Black Bear Rampage 2017

For the last 3 Septembers I have pushed myself to go beyond my comfort zone to complete in my longest race of the year, the Black Bear Rampage. This amazing endurance race is organized by Scott's Bicycle Centre. With over 4,600 feet of elevation gain on a 40 mile race route, it is one brutal ride for this full-time nurse practitioner and mom of three. The last 2 years I have finished with the most excruciating cramps and complete exhaustion. I was determined to better my time and finish strong this year.

After many nights of comparing professional training programs, looking at sample daily ride routines and discussing possible options with my husband, it was clear that I did not have enough time to train for this kind of race. Realistically life was not going to allow me to train like a single women who had no other obligations, other than to ride, sleep, and repeat. Seeing my frustration, my husband did some research, used google calendar and complied a training schedule that was manageable. It was not heavy on riding the bike, included running as well as strength training. If you know me, I am not runner!! We were all going to have to make sacrifices for this to work.  I was going to have to run up to two 5Ks per week.  And, with the help of the best trainer ever and an even better friend, Ginger Sillery, I upped my weight program.

Ginger and me on a training ride

I set three goals for this years race: 1. No cramping!, 2. Finish under 4 hours and 30 minutes, 3. Clear that mega beast of a climb at mile 32, Boyds' Gap. The dreaded Boyds Gap Trail is 0.7 miles of rocky singletrack with a max grade of 19% and 230 feet of elevation (200 of which are in the last 0.3 miles). That is one heck of a suffer fest after having already climbed 4,000 feet and ridden over 30 miles. It is the nemesis of most who finish this race.  I was going to clean it, damn it!!!

Love these wheels!

When race day came I had completed 11 weeks of 6 day a week training, and felt good riding at a moderate pace for 40 miles. It was the most prepared I have ever been for the Black Bear. Thanks to the guys at Scott's Bicycle Centre, my bike was tuned, fresh with a set of new Bontrager Line Pro 30 wheels and a new Bontrager XXX carbon seat post. It is all about the motion in the ocean, this girl likes her squish.  I was set!  Hurricane Irma was churning North, but hadn't made it up the coast of Florida.  The weather was beautiful with temperatures in the 70's and low humidity! The air was light and breezy, the perfect fall weather. Better make this ride count, rain was on the way.

MY BOY!

My son, Brady, was racing the Black Bear Rampage, as well, in the 7 mile kids race. He was set to start his race an hour before my race. He is a natural beast on the bike but had not been able to ride all summer due to a broken arm. I knew he could finish in time to see me at the start line, I hoped. Sure enough, as I stood there watching the clock tick towards 9 am, I looked up and saw my boy, sweat soaked hair and all. He finished in 46 minutes, 2 minutes faster than the second place finisher. Proud mama moment!

After exchanging congratulations, I started to look around me. I knew my competition was tough this year. Carey Lowery was the sure winner in the women's expert class. Then there was Monica and Beth.  They had both been training with a professional endurance expert. They were in the best cycling fitness of their lives. Starr was another formidable competitor. To say she is fast is an understatement. I do not think I have ever come close to her lap times in previous races. Plus, Ali Whittier, another super strong, super fast, badass cyclist.  To count myself amongst these women was inspiring.  I did have to remind myself this is not a race against them. This race is against myself and my goals. 

The Start Line

We started on the long 1 mile, uphill road climb. I tried to keep the other gals in my sight but they were steadily spinning there mountain bikes up the hill as good roadies would, I say roadies with love. I did not want to start too fast and waste valuable energy. I kept my pace at a comfortable level, not letting my heart rate reach 180. As I entered the singletrack on Brush Creek, I kept singing "Glorious" by Macklemore. I was going to have a great day!!

The first 13 miles were great. I was feeling relaxed and keeping a good speed. Craig and Brady were at the US Forestry bridge to cheer me on.  It is hard to miss Craig's booming voice over the others.  The climb up Bear Paw was uneventful. By the time I reached Thunder Rock Express, I had settled into a pattern of being passed by a few guys on the uphills and dropping them on the downhills. I knew Craig would be waiting for me at the bottom of Thunder Rock with a feed bag. He always seems to be exactly where I need him, when I need him.  I had not eaten as much as I had planned. It was okay though, I was feeling great. Now for the second half of the course, time to start climbing. The next 4 miles contained 900 feet of elevation gain on gravel and singletrack. UGH! This is the time I just put my head down and pedal damn it. I talked to a few guys, sang, tried to laugh at myself, what ever it took not to have a mental self pity party of one. I knew after the climbing there was some epic down hill with a few good root drops and turns. I was ready! Quartz Loop is always where I hit the exhaustion "wall". This time as I hit the wall, I just made sure to keep spinning and not let the dark side take over. It worked. I was a little slower than I would have liked but I did not stall out. I was not cramping. River View did not disappoint on the downhill but climbing back out was tough. Greg Highwood had kept me company up some of the epic climbs and joined me again on this one. It was nice to have his motivation and a smiling face to help me push on.

