The Dirt Field

The Race: Greenbrier Challenge AMBC & MARC Series & MD State Championship Race

The Course: 22.6 miles, 4 laps

The Field: Pro women

The Finish: Wait, I was racing? (4th)

In retrospect, the outcome of this race was very predictable. Bike handling was my biggest weakness in mountain bike racing, and I haven’t been on the mountain bike in months with the exception of one short ride to Great Falls that cemented my commitment to road racing. To think I’d dust off the ol’ mountain bike (or scrape off chunks of dried mud, as was actually the case) and ride it like a long lost friend (wait, that sounds wrong) was just cocky.

Things I thought when I first got on the bike yesterday: I hate this seat, the handlebars are too high and wide, this thing must weigh fifty pounds, why are the tires so wide, why am I moving so slowly, why is my seat bobbing up and down. Things I did not think: gosh, this is going to be great!

When the start whistle blew, I was ready and made it into the woods second out of a starting group of four women. I moved into the lead on the initial climb, but was passed by another girl as soon as we hit a rough section of trail. When our group got to the first significantly rocky area, I fumbled badly and had to jump off the bike while they rode smoothly through. I used to love rocks, but months of dedication to pavement have clearly had their way with my handling and confidence. By the time I got through the rocks, the gap was nearly ten seconds, but I shut it down on the climb (despite a few forced dismounts from fumbling on the water bars) and rode with one of the other women for a bit. Passed her towards the top of the climb, but was passed right back when we hit the downhill. I realized at that point that I needed to call it a day on racing. Trying to ride fast when I’m anxious, out of practice, and handling the bike poorly is a recipe for crashing.

The next three laps went by without incident. Once I acknowledged that I needed to slow down and play it safe, I was able to focus on climbing strong and making the most of my time in the woods. I was happy to ride the descents carefully and cautiously and move over to let the Cat 1 men go by as needed. The pain in my broken foot got bad towards the end of lap three, but by then I was invested enough in the finish that I stuck it out for the final lap and crossed the line at the end. Dead last in my field, but uninjured and glad that I stuck it out.

I don’t regret going and racing. Potomac Velo Club (the race sponsor) is where I got my start in cycling, and it was great to be there to see my fellow PVCers and participate in my first pro cross country race. I couldn’t have asked for a more friendly, supportive group of people to have around today. It was also great to work my butt off on some climbs and feel like, aside from bumbling over the rocks/water bars, I had the fitness to ride them easily. It was just hard to realize that I can’t expect to hop on a mountain bike and go – I’m not that rider anymore.

But I love being a road racer, so it’s all good. I don’t mind hanging up the mountain bike for now and figuring out what part it will play in the future. Besides, my road bike is a lot prettier and lighter than that tank I was riding today, and that’s what really matters, right?