Mud Otter Classic 2006: Introduction

I don't even know where to begin with this series of blog updates. I could write a million lines about what the past week has been like! If you read Meggan's blog, she does an excellent job of recapping each event in precise detail with great pix! So in the meantime, as I get the momentum together for a really amazing blog update, read Meggan's! Or Joy's!

Greg took 800 pictures over the 4 days of racing. We will post all of the K&N related photos on the team site, plus a few highlight pix on this site. All Backbone team related pix will be posted by Cap'n Chris on Backbone team site.

I will begin with one of the highlights of the weekend, which happened to occur on the final day in the final race (Cross Country).......

As I was climbing approaching the 3k to go sign (also the pro feed zone where my wonderful husband Greg was stationed), the small white/grey figures in the distance became clear. Hundreds of sheep were migrating across the hills and were making their way across one of the final climbing sections of trail. It made me laugh out loud, but also feel somewhat concerned about what would happen when it was my turn to pass through the wool. As the guys ahead of me made their way up the climb, the sheep scattered to either side of the trail. I figured they would stay off the course for a little longer. As I made my way through, I looked over at a mama and baby as they watched me in my final minutes of agony. I wonder what they were thinking "she's crazy!" was probably one of the things that came to mind.

At this time, durign the final parts of the race, a feeling of accomplishment and joy masked the pain I had been feeling for the prior 3+ hours. I was going to DO THIS. I was going to finish the most greuling race I have done in my 6 years of racing, let alone my first 4 day UCI elite/pro stage race. Yes, the emotions were brewing, a few tears could have surfaced. But I knew I had to remain strong and continue with the power I had somehow built up a litlte while earlier once I hit the final road climb. From that point on (4 miles to go) I had legs that I didn't realize existed. Was wishing I had them 2 hours earlier on the first lap, but over time it will continue to come together.

When I surfaced onto the track for the final descent to the finish, I pulled with every ounce of energy I possibly had left. My bike noisy and voluntarily shifting while I tried to pound through in the big ring, I proudly made it through the finish to be greeted by friends, teammates, and the COMPLETION! It was DONE. my legs were shaking, but the adrenlaline was still flowing through my veins (would continue to do so for around 24 hours as I reflect on the pain and suffering of the last 4 days with friends and co-workers).

It was a pretty memorable and successful journey, bike problems and sore legs and tired eyes aside.

MORE SEA OTTER STORIES TO COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!