2015 Sacramento CX #5 - Lembi Park: Wet and Wild!

What an interesting day full of surprises. The biggest surprise was the rain. Yes, I knew there was a chance of showers but they were forecasted for later in the afternoon so I figured I was golden in keeping skinny hardpack tires on my bike. Wrong! Sure enough, right before the start of the women’s race the skies opened up and in a matter of minutes the nice dry course turned into a slip-and-slide rollercoaster. The rain did not let up for the entire race making for quite the interesting endeavor.

Rocking the slick as ice mud.
Photo by Gary Hudson

Due to the change of conditions (and perhaps a little mental fatigue) I wasn’t fully committed at the start and it wasn’t long before the lead pack drifted away from me. Sometime during the second lap a light went on in my head that said “hello, this is a race and you are a racer, snap to it” so at that point I started to apply myself more and found some competition to battle with for the rest of the race. It was nice to get my motivation back as we pushed each other until the end.  

More rain induced treachery
Photo by Gary Hudson

Back and forth we went taking turns leading and following.

Cyclocross is a great learning environment. It seems every race so far has had different learning experiences. Today reminded me of how important it is to stay focused and committed for the entire race. Unlike mountain biking, there isn’t any time to take a break or make up some time on the downhill. I still finished 6^th out of 20 but I know there are things I could have done different for better results.  I really look forward to applying all the lessons I am learning to future races.

Gotta love the Squid Mobile!

Other awesome notes about the day. 24hr-Solo World Champion Sonya Looney showed up to race. I missed out on saying “hi” to her but it was still amazing to see her there. Another one of my favorite things about going to the Sacramento CX races is that I get to see all the colorful Squid Bikes. It is so fun to watch them zoom around the course in all their iterations. . And lastly, the GHETO CX crew always makes for a more enjoyable event. What would CX be without great tunes and an awesome commentator? 

SuperPro CX Vallejo - "this ain't no fooling around"

Since my mountain bike race season is now officially over I decided it’s time to really focus on this whole cyclocross racing thing. Desperate to get out there to get some CX racing experience I signed up for the first race on the calendar that I wasn’t working. It just happened to be SuperProRacing's Vallejo CX race at Dan Foley Park. I had no idea what to expect other than it sounded fun on the very brief description – “Short, steep ups and fast, curvy downs are in the mix” – great, I’m in!!!

While arriving  we could see little glimpses of the course on our way to park…”oohh, ahhh” came to mind when I saw the swooping downhills and off camber turns taped off for the  course. I was anxious to get in a low key pre-ride lap before the racing began so I hopped on the course as soon as we got there. It took no time to figure out that this wasn’t just another CX course. Crazy climbs. Murky mud crossings. Steep sketchy descents. Even a mini rat maze-like sand pit. I’m not gonna lie, I was a bit concerned. My tire selection was not one for such mixed terrain and it was quite the workout just doing an easy recon lap.

One of several mud crossings and right behind first place. Still clean!

Enough prelude, on to the race! Seeing that this was my first SuperPro race I was assigned to the back row of the start. I knew to have a chance of doing well I had to get up front in a very short amount of time. So when the race started I charged, bobbed, and weaved my way as much to the front as possible before the sharp right-hander into a curb followed by the first mud crossing. I was toward the front already and the girl in first place wiped out in the mud. The rest of us had to take measures to avoid her as we slide around the slippery turn into the next mud crossing. Somehow I ended up just behind the lead rider as we continued to cross through more mud followed by the sand trap and a steep climb.

Still feeling motivated and strong through the barriers.

For the rest of the lap I was able to keep first place in sight and still within reach. About halfway into the second lap I was motoring down a steep loose off-camber hill when my foot somehow unclipped from the pedal and sent my hurtling through deep wood chips that left me balled up on the ground. Even though I popped up fairly quickly I was a bit discombobulated and lost some of my mojo for a while. 1st place managed to pull ahead of me and I had no sense of who was behind me.

Made it safe down this "steeper than it looks" hill this time, but she had her way with me on the next go around.

Between pushing my physical limits and crashing I was becoming a bit sloppy. Another crash ensued going up a hill and I started to feel a bit worn at this point. After another mistake, I was passed. For much of the remainder of the race the two of us would battle back and forth taking turns leading the way. In the end she had a bit more power that allowed her to pull away at the end of the final lap. 

The on going battle for second place. Feeling (and looking) quite rubber legged at this point.

