CCMTB Trike Team Race Report #2 3-7-19

Race Report:  This will be a LONG one, due to the large number of competitors I had to face. Well, I asked Wade if we could celebrate our 5^th anniversary with our MTB friends at District 249, and the CCMTB Crew/ MTB Uncensored Group did not disappoint. (I know everyone didn’t just show up to celebrate our anniversary, but I don’t care…they were there.) I hesitatingly signed up for the trike races again, knowing there was a bigger pool of competitors. This would not be a quick race series.  I have to say, that even though this was not my first time racing, I was a little nervous. I finished 3^rd last time, so I had something to prove…that it was not a fluke.  I was alongside MTB greats, and honestly, I figured I didn’t stand a chance. My only hope was that my first round match up was NOT an MTB’er, and then they could knock each other out of the competition, leaving me to advance a few rounds. Sadly, I did not get matched up with the inebriated chick who fell OFF her bike and DNF’ed. (She fell so soon, it was a close call between DNF and DNS.)  I got lucky in my initial draw, though, and was matched up with someone who did not appear to have EVER ridden a bike, and certainly not a trike, since about the age of 3. As he pranced to his bike, my confidence grew that I may have a chance to start off round 1 with a W. After the first lap, I started gaining on him. When I could actually see him in front of me, I knew I had it. My cheering section kept me motivated. I ended up taking the first round with minimal effort, although you could not tell it was minimal from my breathing pattern and heart rate. #outofshape  

Next round, I am matched up with none other than a BEAST named Debbie! #Imscaredtodeath  I had done some research on this opponent and knew she had stamina for days. #marathonqueen This would be a true test of my character and determination. I had to legit try and just not be humiliatingly lapped by her, and hope her trike wheel fell off. Since I know her personally, and respect her riding skills, I had no intention of sabotage. #TonyaHarding I will be honest, my heart was racing so much, and I was so nervous, this race was a blur. Whatever bit of good luck befell me, and allowed me to beat her by the fiber of a Strava shirt, ILL TAKE IT! This is not only the ONLY time I would be able to beat Debbie in something bike related, it is the first time I could even be considered for the same division as her.  I knew the trikes have some tiny cranks, and the likelihood of feet coming off the pedals was all I could hope for. Well, the MTB/Trike gods were on my side. I managed to skate by with another W. 

During a break between rounds, we had some technical issues and the bikes had to be repaired. Thanks to Scott for having the necessary tools.  Next up, my opponent was Carey. #notasnowballschance  Carey has a long history of consistent improvement, heart and determination. I knew that, a few weeks prior, he did not even take it easy enough for his wife, Bobbi, to win, so I was in trouble. As the race progressed, I HEARD that he started to “gas out”. #wordonthestreet Honestly, I did not have any visions of me winning this round, but somehow, I won. I don’t know how close the race was, the MTB Crew would have to provide details. By this time, they are even ringing cowbells to help motivate and encourage! All the while, I was falling off my bike as I crossed the finish line, but managed to keep in the saddle.

 It came down to the final 3 racers. I was ecstatic knowing I had at least podiumed, again, so the loss of the next race would not hurt as bad. Next up, Tami. #imgonnalose Not much to say, except, whatever caused her foot to slip off the pedals long enough for me to catch up, was a Godsend…yes, I believe God’s hand played a part in this race series… #howelsecouldistillbeintherace  #miraclesdohappen My feet slipped off the pedals too, but apparently not so long that I could not take advantage of her misfortune. Somehow, #bythegraceofGod, I managed to win.  It was difficult to ride back to the finish line with tears of joy in my eyes, but I made it. Tami was a most gracious opponent and a great sport! #cuzsheknowsshesreallyfasterthanme  

The announcer said I could take a short break and to let him know when I was ready. Well, I KNEW, for real this time, that I would not win.  I debated on whether to rest and try to gain some energy or just go for it, already knowing the outcome. The CCMTB Crew helped me strategize. My plan was, to "let him" lap me, and as he rode by, take him out.  My conscience got the best of me, so this was nixed. This guy was legit fast, but I was content to be 2nd.  I just didn't want to be lapped. Let's just say the race started, the guy was super fast, and I lost. This was the best anniversary ever....friends, biking/racing, and WINNING!  I will say that, at the moment, Brian did point out that I am at least 2nd in the TMBRA standings, with a 2nd and 3rd place win, only behind Adam, with a 1st and 2nd place win. I do have my paydirt and rules are signed, sooooo....all in all, it was PERFECT! Thank you again, to my support team, my mechanics, my photographer/husband, and my people, for just being there. You made this girl VERY happy! #myquadsdonthurtbutmylungsfeltit