Now it was time to rest as I descended 500 feet in the next 2 miles. I just kept telling myself I had to conserve energy to climb Boyds Gap. I met Craig at feed zone stop #2, back at the bottom of Bear Paw, exchanged water bottles, got some electrolyte blocks and took a Isogenix energy drink. All that in preparation for the next climb. I had no idea how I was doing on time,it didn't matter. I was focused on my heart rate zone of 155-175 as I pedaled back along Old Copper Road, an abandon roadbed that once was used to haul copper ore.  It is now a long snaky trail with lots of rock and roots.  I was feeling some muscle tightness in my inner quads. No! I was not going to cramp, it was not part of the plan!  Mind over body! I kept my steady pace until I hit the road climb before Boyds. I did not push myself too much up the road. I knew I needed to keep to a gentle spin and listen to my legs. As I was passed by a guy, he asked if we were going to climb the same singletrack we came down earlier in the day. I replied with a smiling YASSS! His response contained words not appropriate for gentle ears. I was passed yet again by the same couple of guys that I had passed earlier on the downhill sections.  This girl is getting better on downhills!

TOP GUN!

It was now time to accomplish my third goal. My legs were screaming at me. So I started my chant "No Pain, Just Strength".  These 4 words kept my mind focused and my legs moving. I passed the two wonder climbers as they were walking up the mid section of the climb. Now it was time to test my will against the extreme grade with rock and water damage. Had to the front wheel light and traction on the back wheel. NO PAIN, JUST STRENGTH! Then I heard his voice..."COME ON DUDE!" It was Craig! He did not realize it was me. His voice echoing down the trail. I had heard him in the distance, trying to motivate other riders.  I was now the one he was cheering on. His voice was the last bit of motivation I needed to keep my feet in the pedals and the wheels moving. I was going to do this!! Ground do not give out on me now. Craig finally recognized me, he started yelling more and louder. I really cannot tell you exactly what he was saying as I was repeating those 4 words over and over, NO PAIN, JUST STRENGTH! I really wanted to stop climbing...I could see the top.  I was focusing more and more on keeping my weight balanced and my legs moving. I made it!! I CLEARED IT!..I DID IT!  I couldn't believe it. What an amazing feat for me...happy dance in the saddle! I felt sick from the combination of exhaustion and exultation, but had to keep moving!

NO PAIN!

Now, 7 miles of flowy singletrack between me and the finish. I felt motivated to pedal faster, make up time I lost back at Quartz Loop. I passed several guys on Brush Creek before being passed by the zombie walkers from Boyds. They yelled out nice complements about my climb then zoomed out of sight.

Time to finish strong! As I turned the corner off Brush Creek to the steep grade fire road climb, he was there waiting for me, my wonderful husband...again yelling at me/with me/for me, finish line was in sight. He was running beside me, telling me to dig deep.  I looked at the race clock, 4 hours 13 minutes!! YES, I screamed. I dug deeper and pedaled harder finishing in just over 4 hours and 14 minutes! What a great ride, what a great race, what a great accomplishment.

Until next year Black Bear and Boyds Gap...sub 4:10!

#MTBINPEARLS

Mountain Biking Mom

Night Shift, team up to destroy!

Better late than ever...I am behind in writing this blog post but a mom's priorities are consistently changing.

It was that time of the year again, time to pull on my big girl panties, the nice ones, of course, not those tan ones that go up to your bellybutton.  Once a year, I race at night. If you know me, you would know my kids check on me at 9:30 pm each night to see if I have turned into a pumpkin. It is a running joke within my family, get home before Mom turns.  I am not a night time person. I never liked night shift at the hospital. All romantic evenings with Craig, end around 9:15, if things are going good..10.  So, riding from 6 pm to midnight is not exactly in my thing.