When it was all said and done I ended up in 3rd place out of 13 women. That'll do!

Another good showing for a newbie! However, I feel like I have so much more to learn and room to improve. Looking forward to my next race and learning experience. 

2015 Bidwell Bump XC race report - getting gnarly!

The Bidwell Bump was my “welcome back to California” race last year. I had no idea what I was getting into when I signed up for the race.  This year however I knew full well what I was getting myself into: gnar, gnar, gnar  - and don’t forget the climbing in-between.  

The day started out way too early with a 3am wake up call to make the trip north to Chico.  The sun was just rising as we pulled into town. It was a glorious morning with clear skies and crisp air. I went out to warm up a bit before the start and realized I wasn’t feel very motivated to give it my all. The combination of lack of sleep the days leading up to the race and the memories of “lava rash” that I received on the previous year were getting the best of me.

 

Everyone lining up together before the 2015 Bidwell Bump XC
Photo by Soul id

The XC race is a mass start so I was able to line up next to my hubby.  Before I knew it we were charging down the paved road toward the lava clad climb that would last for about 4 miles. I was slow getting going and I felt like everyone and their mom was going faster than me.  After about 10-15 minutes of climbing my body started waking up and I was able to pick up the pace and started picking off riders one by one.  At the top of the climb the trail takes a sharp right onto a rocky loose 1-1/2 mile singletrack descent that is full of surprises for those unfamiliar with the trail (like me).  I found myself flirting with disaster on more than one occasion but managed to keep things in check.  The B-trail singletrack ended at a dirt road where feisty spectators awaited to offer beer hand ups. Despite their generosity I refrained from the brewskis and proceeded to keep the pedal on the gas for the 1 mile gradual descent to the creek crossing. At this point I was shocked that my husband had yet to catch me and I started to wonder if something went wrong. 





Dropping the hammer on Guardian
Photo by Soul id

I’m pretty sure the creek wading portion of the race is about the halfway point and it felt like I got there pretty fast. At the same time I knew the rest of the course was pretty demanding from what little I could remember. Sure enough after turning my feet and legs into popsicles it was time for a nice loose climb for about a mile. The climb was the least of my worries. I knew there was some crazy stuff coming up and I didn’t want to have a repeat from the previous year.  Before things got crazy there was a real fun flowy section of trail that made me forget about everything except having fun. Wheeee!!! Then things got cra-cra on Bloody Pin Trail but I managed to keep the rubber side down this time. I knew I was losing a lot of time being extra cautious but I didn’t feel like donating more blood to this appropriately named trail.  I sighed in relief when I made it to the next trail junction and continued on with more confidence.

The trail continued downhill for a bit more dancing playfully through the rocks. I was having fun and started to forget that I was actually in a race when I heard a familiar sound behind me: my husband! Just when I thought I might finally beat him (oh well, one day!).  More downhill and then came the brutal hike-a-bike.  I had the hubby in sight so I charged up the hill. I just about caught him again when it was time for some more technical descending (his specialty).  Before I knew it I heard crazy cowbells and cheering spectators at the bottom of a steep rock feature.  Peer pressure won and I went for it, success! Shortly afterward I crossed the finish line. I had no idea how I did compared to the other women but I knew my time was significantly faster than the previous year. The end result was 1^st place in the women’s open expert. Hooray!!!

1st across the finish line but failed to make it to the awards ceremony on time...feeling awkward.

 

I recommend the Bidwell Bump to anyone looking for a “real” mountain bike race -the trails are very unique and challenging. It's not the longest course but there are no "empty" boring miles.



Photo by Soul id

Lessons learned: My little Ellsworth got it done once again, however a bike with more travel would be welcome on this course. Also, what a difference a year makes: over the last year my skills, fitness, and confidence have increased.  Today was proof. My race results were approximately 8 minutes faster than the previous year without truly pushing myself.  Hard work really does pay off over time.

 

It was awesome to end the MTB race season on a good note. I am movtivated and look forward to doing great things next year. :)

2015 Sacramento CX Race #1 - Orangevale Park

Ever since getting a taste of cyclocross at the Rock Lobster Cup about a month ago I have been chomping at the bit to give it another go.  The work and play scheduled aligned in such a way that I was able to attend the Sacramento CX Race season opener at Orangevale Park – Woohoo!

