Firestone Walker Race Report

Yes that's me the one holding up 2 arms while everyone else was holding up 1. Maybe it was because I was extra excited to be there? If you look closely my eyes are watering with emotion. Then I looked out into the crowd and saw Teri doing the same. It was a special moment I have to say. I think Teri and I hugged 100 times that day. James was kneeling down in the front taking this picture. He was happy too.

The race was held at the Firestone-Walker property near Los Olivos/Solvang (right at the mile 90 SAG stop for those of you who have done Solvang Century). I rode up with Joy and her posse (Jason, Uriah and Dozer the 105 lb American Bulldog.. not even full grown yet).

Saturday we did an easy pre-ride of the course realizing that it was going to be a very fast race and it would be mentally challenging as well since everyone would likely be together for a while. James was there helping me, Joy and Mandy tune up our bikes. Thanks James! Sat evening we did the pasta-feed at the venue with Meggan/Steve and Sami/Jon.

Sunday race day: The cloud cover burned off, the humidiy was rising along the with temps and my nervousness. It was going to be our first hot race of the year which always takes some adjustment. Race started in the peak of the heat and as I expected went out FAST. Most of the group stayed together for the first 30 minutes or so, and then finally broke apart. I stuck in the top 5 with some toggling as high up as 3rd on the first lap (with some interesting tactics and mind games to deal with). In the end I ended up in 4th overall out of a strong field of 12 pro women, only 35 seconds out of 2nd place! I tried so hard to catch #2 and #3 but they always saw me coming. So of course they weren't going to give it up that easy! It was a great experience, definately excellent training as the season continues!

Congrats to Jeremy who took another sport 25-29 podium in 4th place! He was looking very strong out there that is for sure.

Congrats to Joy who took first in her expert class and 2nd fastest expert time of the day. Thankfully she had NO MECHANICAL problems!

Congrats to Ara who finished his first marathon race. 5 laps of a 15.5 mile course!

Thanks once again to the Backbone crew for their cheers and support out there on the course!