Old Cazadero Grasshopper 2017

[Cathy]

How did this day get here so fast? I remember when Jim signed us up and I was like, "oh, ok", thinking how far off that day was and how much time was ahead for me to prepare. Somehow there must've been, I swear to it, a time warp. I blinked and woke up Saturday morning, January 18th, and all of a sudden I was in a car with three other Acme team riders, four shiny race bikes and my one cup of coffee to clear my groggy head. And just about zero of that preparation I spoke of earlier! 

But, I had a cheery, positive group to get me psyched up and ready to have a fun and challenging day. Jim, Teddy, Phil and I made the trek to Occidental and they kept the vibe positive as we drove through the beautiful country side with it's rolling green pastures and organic dairy farms. Phil pointed out the Strauss Family Creamery and the happy milk producing cows that live there. Which then led to a discussion on the nuances of animal behavior and whether or not humans tend to anthropomorphize cows and other beasts. I, of course, tend to side with PETA; however, I may have been outnumbered and outmaneuvered by three, much too intelligent men, who have obviously put too much thought into this subject. 

But...back to my point. The guys were in it to do their best and I knew I was traveling with a power-packed group of Acme racers. I told myself I would do my part to keep the team strong.

I certainly do not want to gloss over the wonderful invite we received from Phil to gear up at his friend's place about a mile up the road from the start. We rolled into town and registered and then headed up to the home of THE MOST GRACIOUS host. His name is Mark and he welcomed us into a warm house to change and prepare for our race. He even had donuts! (And so much more. I just want to acknowledge and thank him for his amazing hospitality.)

We rode down to the start to warm up and saw several other Acme Team riders. Greg, Mark and Carson were all there and ready to rock. Carson's dad, Dave, was there to support us all. Thanks, Dave! 

Last year was my first time riding in the Old Caz, so I was feeling pretty good about knowing what to expect. I knew the challenges ahead and that I was physically not ready for this race. Jim advised me to use it as a training ride and to really just have some fun with it all. So as we lined up to start up that first climb, I was feeling happy and ready to ride hard. Jim had my rigid 29er set up with a 34x10 and 2.0 tires in front and 1.9 in the rear. I knew my bike was ready to handle mud, dirt and pavement. So I waited, patiently, at my spot in the back with about 400 other riders, for the 10'o'clock start time. And then, yes! We were off! And, just like last year, it took a good 4-5 minutes to even find an opening to start actually racing. We "back group riders" seemed to be doing a lot more talking and joking than pedaling. In fact, once we started moving and climbing the first climb, I began to get frustrated at the people carrying on conversations and clogging up the passing lanes. I admit it, I swerved outside of the double yellow lines a few times to get by these frolicking, carefree riders. 

I eventually got free and kept my sights on a speedy lady on a mountain bike ahead of me. She was going for it, so I figured I would catch up to my fellow brethren. My plan was to get space between me and groups of slow riders for the upcoming descent. I hit the long downhill in a pretty good position. I was able to get around people by passing on the edges and not caring about hurting their feelings. I landed on the back of a group of pretty fast guys who could descend well on cross bikes and just stuck right there. It was not as fast as I wanted, but fast enough and safe enough. That downhill was the best part though and I was smiling at the bottom. 

I managed to find my way in different groups all the way to the turn to Duncan road. Many times I was alone, but somehow I made it through the road section. I was dreading that the most, fearing that I would not have a pack to help me. So I was actually happy to hit the climb and make this more an individual sport again. 

As I was settling in for the climb, trying to stay ahead of a few women, I came upon my fellow teammate/boyfriend stranded along the side, tire in hand. Jim had unfortunately encountered the dreaded double flat and quickly grabbed a tube and pump from me as I was riding past. I really felt awful, as I knew he was feeling ready to race hard, and I know that must have been disappointing. Especially as he was in first place up to that point and feeling good. However, he encouraged me and said he would be along shortly to finish out the ride by my side. His loss was actually my gain. 

Jim quickly caught up and did indeed ride with me. After the creek crossing, where he shot a video of me struggling across, he raced ahead to the feed station and did a bottle hand off for me. I just kept rolling. Once we hit the pavement, he pulled me...and quickly, many other lucky people were on the Jim train.  He was my workhorse and I will not be able to repay him for such a valiant effort. I had my pack! Thank you baby! 

We turned back to the dirt and I knew it was up for me. I was toast. But I tried hard and, after all Jim did to help me, I could not just roll over. I said goodbye to my guy as he hit it hard for the last climb. I pretty much was in my own little world of agony that last little bit. I bounced back and forth with a couple men, who finally dug in and got ahead. I was passed by the fourth place woman as we climbed up the hill of death, as I like to call it. She was looking strong and ended up finishing three minutes ahead of me. My body had shut down, as I do not think there were even three minutes of racing left at that point...at a normal pace!  I focused on turning the pedals and not stopping. 

Climbing up to cross that finish line was glorious! I heard my teammates whooping it up for me and encouraging me! Thank you guys! I am so proud of all of you. Phil rocked it for the 4th place finish and Carson rode strong on his full suspension mt bike for a 9th place finish. Nice work in the top ten guys! Teddy did his very first cross country race on a cross bike and got 27th in a field of more than 400! Mark and Greg put up some rocking fast times and both were all smiles at the finish line. And Dave was there to congratulate us all! 

But most of all, Jim was there, all smiles and encouragement. It was not his day, but he did his best to make it mine! 

What a day for Acme Bikes...once again, a strong showing and positive attitudes. You are all solid. Cannot wait for the next one!

Until next time,

Cathy