Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Race Recap

Snake Alley. I sat out this race, thinking I would save my energy for the next day. I found out it's a lot harder watching than I expected. I really wanted to be out there, even though it looked painful. Next year for sure! Syd and Team Revolution did an awesome job. In this picture they are only half way up the hill.




Melon City was more like a circuit race than a crit. One sharp corner, one long stretched out hill and one speed bump. I've been told I shouldn't bunny hop my road bike because it's not good for it, but I couldn't help but get airborne every time over the speed bump! That was the best part of the race. The rest was okay. I started in the second row of nearly 40 women. I stayed there for about four laps, then my momentum got stifled on the hill. I chose the wrong wheel and spent the next four or five laps fighting the accordion effect until I fell off. I got pulled with five to go. I wasn't happy with that, but it gave me motivation to work harder the next day.


Quad Cities was a true crit. Eight right angles, very flat and very fast. Again almost 40 women at the start, nice to see so many. The first three laps were fine. The fourth lap, I connected with someones wheel in the corner and went down hard. It took me a few minutes to get back on my feet and like a good cyclist, the first thing I asked is if my bike was okay. After turning the emergency personnel away and ensuring them I would stop by after the race, I found my way to the wheel pit and took my free lap. They pushed me in with 8 laps to go and I finished with the group.

I can't say I did as well as I would have liked in either race, but I am more confident with my ability to hang with the 123 field. While I still have work to do physically, I think most of my mistakes have been mental. I find myself being intimidated by a more experienced and usually larger group of gals than I was used to last season. I tend to back off instead of holding my position or moving up. I have to keep reminding myself that this is a learning experience and I wanted the challenge.

I have to thank Syd for letting me tag along to these races and giving me the opportunity to challenge myself. I also have to thank the Wed Worlds crew, because even though I don't usually finish the ride with them, their encouragement is a real confidence booster. Of course, I have to thank teamFIRE and all my friends who have never stopped harassing, I mean encouraging me! To all you beginning racers out there, especially the women, I want to encourage you to go out and do those races or rides that scare you. It might be intimidating at first, but each one gets a little easier. I think you'll find that it doesn't matter where you place, because the challenge and the experience are reward enough.

9 comments:

c-record said...

where are the pics of your road rash? :)

LoupGarou said...

Great job out there Janna. Way to represent. :)

nicol said...

We need to find some good speed bumps around here and fly over them. :)

Thanks for the good recap.

Adrian Olivera said...

Congrats Janna! Remember that teamFIRE gets 68.9% of that paycheck.

How do i get to my old stuff said...

It was great to have you along, Janna, and I know exactly what you're talking about in terms of intimidation. That's where I was on these races last year -- always getting shut out of the finish b/c I'd let some chick push me out of position. No more. Just put my elbows out and keep my bars in front of hers. :D

You're doing Norfolk, right?

KT said...

I loved reading your race re-cap Janna! You motivate me to get out there and ride!

da terminator said...

As far as road rash goes, I don't have a lot. My elbow and knee are skinned up, but my hip and helmet took most of the impact. My hip doesn't have any road rash, my helmet is cracked and my jersey has seen better days. My bike is also a little less asthetically pleasing then it was before, but I like to call it character!
Yes, I will be doing Norfolk.

How do i get to my old stuff said...

Cool. I'm going up Fri evening and camping both nights. Ought to be fun.

bryan said...

great job, Janna. I shall visit the Snake next year, I believe. Well, maybe.