Nervous?

I haven't been nervous for a race in, well I don't even remember how long... I was nervous for the Alterra Coffee Bean Classic. I hate being nervous. I hadn't raced in so long, nor have I gotten much riding in. And the riding I have gotten in has been riding with slower people. So I had absolutely no idea what I was in for. Nerve-wracking.
Franklin's lead out suits me perfectly. Short climb up to the top and then fast around the cap and then drop right into the singletrack. It's not long enough to where I fade. Moriah led me and the pack around the cap into the singletrack. There aren't very many passing opportunities in the singletrack so I hoped we didn't get plugged too bad. Moriah let me by right away. I caught the men shortly after. I didn't expect to catch them so soon. I just stayed patient and asked if I could get by when they had a chance. We picked off a lot of riders. I wanted to get a gap if I could... I'm not the strongest out in the opens or climbs by far.
Riding up the switchbacks I could see the girls coming out. I saw Ashley and Meg right behind me. AHHHH! I led all the way around O'Malleys and then to the start/finish climb. I knew they'd pass me there. Ashley passed and Meg was right behind me. I didn't realize Katie had passed us until much later.
I knew I'd catch Ashley in the singletrack. I knew she'd catch up with the men to slow her down. Unfortunately Meg and I passed her after she took a corner too hot and ended up going down. Shortly after Meg and I caught up to Katie. We rode her fast wheel for a bit until she unfortunately, I think, caught a tree and went down.
I led Meg around the rest of the lap knowing she was going to take me on the climb into the finish. I wasn't strong enough to gap her enough in the singletrack. I so suck at climbing. I can't say that I was frustrated, but admit to being bummed knowing that I was going to lose it there. I tried my hardest but couldn't match Meg up that hill. However 2nd overall is fucking awesome and I had a great time to boot.


Hopefully we'll see everyone again at the Border Battle.
John didn't have such a great time. Migraine, spectacular crash and just wasn't feeling it. Glad he's okay though.

*pic by julie wolf