Last Sunday was race #2 of the CCCX Super D series. I wasn’t sure how I’d do given that I went on vacation and didn’t ride for 3 weeks after the last race. I’d been debating whether to move up to Cat 2 after my last race; I decided to stay in Cat 3 this time due to potential rustiness.
The course this time was longer, and involved some pedaling. Pedaling, boo! Okay, it was minimal, but still, boo! I’m all about gravity doing the work for me.
I felt pretty good on my run. There were definitely a few spots I could have done better, but I thought I turned in a solid effort overall. Then the results came in. I’d won my category. And once again, I’d have won the next category up. I guess that means I should move up to Cat 2 next race.
Here’s the podium picture, complete with fancy new windproof Quadzilla jacket that doesn’t lift and show mah pale bellay like the jersey from last time:
And here’s an action shot. Photo credit to Jeff Lindenthal:
I learned a lot from this picture, particularly because it’s on a section of trail that psyched me out even though it was really straightforward. During my practice run I slowed for it because the section ahead of me off-frame looked a little narrow/loose/off camber, then told myself I didn’t need to slow for it because it would be absolutely nothing if I saw that same line on a fire road, and that I should just go when I rode it again on my race run. Then during my race run I believed what I was seeing instead of my original assessment and slowed for it again. This picture is of me slowing, not racing. I’m feathering the brakes and my weight is back when it doesn’t need to be.
It’s really evident when I compare my picture to Aaron’s picture from the same spot. His weight is forward (attack position!) and he’s pedaling, which is what I should have been doing.
As I think about this, I’m reminded of pictures of me playing hockey from five years ago. There is so much more for me to learn, so much room for me to improve, and so much more awesome to look forward to.
That last bit, that makes me grin.
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