We rolled up a couple hours before race time and the place was already packed. Cool! Nice to see so many peeps wanting to play. After taking care of registration I did a few laps to check out the course. I must say, I was impressed with what a nice job they did of making it fun and interesting. 

Still applying the pressure halfway through the race
Photo by Gary Hudson

Race time! All the women lined up in waves according to their category. Some got called up to the front line while the rest of us had to file in behind them. I started with the B Women today. Before I knew it we were off, sprinting and zig-zagging through the grass, all jockeying for position. Anyone that knows anything about cross knows it’s a high intensity sport and this race was no different. Heart rate was already through the roof! I kept pushing anyway despite the fact that the temperature was nearing 90 degrees and I didn’t think my heart could pound any faster.

To make a long story short, I managed to hold my own and then some today. I was able to maintain a high intensity for the entire race, ride the whole sand pit (barrier included) each lap, and smoothly get on and off my bike for each obstacle: all of which are major victories.  In the end I managed to finish 5^th out of 18 in the Open B Women category.  A satisfying result for a newbie to cyclocross. Can’t wait for the next race!

Thanks again to the hubby for supporting me in both word and deed. The Moots performed flawlessly, of course!

2015 Annadel XC Race Report

Annadel, oh Annadel…a place full of magically delicious rocks galore, fun swoopedie single-track, climbing, and descending alike…a little bit of mountain bike heaven squished into a corner of Santa Rosa, CA. Many years ago, before life took me to other places far from the Bay Area, Annadel was the favored trails among many in the area. It was always a treat when I could make the hour or so trek north to sample their sweet delights. So when I moved back to the area about a year ago and heard there is a mountain bike race at Annadel I was so excited.

I had a whole year to look forward to this race. Seemed like forever!  But then before I knew it, September approached and the race drew nigh. I noticed I was becoming extremely antsy and nervous the days preceding the race. Not sure what got into me, I guess I wanted to do really well and was realized I was putting a lot of pressure on myself. The day before the race I knew I had to real in the nervous energy or else I was going to get owned. Once I got my head straight I was able to relax and focus at the task at hand. The race, yay!

This year the  Annadel XC race started in a parking lot at Spring Lake Park where each category of riders was able to have their own start (unlike previous year’s when it was a mass start). I was very happy that Bike Monkey decided to make this change (thanks Bike Monkey!). Soon it was time for the Expert Open Women to line up (that’s me!) and the Pro Women. Unfortunately, only one Pro Woman lined up, but I was pretty stoked that it was Larissa Connors! It was pretty awesome to be on the front line with her. Needless to say that I only saw her for a couple of minutes of the whole race, she was GONZO!

The whistle blew and we were off! The course starts with a rocky uphill fire road climb before dropping into a technical singletrack downhill. I knew I wanted to be as much in front as I could before the singletrack so I wouldn’t get slowed down there. This was a tall order for me since I have a hard time functioning at the beginning of a race. I was doing pretty well up the climb sitting either 2^nd or 3^rd out of the 16 starters. Just before entering the downhill singletrack I let myself get passed 