My very first mountain bike race, was SORBA Chattanooga's Pick Our Poison race at Booker T. Washington State Park in 2013...I was a nervous wreck!  The Pick Your Poison race has since faded into the undergrowth, hopefully to reemerge one day.  To keep a race at Booker T. Washington State Park, the Velo Vixen Night Shift Race was relocated. This is another Chattanooga classic race which was once run by SORBA. Now it is run by the Vixens; a women's only multi-sport club that is dear to me.  Booker T. is a perfect location with many affections; lake access, camping (special for this event), running water restrooms and fire pits.  Great place to have a good time. After a couple of turns at Enterprise South Nature Park, a change of scenery was welcomed.  

My follow Scott's Bicycle Centre Race Team mate, Beth Lofgen, had an undesirable obligation (aka...a job) which prevented her from joining me this year. I set out to find another strong woman, who would be willing to ride into the wee hours of the night. I knew who to ask, Christine Yario Warren. It took a couple times but she finally gave in. I think she agreed in order to shut me up. Christine is FAST!!! She beat me at 2016 Snake by 15 minutes! Go back and read the February 2016 blogs about The Snake, you will see her beastliness mentioned.  Now, armed with a bad-ass partner, it was time to race!

The day started with some great family time during the TYMBR (TN Youth Mountain Bike Race) event. All three of my kids decided to race. I didn't think the girls were going to commit. After days of "maybe," they finally said yes (maybe they were tired of me asking too). Nerves were high! Brady had some make up to do. He had not  been training as he should, and his race times were showing it. Wrestling season had taken a toll, and he wanted a break (a well earned and deserved break).  Athleticism only goes so far and he was learning it.  Before this race, he spent time at Booker T doing hill repeats on the dreaded Ivy Hill.  He figured out how to clear the roots on the climb which made me incredibly proud. He set a race plan: pass on the hill...on foot or in the pedals, pass!  At the start of Brady's race, he was fourth into the woods...not good at Booker.  Tight, old school, trail with more roots than dirt doesn't offer many opportunities to pass.  I hoped he would stick to his plan.  The race course took him out of our sight for a while. Inside, I was worried about him.  But, there was a sweeper and a couple course marshals...HE WILL BE OKAY, HE WILL BE OKAY.  I was on the course with Haley when the first racer emerged from the tree line.  Craig was there cheering on all the racers.  (He could be heard over the crowd, let's just call him loud.)  Brady was not in front, but he was close.  He finished a strong second.  His race plan had paid off.  He was in 4th place at the base of Ivy Hill, he passed two racers on the climb and held his position.  He is starting to race with his head and his body, not just pure muscle power.

An one mile loop was crafted for the younger age classes.  My Molly is not a podium chaser, but it does not deter her from giving 100% effort. She drives through the pain and challenge.  She is GIRL POWER!  Words cannot explain my pride for her!  Molly is starting to race, instead of riding with her friends.  If she will keep at it, her "no for an answer" attitude will pay off. She finished her race with a smile (kinda).

Haley, too, fights for each foot of trail.  At a whopping 50 lbs, her bike weighs close to 50% of her body weight.  Just has the biking industry is attempting to address the lack of women's specific bikes, it too needs to take notice of weight of youth bikes.  For what Haley lacks in size and power, she makes up for in determination and fire!  Never has a crash, race distance or finishing placement influenced her during a race.  This race was no different; except, she was racing with her BEST FRIEND FOREVER EVER.  The two of them are cut from the same fabric.  They stayed together throughout the race and shared post race woes.  Friendships forged within challenging times, are forged forever...or in their case forever ever.

With the youth race concluded, it was time for the evening of fun to start. My dad came to park and picked the kids up. They were going to spend the rest of the evening relaxing at our house while Craig and I took our bike lights into the night. YES...Craig did race! He was another one that I had to push into "saying yes to the race". We set up our staging area in a prime location amongst our friends. The night was going to be cold. Thank goodness for Eric Lee, he brought a patio heater...an oasis of warmth!  

I drew the short straw, first lap was in my hands which included the parade lap area...up the hill, around the tree and though the mud to the trailhead, we went!  At least this meant I had one good lap without lights. My strategy was to go out fast and stay up front. We had some TOUGH competition. The other women's duo was a petite and powerful combination of bad-ass mountain biking ladies.

