So, I have been slacking on my blog lately. I kind of forget about it, and then days become weeks and wow, I have had 2 races since my last Root 66 2nd place finish. Both were EFTA races; which intimidated me last year because I always heard how difficult they were, but not this year! I also did some riding in Western Mass with Chunkers, it was a good time, we climbed about 1500 feet to the top of the Pittsfield State Forest and got to see a pretty epic view of Massachusetts and New York State.
The first race was in Gloucester, I placed 3rd, it was a rough ride, slippery roots on slanted hills, that was ridden hard by all the Experts and Elites. The 2nd race was in New Hampshire, it was called "the Pinnacle"- it was by far the best MTB race I have done. The first part of that race was a climb, yes I was cursing my legs and thinking to myself "Why do I do this, I'm going to quit, I can't go around again" but the second part of the race TOTALLY makes up for the hell they put you through in the beginning. Single track, downhill, slightly technical, with burms, and just pure awesome-ness. Oh and the all-famous "plunge" to end the lap, which is a GIANT downhill, that I was a bit too nervous to go down...so I chose the pine needle-y less steep side (huge regret).
Anyways, this race was so awesome, perfect weather, and to my knowledge I was only racing 1 other girl, which I was okay with because she beat me at my first race, so it was competition . She took off in the beginning, but instantly started walking a hill that I climbed (with a lot of effort) all the way to the top! After about 5-8 minutes into the race, I never saw her again. I kept thinking the people coming up behind me might be her, but they never were. I just enjoyed my nice ride and put in my best effort, actually, I could have probably pushed a tiny bit harder, but since I didn't see her, I gave myself a small break.
This "small break" really kicked me in the butt! Apparently, the woman I was pretty much riding with the entire race (either in front of or in back of) was in my category! So, letting her pass me at certain points and not passing her when she said I could, was me just giving away 1st place! I had no idea, if I did, I definitely would have pushed a LOT harder when she was in back of me, or when she would say, "You can pass me if you want"...I WOULD have! Regardless, it was such a fun race.
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