Hunting for a spot to pass on the first rocky decent 

(mistake numeral uno), subsequently I was slowed down on the decent as predicted with nowhere to pass. Luckily, this portion of trail wasn’t super long but I definitely lost some time. As soon as the trail dropped us onto the road for a brief spell I seized the opportunity to get past my competition. Unfortunately, someone else passed me as well before the next section of singletrack. At this point I knew there was still a lot of trail ahead of me and while I needed to push, I also needed to pace myself appropriately. I felt like I was moving pretty well through this fun section of trail with its little rocky ups and downs before it finally dumps into the Warren Richardson fire road climb. I was a little worried about this section since I know powering up long non-technical climbs is not my strong suit. I pushed as much as I felt comfortable going up the climb (perhaps the word comfortable is my problem) and sure enough I was passed by 2 ladies in my race shortly before the top. Now I should’ve learned about this from “mistake numero uno” but instead of fighting back I made this “mistake numero dos”. Sure enough, as soon as the climb was over, it was time for some swoopedie fast fun down North Burma Trail. Except one problem, there was no going fast and nowhere to pass in this section, blocked again, doh! I had to wait to the end of North Burma where I bullied my way past on the inside while turning onto Live Oak. Yes, I felt like a jerk, but its racing, right!? :S  Anyway, up and down we went through the rocks of Live Oak and another fast little section before arriving at the lake.  I was feeling good and holding my own at this point, but once we got to the lake I knew there was another extended climb up the South Burma trail. Usually, I can motor up this pretty well but today I just didn’t have the legs. Subsequently, I was repassed by the lady I cut off and by another woman. Sigh. I was doing the math in my head, realizing that at this point there were 5 or 6 ladies ahead of me. At this point a real mental battle ensued, all the ugly voices started rearing their head, and it took a lot of positive self-talk to get myself to the other side of that climb. I felt a lot better once I made it to the top without getting passed anymore and I knew much of the next 5 miles or so would play in my favor. I love the rocks, roots, and turns on Marsh and Lawndale trails and I was flying. Before I knew it I caught one of the ladies that passed me on the climb. After passing I kept the hammer down for the rest of the downhill. At the bottom Lawndale trail is Lawndale road. An aid station was set up here with water, beer, and dare I say, dollars sticking out of beer cans. Nice! At this point I could have kicked back for a bit of recovery time on the road before heading into the next rocky climb, but I was afraid I would get passed again if I backed off. So I pushed myself up the paved hill and once back on the dirt I went for a little discomfort on the final climb knowing that it could pay dividends. I somehow made it up Schultz and over to Ridge without getting passed. With a sigh of relief I gave one last push as I cranked through Ridge Trail…and then it was time to descend for approximately 3 miles. Woohoo! Holy rock blast! Did I say yet how much I love my little bike?! She’s a good girl! She ate up those rocks, spit them out, and left me hankering for more! And then there was the finish line! Survey says, I managed to finish 5th out of 16. I'll take it!

Super-stoked coming across the finish line

Lessons learned, sometime I should probably push a little harder when I don’t want to. However, in this case, I might have only gained one place higher on the podium if I did. The top ladies where smoking fast! All in all, I’ll pat myself on the back for a great effort and good starting place for improvement.  On another note, my little old Ellsworth is still the bomb digity, love her…and my husband is the bestest mechanic evah!

Also, want to give Bike Monkey a shout out for putting on a great event. The food and prizes were awesome. Super stoked to have received one of the coveted prints.

All in a good day's work

Lee Likes Skills Clinic

I recently signed up and attended a Level 1 Lee Likes Skills Clinic with Lee McCormack at Soquel Demonstration Forest in Santa Cruz. I have to admit I was pretty apprehensive about attending this class. After all, I have been mountain biking for a LONG time. What could I possibly learn in a level 1 class? After talking with Lee, he convinced me that all levels of riders could improve their skills in this class, so I crossed my fingers and took the plunge.  

The truth is I’ve been desperate for some skills attention (though I didn’t want to admit it). I never had any formal skills instruction, I learned from the school of hard knocks.  Subsequently, getting good has been a long slow process with lots of boo-boos, confidence rattling, and bad habits along the way.  Even though I was doing well at racing, I knew I needed something extra to get me to the next level. Plus, I wanted to feel safe and more confident at speed, especially when approaching increasingly technical trails.   

So the day arrived to meet the great Lee McCormack. I really didn’t know what to expect. It turns out Lee is a very likeable guy and in no time I felt comfortable working with him. The session began with us all doing a quick assessment of proper body position and fit to determine if our bikes were properly set up for each of us. Based on this assessment it was pointed out to me that I needed to return to using a shorter stem for a better fit. Next we moved on to basic body position, braking, and turning techniques. While they may seem like the simplest of skills, I quickly learned that some minor tweaking would reap major benefits. The way Lee explained things opened my eyes and helped me to finally grasp of what I was missing on the bike.  Once we got down the basics it was on to something a little more challenging.  

When it comes to things that look “scary,” Lee showed us that they don’t have to be. He explained, demonstrated, and then coached us through a log drop that I probably never would have done on my own. After becoming “kung fu masters,” we got to go put all those kung fu skills to practice on the trails.  Woohoo!!! 

While it was a fun and productive day, the real question was how it would translate to future rides. Would I notice a difference? Would I remember anything I learned? I believe that answer is a resounding, YES! The following week I went to Downieville with my husband and some of his co-workers. I believe it is safe to say that I shocked him (and myself a bit) by the speed and fluidity that I tackled the trail, on a cross-country bike, nonetheless. Talk about a super-stoke session! Thanks Lee!! 

I look forward to working with Lee again and highly recommend his skill clinics to anyone who wants to improve their game. To learn more visit Lee Likes Bikes