I wiggled my way to the front of the mass start line up. I wanted to have a much room as possible in front of me. Going into the woods I had a good lead. My heart was pounding, I began to think that maybe I had pushed it too hard on that initial hill. I was still in control of my breathing, worked on bringing my heart rate down. I started to feel better after a few hundred yards of single track. Then disaster struck! In a smooth, simple turn I was suddenly on the ground!! WHAT THE.....! Not only was I on the ground, but I had another racer and his bike were laying on top of me!..WTH!  Quick systems check, everything was working. The other team went flying by...dang it! He must have scrubbed me..rubbing is racin', we all know that; however, crashing early in a race takes the wind out of the sails. I had lost our advantage, so I pulled myself together...got back into the race! As I continued on that rooty tight trail, I realized that something wasn't just right. Fellow racers...Um, either your wheel's through axle is about to fall out or your wheel is a taco salad. I replied, commonly, "thank you, just crashed." In my head I was screaming, "dammit, I did not look a the back wheel!"

Finishing that lap was not easy! Had to slow down, attempted to manage the roots and bumps while minimizing the damage. I crossed the start/finish line and got off.... holy, mother of all things wavy!..that wheel had move curves than me. Thank goodness for Erik Hunt with Owens Cyclery and Mike Skiles with Suck Creek Bicycles for the neutral pit support. A few kicks and unpleasant sounding hits to my wheel and it was in relative working order...relatively!  Plan "B" was not necessary...bike share program with my team mate...thank goodness!

The next two laps were rough but uneventful. I was able to clean Ivy Hill twice! The last lap I was just plain too whooped to power over the roots...no shame in hike-a-bike. As I came in from my third lap I was done...like not going back out, done!  My thighs were literally screaming at me.  Christine agreed, time to enjoy the evening and good food provided by the Vixens.  

Remember I convinced Craig to race? Well he had a great race! Counterclockwise at Booker is not his favorite direction, but he finishing 1st in his class.  We don't have many opportunities to race together.  I could not be more proud of him. I think he enjoyed it more than he would admit.  If it wasn't for the cramping, he might have enjoyed it more.

When I was done, Craig and I both headed up to the pavilion; there were massage therapist and food were waiting. Both, I desperately needed. My thighs were rock hard, tight from all the climbing.  After some convincing, I actually got Craig to lay still for a leg massage...he has issues with strangers touching him which I am total fine with :).  It was worth it, he could walk again. Bellies full and muscles relaxed, we loaded our gear and enjoyed the festivities.  Christine and I finished 2nd to Emily Pullen and Hannah Reed, those ladies are FAST!...Seven laps!

Thank you to SORBA Chattanooga for helping prepare the trails.  Booker is old school, it tests bike handling skills, especially at night.  Big thanks to the Velo Vixens, volunteers and fellow racers for a great race...even the guy that landed on me. I look forward to next years race.

With new XXX race wheels from the guys at Scott's Bikes and Trek, I competed at the 3/6 hour Fort Yargo race this past weekend.  Be on the look out for that blog post...soon, I hope!

Ladies, always check your back wheel.  No one wants to see your taco salad!

#MTBINPEARLS

Mountain Biking Mom

Girls Rule!

I attended a Sue Haywood Clinic...ROCKED MY WORLD! As part of the Year of Me (turning 40), Craig has been pushing me to find 12 exciting experiences before the big day. I have been wanting to attend an all women's mountain bike clinic for some time now. I jumped on the opportunity to learn from Sue Haywood with the added bonus of visiting Mulberry Gap.

I have to admit, I was a little nervous at first. No one else from Chattanooga was attending...flying solo. As a closet introvert with tendencies of nervous talking and uncomfortable giggling (official diagnosis), I flashed back to high school...the new girl...strangers...which lunch table...oh no, am I one of the cool kids...FREAKING OUT!  It is the Year of Me...new experiences...stuck my neck out there, registered for the group cabin.  Doin' this!

Did I mention...I was going to Mulberry Gap!!! One of my most favoritest get-a-way locations!  Getting to hang out with women who are as crazy about mountain biking as I am...could not wait! Still nervous, but at least we all speak the common language of bikes.

The packing started on the Tuesday before, everyone I know takes 3 days to pack, don't you...I blame the Eagle Scout in the house..."are you packed yet?"  Gear bag checked, riding clothes were washed, everything was going smooth until...THE WEATHER CHANNEL!..Rain, damn it! No this cannot be! I convinced myself to sleep in the same room with strangers...rain, rain, go away!  Alright...breathe, we live in the South and weathermen are 20% right, 20% of the time.  I'll gave it until Friday, the forecast was going to change!  It did...kinda!

