One of the reasons why I race....

I wanted to post the picture (as seen below) because it really made this year's Sea Otter a fun experience (apart from the mud and suffering). We really have a strong group of local (and semi-local) pro ladies. It has been exciting to see alot of us in our first year as pro MTB'ers and going through the whole learning process. In some sense, your first year (or even 2) as a pro is like being a beginner. A small fish in a big pond, with lots to learn and experience. A whole new level of speed, power and endurance is required and just getting out there and racing at this level makes us stronger.

After the Sea Otter Time Trial: (From Left to Right: Heather Svahn, Carolyn Popovic, Meggan Flaherty, Teri Strayer, Christie Pleiss, Chrissy Bono and Mandy Eakins)

It's having a group of ladies like this to race with every weekend that helps make racing a good experience even on the worst day. We can act crazy, chat about "girl stuff", make the guys want to have nothing to do with us, etc etc.However, then we get out there on the course and work hard and strong. Yet, while we are out there working hard and essentially competing against eachother, we are still friends and help encourage eachother in times of need. That was especially evident during some of the stages of Sea Otter. Just simply encouraging eachother and helping as friends.

Also, I can't leave out Joy, who is technically an honorary pro gal. Sometimes we forget that she has not yet moved up to pro, which only goes to show we see alot of potential in her and know she will do GREAT THINGS!