8.03.2009

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

7 comments:

Julie said...

way to go, sounds like a great time!

joeyTWOwheels said...

Nice work on the podium finish! John's crash looked awful dusty.

vegan said...

Awesome job. I missed John's crash but he did get to see me tip over in the rock garden. = )

Regina said...

You did awesome! Way to rock it out there...I had a blast watching you kill it on the climbs!

velogrrl said...

congrats!!!! great race.

Christine said...

Im glad the Alterra course did you well! Now you can say your the second fastest climber! Way to Rock those nerves off Rachael!

The Klugs said...

Way to go! You looked awesome out there!