A little XC

I went out to Bonelli Park on Sunday to try a cross-country race. I think I've done two or three of these events in the past five years. I'll be doing the Cal State XC series this year, in addition to my endurance events, to help the team accumulate points for the state co-ed title.

Heidi, a two time state champion, gave me plenty of tips Saturday on our pre-ride. I felt the course was good for me because it had a couple of climbs with a nice grade so I was really looking forward to it.

Feeling good on the first lap

I had a good first lap and was a bit surprised about the pace. It seemed much slower than I imagined it would be. I rode into the feed zone at the start of the second lap too fast so I missed my bottle and my backup bottle was nowhere in sight. I had planned for the possibility that I might blow through the feed zone so I arranged to have someone stationed a little further up the course. Total miscommunication on my part fouled that up; there was some ambiguity as to whether it was the start or end of the second lap that I needed my insurance. =) So I continued on with the second lap feeling fine, but everything caught up with me halfway through the last lap -- total meltdown! I was spinning in the granny on the hills begging for water from friends that were passing. That'll teach me not to slow down a little for a few seconds. =)

Absolutely drained!!!

My race didn't turn out so well, but the team had an excellent day. Team Sho-air fielded 40 riders, had 21 podium spots with 7 class winners including Heidi -- yeah!

Heidi powering up a climb

Thanks to:
- Team Sho-air/Sonance/Velosport and all our sponsors
- Heidi for the post race smoothie and fruit that brought me back to life.
- Michael Darter for the pics