As always, the guys at Scott's Bicycle Centre had my bike ready to roll.  Never a worry with Doug and the gang.  It needed a good comb over after the Velo Vixens' Night Shift Race (blog post pending, just so excited to tell y'all about the clinic).  An advanced camp, required an advanced bike.  My Trek Top Fuel 9.8(.5) handled the trails like a champ!

Friday came, weather was looking better-ish. Rain might hold off for at least one day. "Just give me enough time to learn how to wheelie!"  On my way down to Mulberry Gap, I was pondering what the other women would be like, where they traveled from, will there be a loud snorer in the cabin (I had my hammock and a rain fly, just in case I needed to bail).  Upon arriving, I saw a few other women filing in...just stay cool and don't look them in the eyes!  At check in I got a key, a key?...WAIT A DANG SECOND...a small cabin?!  You mean, no scary Orange is the New Black moments over who gets the top bunk..the weekend was awesome!  A group of guys from Missouri had rented out the bunkhouse!  Awe...privacy, no children, badass women screaming into camp after afternoon rides on the Pinhoti's...Let me say it again, this weekend was awesome!

No time to ride that evening.. :(  BUT, it was dinner time!  Never arrive at Mulberry Gap with a full belly, amazing home cooked meals and plenty of it. I met several of the ladies at dinner...lunch room table fear concurred!  Atlanta was the most popular hometown, one from Nashville, another from Asheville and I finally met Shanna, THE Endless Bike Girl!  I always see crazy pictures of her fairy wings, cool socks and all, on social media.  Single speeders rave over her bike cogs. Celebrity moment for sure!  We got a tentative schedule from Sue after dinner and everyone headed back to there cabins. WAIT...no group socialization? No camp fire shenanigans? I guess I was not the only one nervous about meeting new people.

My roommate arrived after dinner. We hit it off from the start!  She, too, was a medical professional.  We spent the evening nerding out on medical industry conversation, but not too deeply, we had mountain bikes to ride in the morning.

Saturday morning breakfast was Aaaamazing (I seem to be talking about food a lot)! Good nutrition for a day on the bike, a must! Water bottles were filled, crafty name tags made (of course I wrote my name really small and stuck it on my helmet, just like a good introvert would do), we are ready for some schoolin'. Scott's Bike Shop did a great job setting my bike up. I passed bike check with flying colors. Levers and shifter were all well placed, no adjustments needed.  Ready to shred!

Next, ride position check:  Lesson #1 - I do not hold my arms the right way. Elbows out! (crap,...shhh, he has been right the whole time, no one tell "him"). 

Onto riding: Ready position, moving around in the cockpit of the bike (that's right, biking is so cool we get to sit in a cockpit just like a fighter pilot...minus the wings, missiles, plane and engines...but it is still a cockpit!), braking (for weenies), and leaning the bike. Oh, leaning the bike. I have been working on that technique for a while . It has been my Achilles heel. Stop turning and start leaning! So much to work on at home. Note to self, buy small cones for home practice. Plus it will be a great way to get the kids working on skills too!

Next, bunny hops, wheel lifts (both front and back)...super fun.  On to WHEELIES...oh, no wheelies, but I want to learn how to wheelie! A few pointers were given for practicing a wheelie but we ran out of time. What a fun filled morning. Great instruction and support was handed out. I felt so inspired as I started to see some of these women feel more comfortable with their bike.

After lunch we headed to some of my most favorite, yet rarely, visited trails; Bear Creek, Pinhoti 1 and Pinhoti 2. During previous visits to Mulbarry Gap, I have always ridden the 5 mile climb to the top of Bear Creek. Not this time, we had a shuttle! Catch ya next time CLIMB. 

We started on the Bear Creek Spur. Practice time on gnarly switchbacks. I have not been able to clear the two on Bear Creek. Hike-a-bike in shame, but no more, time to clean them.  After watching Sue and two others, ride clear the first one, I took a deep breath and pedaled down. Eyes up, looked ahead, leaned the bike, butt was back, heels were down, used both brakes. I started into the righthand turn feeling balanced, under control, but then I felt my back wheel start to slide. Okay...no biggie! Kept looking up, looked where I was going. UMPH, my back wheel bucked up right in the apex of the turn, threw me slightly off line, but kept looking up resisting the urge to bail...ahhh TREE! Brake, gain control!  Letting the training take over.  I found myself leaning against a tree at the bottom of the switchback. I made it! A little out of control, but I made it. Sue chimes in "Great job! Remember to breath." Need to add breath to my prep list.

