Cal State Finals

The 2006 MTB season is officially over!

Well after much deliberation, I decided to go out and race the California State Finals at windy, hot and brown Castaic Lake Recreation Facility. In 5 years of racing in SoCal, I have never been able to fit the finals into my schedule. The last few years October has been time for travel, weddings, wildfires and the start to the off-season. This year Team Big Bear kept the season going a bit longer! My body was already somewhat in the off-season, so I knew this race would be tough! Castaic is known for short steep climbs and a few long, somewhat loose climbs.

Apart from the pain and suffering caused by not being able to train as much the last few weeks and a nauseous feeling in my tummy almost the whole race, it was a good day. I had fun starting off the race with Chrissy, Carolyn and Tommara. People commented about how there was too much friendly chatter at the start. Actually the chit-chat continued for the first 5 minutes or so into the race. It was probably the most relaxed start ever! I think the expert women's start was alot faster. But it was fun and a nice way to end the season.

In the end, I finished pretty far behind but wasn't expecting to go out there and have a stellar race in the first place. I finished 3rd (Tommara DNF'd) , so I ended up on the podium one more time for the season which was very nice. Even better, I ended up 4th overall for the series. Moved back up from 5th (was in 2nd place for half the season, but missed the last few races so lost points).

One last race podium for the season. 3rd place.

4th place overall for the series

Greg's parents were at the race and got to see me start and complete the first lap. Then they were on their way to Monterey and then back to San Fran to finish up their California vacation. It was exciting to have them there for sure! Too bad it wasn't one of my better performances though... :o) Hopefully next year!

Greg and Murphy did a great job feeding and taking some pix. Thanks! Also thanks to the Backbone peeps for cheering me on during the race. Congrats to Papo for a stellar fastest expert time of the day and sealing the championship!!!!!!!!!! Congrats to Joy for her age class championship as well! Congrats to everyone for a great season.