. I think I was pedaling with one leg, or so it seemed/felt. My body was not recovered from my crash. I just aimed to be as smooth as possible, as I battled with my focus. In the end my perseverance paid off. I defended my title crossing the line in first. Not a pretty win but a win none the less.
(The descent - Julie McGraw Photography)
(Podium Pic- Jack Kunnen)
I'm not sure what I will be up to for the next couple of weeks. Maybe spectate, maybe ride.... one thing is for sure I will focus on recovering!
Cheers,
Sue
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