Several women were not quite sure if they wanted to attempt the tight off camber turn. One young lady, who was obviously a little intimidated, decided to put her fears aside and go for it. I was so proud of her!! She went into the right hand turn very well balance. Then, at the same place I had lost control, she starts to slide, ugh, she hit her brakes, gained some control and then, in slow motion, her back wheel started to buck up, she leans forward, BAM, just like that she was tumbling down the side of the hill. Shoot, I thought she was going to recover. Within seconds, several ladies were at her side, helping her up, collecting her bike and gear. She was quick to her feet and looking good. Phew, no need for nursing skills....Oh wait..."um, Noel, could you please come check out this cut?" Alright, taking off my helmet and putting the nursing hat on. I approached the group on the ground. Oh damn! Is that fatty tissue pocking out??? Yep, that was one deep "scratch."  That was going to leave a mark!  After flushing out the wound, we apply a wet to dry bandage with bits and pieces from the first aid kit in Shana's never ending supply pack. Moved to triage and insure she didn't have any other unnoticed injuries. She checks out otherwise unscathed. Alright back to biking for the rest of us...she was heading to the Ellijay hospital.  Mountain biking isn't for wimps!

The rest of the ride is fairly uneventful; seriously fun singletrack! Fast down hills with roots and rocks, creek crossings, uphill ascents with punchy climbs. What a BLAST! Re-energized and feeling the smooth movements of my bike as I LEANed into the turns, I found a new groove. It was all about flow. We headed back to camp for shower and dinner.

Sunday proved to be a little different than planned. A downpour had started Saturday night and didn't let up. :( No riding on Sunday. We set up shop in the Gathering Barn to turn lemons into lemonade.   With all the bikes gathered we set to taking wheels off and on, playing with suspension presser and rebound adjustments. The most impressive item on the docket was Shanna's pack, the woman carries literally everything in the pack. I swear she could survive the end of the world with that thing.  Who needs an American Express, when you have a pack like that...NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT.

I left the weekend feeling pumped, enlightened and ready to get more women educated on the basics of mountain biking. I really want to share the joy of freedom, accomplishment and independence the bike provides to us. I wish my personality allowed me the luxury of being unpredictable and spontaneous. If it did, I would quit my job tomorrow and start helping fellow female mountain bikers become more comfortable with a bike. Thank you Sue and Shanna! You are two very inspiring women who know how to pass on the inspiration to SHRED LIKE A GIRL!

Stay tuned in for my next blog post...going retro.  Well not really, just writing about my last race before my next race which is coming up this week.  

Time to Race out of Paynes

Last year was a tough year!  I raced through back and glut injuries (yep, my butt hurt...bad).  These injuries affected all aspects of riding. Strong core and good posture are critical to a good riding position which helps prevent injuries, take my word for it!  With the help of rest and professional rehab, my back is back. Winter training kept me moving.  As much as I despise riding a trainer...the devil personally invented my bike trainer...I had a job to do...pedal, even in the cold and rain...channeling my best Dory...just keep pedaling!  Thank you everyone that helped me through this tough time...late night back rubs from my husband, strength training with Ginger Sillery, massage therapy with Virginia Lee at ReVive Massage and PT from my buddies at Results Physiotherapy.  

As the year turned, I listened to my body...it wasn't ready for The Snake.  Took a pass to live to fight another day...The Snake will be there next year, all 34 miles of it.  I really want a buckle!  January and February came to pass, Craig kept asking...Are you racing this year?  Finally the timing was right...BATTLE FOR PAYNE'S CREEK, one of my favorites.  Time to return to racing!  The weekend drew near, the nervousness and anticipation was fluttering through my body. Luckily, I had recruited a wonderful travel partner, Bridget Moore. She is an experienced triathlete but new to mountain biking. Curiosity killed the cat, but it brought Bridget to the mountain bike race scene, and I was thankful. Craig couldn't make the trip, he was managing the family...soccer games and weekend activities.  The balancing act active parents of active children must perform. 

