The Many "Firsts" of Bonelli

I always make fun of Bonelli Park and call it Smelly Bonelli, "the place where Teri saw a giant dead catfish floating on the trail", among other things. As much as I poke fun, it actually represents several "firsts" for me. Another one of those firsts occured yesterday ...

2002: First MTB race in California and first podium as sport racer (in Cali)
2003: First podium as expert racer (in Cali)
yesterday: First time on the podium as a pro!

Picture of the Day: It might be hard to tell in this picture, but Meggan, Teri and me are at the start dancing in place to a dance remix of "Total Eclipse of the Heart". Meggan even broke out a rendition of the guys from Night at the Roxbury. The pre-race music pumping from the Team Big Bear trailer included American Idol Theme Song, something by the Backstreet Boys and a wide variety of other selections. The odd tunes were definately a topic of conversation as Joy, Teri and I warmed up.

It was a fun day, good weather, good trail conditions and great company. At the end of the race, Steve (Meggan's hubby) said "What did YOU eat for breakfast?". I actually took a second to think about it after he asked because whatever it was worked! I ended up 3rd place yesterday out of 8 pro women finishers (9 started). A pretty good turnout of strong ladies again for a local race. I learned alot yesterday during the race about myself and my capabilities when I really put my MIND to it (because it's not all about the legs!). I am still in shock that ole Smelly Bonelli would be the place where I would experience yet another "first". It was also great to spend so much time with or nearby Chrissy and Carolyn out there during the race.

Shout Out Thank Yous:

Thom Blaine, manager of Team Jose Ole. thank you for the support before and during the race! (Thanks Joy for sharing your peeps!)

Cap'n Chris Sharp, Ara, Abel, Al, Short Stack and the whole Backbone Crew. It was fun hanging out and thanks for the encouragement out there on the course. Thanks for sharing your BBQ food and playing with Murphy-dog!

Biggest Bummer of the day: Joy lost her cranks (2x) and had to finished her race single-legged! Props to Joy for FINISHING under those circumstances!

Other exciting Bonelli news: Jeremy had his first MTB podium EVER with an awesome 5th place finish in his sport race! Congrats!!!