Joy had to drive me and my bum ankle back to our hotel to meet up with Greg and Murphy, Since Joy could still walk without pain (sort of), she proceeded to the town store to get some medical supplies for her abrasions and my hurt ankle. Epson salts, bandages, peroxide, advil liqui-gels, and some candy were part of her purchases. She also convinced me to follow up the luke-warm epson salts soak with an ice soak. EEEEK! Well it worked pretty well I must say.
In any event, hurt ankle aside, Josh, Jeremy, Teri and I represented Team K&N at the 2006 Cal State Sagebrush Safari. Greg captured some good photos along the way. My ankle felt fine during the race which is a pure miracle! It's actually continually getting better just in time for the impending doom that is called SEA OTTER PRO MTB STAGE RACE! Only 2 days away!
Take a look at that snazzy new kit!
To recap the race: I didn't get a proper warm-up due to some last minute monkeying with my saddle (thank goodness it wasn't a crit, else I would have been in big trouble w/out proper warm up). Race started fast as usual, and I ended up getting pushed by one of the expert riders which made it feel more like a road race. Whatever. Teri and I worked out some basic team tactics and I got myself in front of this other gal for the time being. The road climb to 4 corners was tough as usual, but I felt much stronger than in years past. Everything was fine and dandy until 1/2 way through the singletrack where I made another silly error and fell, knocking my gears out of sorts. Thus I had to manage w/out a big ring for much longer than I would have liked. Thankfully during the Mt Pinos climb I tinkered enough with the fine tune adjusters that I salvaged the big ring. It was noisy, but it worked with some brute force! I finally got my mojo back on Mt Pinos and it continued for the rest of the race. Built up a gap between myself and the next rider, and also closed the gap on those in front of me. In the end, aliments and mechanical issues aside, I finished 6th place and felt strong. Had I not had issues, I think I could have placed better, but I still can't complain! I shaved over 20 minutes off last year's time (partially due to paved climb up Mt Pinos) It's amazing how much time you can lose monkeying with things on your bike (even when riding) and when you don't have a big ring when you really need it !!!!!!!!!!!
Another Sagebrush Safari in the history books!
5 comments:
Did you say you were big ringing it UP Pinos? Ugh. Good work at the race, See ya Thursday!
Nah, only in the few downward spots and then as I approached the very top. however, I was tinkering the fine tune adjuster different times througout the climb so that i would actually HAVE the big ring working SOMEWHAT!
Good job on Sunday Christie! In reading your blog, Joy's, talking to others, and my own experience, I noticed a trend of crashes and mechanicals that all have a similar ring to them. Tell your husband I said Thank You for taking pictures and that he did a great job. See you at Sea Otter.
You have a great game face-I had no idea you were having mechanicals and ankle issues! What a trooper! See you at Sea Otter!
Nice work Christie ..You girls go kick some butt at Sea Otter. I only wish I were there to cheer you on.
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