The Lake Sonoma Grasshopper was another adventure in fitness combined with stunning scenery. I rode my Trek hardtail 29er for the 25-mile race. As the morning progressed and racers warmed up, we all gathered for our race meeting, which immediately launched into the race start. I liked the beginning because, for the first time, I actually got to see the leaders take off up the road. I watched as Jim and Carson rode away with the other racers at the front. My start was rough, slow, and I was passed by folks endlessly. As I started to settle in, I gained back some ground and began to catch the racers I wanted to stay with as much as possible.
The racing was certainly fun with its miles of single track, but ultimately incredibly challenging with the constant, punchy climbs. As I said, this was a physical challenge of the fittest. And, unfortunately, I was on the lowest rung of the fitness ladder today. But knowing where I stood in my current abilities, I just put my head down and rode my best.
At the feed station, I decided I was ready to take a break and hung out to drink and eat and chat with others doing the same. I did not know what was ahead of me, thank God, or I would have been pretty stressed. I am pretty sure all we did was climb after that point. And…it really did not help that I missed a crucial turn and ended up climbing up some very, VERY steep fire road. I was alone and cursing the organizers for making us race up that blasted, endless hill. Who would do this to anyone? Ugh, so I just dug in and turned the pedals, the whole time muttering my incredulity at the audacity of the organizers, but knowing everyone else had to do it, so shut up and ride.
I know now, that I made a route-finding error; however, it only added to my experience of the day and, not knowing during the race, I merely thought it was part of the day’s action. So when I came around the last turn to the finish, I really, really thought there would be another climb. But, that was it and the climbing was done and the race was over. Yay! And there was my awesome guy, and our teammates who all hung out for an hour, I like to think, waiting for me, lol! Then the freezing ride back down to the parking lot for food. Ended up being a great day.
Congratulations to Carson for the third place podium finish in pro class! Jim killed it with a fourth place pro finish. Nice work guys! Mark, Mark, Greg and Dave each had their own experiences and some mishaps, but finished strong for Team Acme. So proud to be a part of this group, and looking forward to a fun season.
Until next time,
Cat
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