Womens Bicycle Racing

Finally, after training as time would allow, and lately consistently following Coach Suzanne’s training program, I decided to join a race. I was nervous about it, and Phil came to watch and be supportive. The warm-up, an exercise in turning done counterclockwise on the track and using some of the internal paved areas, was led by Barb and told me immediately not to expect to keep up with the pack.I was an obvious newbie and the marshals spotted me like the weak animal in the herd. Up they rode beside me, directing me in the turns, asking me if I was getting more comfortable. Oh, I guess it IS this obvious that I’m inexperienced. Ah well, that also led to getting good advice from them.

After the race started, I was soon left on the course alone, Whitney led them out like a shot, and I wasn’t ready for that kind of speed. Here come the marshals again, Chris giving me a push so that I can get on the back. It was greatly appreciated, but I didn’t last there very long. I kept pedaling and a couple of times I got my shot to get back on the pack when they came round, and the break offered by letting them block the wind was welcome. But I didn’t want to block any of the racers, and sometimes that led me to holding off too long to jump on. I didn’t feel too discouraged though. I had come to watch some of the races and that served me well as I remembered seeing others who were struggling ride most of the race alone, often with a marshal riding with them, giving them advice. Tonight this would be me.

Toward the end of the race, I spotted Stacie who had dropped and was riding with a marshal (Barb), my marshal now was Carl. I picked up the drag from Stacie’s wheel and after awhile, was able to offer her mine. She and I pacelined with each other for several rounds and our speed picked up considerably as a result. That was a lot of fun. When the pack came around again, Stacie had the strength to jump on for the final lap, me, well I felt like I was burping up lunch or something so I didn’t. But I did finish, and I finished feeling good about finishing. Everyone there was so encouraging. Doug, up in the score booth, yelled positive things to me, or told me to jump back on the pack when they come ’round. The marshals were very supportive and gave me tons of good advice while riding beside me.

What a great group of people. I was yelling “Go Rachel” from the other side of the track when I could see she was in second place. Even though I couldn’t keep up with the strong racers of the team, it was good to be out there riding as a part of it, and I’ll keep doing it. One of these days, I may be able to place, or at least be strong enough to strategize with the team and pedal for the stronger finishers who can sprint out and take a win! My goal before season’s end is to keep up with the pack. And who knows what next year will bring?

P.S. For those of you who may have noticed that I was the ONLY racer out there with the reflectors still on my bike, Phil removed them to save me future embarrassment!