So today I did my first MTB race. Let me preface this post briefly. I haven't ridden in about 2 weeks. I have been sick. I wanted to race so bad that I went even though I am not feeling 100%. For all these reasons, I chose the Cat 3 category. I know, I know. Though these seem like "Sandbagging Techniques", my MTB skills are not quite there yet and this was truly my first MTB race.
The race:
I took the hole shot, got passed HARD on the descent and tried to learn as much as possible from said rider's line. On the next ascent, I rode hard and caught the other rider. I might have walked a little. Perhaps a lot. Felt like garbage. Got back on the bike, rode hard.
Next thing I know, I am off the bike again, as my technical climbing skills and a bike that is almost as old as I am is quite the winning combination. I get passed by a different rider from my field. Try my best to get back on the bike on the ascent and FAIL super hard. Again, lack of skills. More walking/running.
Once back on the bike, it took about 30 seconds to bridge up. He has had a mechanical just as I am passing him. It takes him a bit to get his bike back together (according to our post race chitchat). I ride hard, as to not get heckled on the internet for losing a beginner MTB race. I win by 10 minutes over the guy with the mechanical who took 2nd. Hooray. Bike pumps and heed. I am the Maryland state champion of beginner mountain biking. Many people ask what Boloco is. I tell them its like rapture, but for your mouth. But nothing disapears, just tasty. Maybe not rapture. Just tasty burritos. Sadly I am out of state and cannot enjoy them. Please ship me a case please.
Morals of the story:
Listen to your teammates when they say, "You should do CAT 2"
Sandbagging isnt cool, who needs a bike pump anyways...
Heed is disgusting, even when free
Dont race bikes when sick, it is much less fun.
Rim brakes dont work well in the mud.
Bike racing isnt as fun when you dont get heckled by teammates and have to drive alone :'(
I broke 2 spokes during the race, apparently this made my rear wheel more true. Winning.
0 comments:
Post a Comment