To my surprise, I was selected for a race day sponsorship by TORQ Nutrition. Race day nutrition is something planned and set in stone...than set in stone again...than bronzed.  NO CHANGES on race day, but I figured, new year, new plan...what the heck...I will try it and I LOVED IT!  

2017 is my 4th race season...hard to believe how far I have come from buying a 50 lb Diamondback with Craig at Dick's Sporting Goods on Black Friday in 2010.  Sure, I will give mountain biking a try...what could it hurt.

Payne's Creek is a fun and fast course. Friday morning, as I started to get ready for the race, I knew I just needed to get through a half  day of work, rush home from the clinic, pack my truck, pick up my travel partner and sit in Atlanta traffic...traffic sucks! In that chaos, I realized I forgotten an absolute necessity of racing...yes, I remembered my bike...three pregnancies didn't take that many brain cells, but I had left my pearls behind! How is a girl to go on!?!? As well as my sunglasses and folding chairs, but I had a saddle and eyelashes...I needed pearls!   God puts people in our lives at just the right moments, Bridget was my angel.  She had me covered with pearls and sunglasses. 

To break up the trip, we crashed at my parent's house in Athens.  Enjoyed some great Thai food, toured the old college stumping grounds and scored two chairs from Jerry NeSmith's garage stockpile...thank you, Dad and Mom!

Race day morning, I tried to stay calm...no luck!  I LOVE racing and today was my Christmas! Bridget and I left on time..I might have pushed us out the door. The drive to Hartwell was uneventful. We arrived, grabbed my race number, popped up the tent...Oh, how great it was to return to racing...day dreaming of past races and seeing old faces...an announcement awoke me from the moment...RACERS MEETING!. WHAT, WAIT, WHAT...I did not even have the bike off the rack! Yes, yes, yes...I cannot elbow anyone in the face...I get it, but I need my bike!  Heart rate was a gillion...sprinted to the car, put the number plate on...who needs warm up time!  Off to the start line, it was time to DO THIS!

With the Red Hot Chili Peppers whispering in my ear, I calmed my mind and got ready to ride. READY, SET, GO...We were off!  I had no idea if anyone else was in my class, it didn't matter, I was racing and I felt good...really good!  My goal: beat my previous times, competitors didn't matter, this race was for me. I focused on my cadence, found myself on the wheel of some great riders that kept me motivated to move, and pedaled! At the 30 min mark, I reached for my TORQ gel, opened it...fuel was on the way...while it was until I dropped it! Well, crap! No time to cry over slipped milk or dropped gels. Keep pedaling! The first lap was in the books.  I had beat my best lap time by 6 minutes!!!  Feeling strong, I exchanged my TORQ hydration bottle.  Made certain I had a firm grip on a new gel pack.  Took off for another lap.  The next two laps past like a dream.  I listened to the hub buzz on my Bontrager XXX wheels, an early 2017 upgrade to the Trek Top Fuel 9.8.5 "Top Dawg".  The guys at Scott's Bikes cannot go unmentioned, they keep my beast eating trails and shredding corners.  The Top Fuel soaked up all the bumps and roots Payne's Creek could throw at us.  She is a racing machine and I was overjoyed to be back on her saddle!

Pro moment...A personal race day photographer!  Bridget was a rock star. She was ever-ready with her camera, snapping photo, after photo of me. WOW...celebrity status! Next paparazzi will be tracking me down...LOL!

Three hours, only three hours!  Finishing my 3rd lap, I wanted time for a 4th lap, guess I need to train harder!  It was great to be back racing!  My nutrition was spot on, even with the lost gel. I met my goal! Every lap was faster than my personal record from 2 years ago. The winter rehab and training was paying dividends. The race brought me back!  Thank you Bridget for the physical and mental support, it was priceless!!!!  I will repay the favor anytime!  

Second in my class and 3rd overall female...not too bad for a chick who raced last year with a broke ass. Much respect for the Florida girls that finished ahead of me!  Great things are coming in 2017, I plan to race at least 2 other Chainbuster Races, along with local staples. My children's race season starts next weekend, as always, it is a balancing act between family life, professional life and race life.  I look forward to seeing new face and old friends on the start line this year! I might even get Craig to sign up for a race...might!  

Next race is the Velo Vixen's Night Shift 3/6 Hour Race at Booker T. Washington State Park on April 8.  I am teaming up with Christine Warren to tackle 6 hours of night racing.

Mountain Biking Mom

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