Alterra race report

(Image stolen from Mountaingoat)

I was hoping for a good race. And, it wasn't great but it wasn't horrible, so I guess it was good. Except for the one long climb in the sun up the ski hill, this is a great course for me. Not only is it technical, I've ridden these trails enough -- including several 12 hour races -- that I should know them by heart and know the places to let the expert and comp guys to squeak by. It would have been a "great" race except I had my chain come off three times, including once in the "Small Intestine" (I think that's the name of the trail) that just took me freakin' forever to get back on. Brittany passed me after I had worked so dang hard to get in front of her and the other girls I had been somewhat near were, of course, way gone. I also went, apparently, a little too hard my first lap. Avg. HR: 186, Max HR: 200. I took a Gu my second lap and thought I was going to puke. I started bonking, a little cramping. But, I made up the hill every time and I did start catching up to April at the end. Without the heat (and playing with Christopher in the heat for an hour or so before the race), I think I could have at least come close to catching her. But, it was still a good race and I still love those trails.

With only a two-hour drive each way, a box full of toys, several books and a Sesame Street DVD, you would think I could have kept Christopher entertained. Nope. By the time we were almost home, I had told Tom we should have named him Damian after the character in "The Omen." It does not bode well for the trek to 24/9.

EDIT: I almost forgot to mention that I picked up my cross bike yesterday. I'm in love. It is so light and so cool looking. I also found out that I can get my mountain bike repainted at the end of the season. Yea! As long as I can get it the same beautiful color. = )

Foiled, and foiled again

My plan was to do the 12-hour race at Crystal Ridge on Saturday. I've been pretty exhausted lately but I was still excited since (1) I love that course, (2) it would be a good warm-up for the WORS race this weekend and (3) it'd be a good warm-up for 24/9. I've only done one six-hour race this year and that would have been my only 12-hour race. Updates kept saying 50/50 chance. I get there to find a one-hour delay. By the time they cancelled it, I was glad. By then, I was in no mood to race. I did some shopping at the Wal-Mart in search of these Wal-Mart brand PB crackers we could only find north of the border but, apparently, they no longer make them. I did find a present for Christopher's birthday, a small backpack for commuting and a few other things so it wasn't all lost.

I got back home, took a nap (I had gotten up by 5 a.m.) and had plans to do a nice long ride on paved trails by my house to Old Plank Trail and possibly even trying to find how it hooks up with the I & M Canal Trail. I didn't get started 'til 4 p.m. and was at Central and Vollmer when I hear hissing coming from the back. I cross the street and turn around thinking Crap! because I suck at changing tires. I then realize the tube is sticking out of the tire. Double crap. I call Tom who comes out with a new rear tire. After sitting in the heat for 20+ minutes and learning our last tube is now on my rear wheel, I say screw it. We get my bike in the car, get home and I went with Tom & Christopher (with Tom pulling) for a long loop. A total of only about 2 hours.

Sunday was Christopher's 2nd birthday party at a local park. It was a little toasty but everyone seemed to have a good time. Christopher was running all over the place -- from the slides/swings area to the tennis courts, to the basketball court, to where people were sitting, etc. Last year, he didn't really enjoy his party so it was nice that he had so much fun this year. I have some pics but I have to still figure out how to post those. = )