So, yesterday for my weekend shenanigans, I got to complete in my very first Cyclocross race with the Cross Crusade Circuit. Never heard of Cyclocross?! Yeah, I was more or less a newb coming into, too. My good friend Wikipedia describes Cyclocross as:
'Races typically take place in the autumn and winter (the international or "World Cup" season is October–February), and consist of many laps of a short (2.5–3.5 km or 1.5–2 mile) course featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike while navigating the obstruction and remount.'
More or less a Tough Mudder, but on a bike. My spin instructor, Tess, whom I love, has been talking it up for months and finally got me to come out this past weekend. She let me use her old bike and everything. Luckily for me, my first experience was pretty awesome. Since races are in the fall and winter it's usually rainy, muddy, and cold, but yesterday was the perfect fall day to attempt my first race.
There was gravel, mud, hills, concrete barriers, and a lot of ladies that were much better than me out on the course.
45 mins, 4 laps, and no crashes later (the leaders finished 5 laps in the 45min time cap) I finished middle of the pack in the beginner section and I am pretty happy with the outcome. Now obviously looking back after the race there were a lot of things I would have done differently, but oh well, race one is in the books.
Here are a few things I learned after my first race:
//I really need to stop doubting myself and my abilities.
//I really enjoy biking, even if the last time I was on a bike was 3 summers ago.
//My background in hurdles definitely helped get me and my bike over the barriers.
//I am not very good at turns at the end of steep hills.
//I am not very good at turns at the end of steep hills.
//I had pre-race nervous pees just like before track meets.
//I need to invest in bike shorts.
Here are a few pics Brad took during my race.
Cheers to getting out of your comfort zone, getting sweaty, and trying something new! Linking up with Sami for weekend shenannies!
<3 BB
21 comments
how awesome!!! good for you and i love all the pics :)
-kathy
Vodka and Soda
This is so cool, I've never ever heard of this before. My mom and my sister love biking, I should see if there is anything like this around here.
you look that cute in a helmet? get out of here.
That's amazing! good for you girlfriend! you're kickass
This looks like so much fun!! I spin indoors, and always wonder how that would translate to road biking or even doing something like this event. Congrats!!! :)
My friend Brooke is amazinnnnng!!! I'll stick to spin class!
good for you! it looks like a good workout.
Good for you! That actually looks like fun, and I never say that about races of any kind.
I spin (with Kelsey, EW) and I really enjoy it. I think I'm going to spend the winter indoors, and then venture out next spring. Don't think I'm quite ready for anything like this though!
That looks like so much fun! Do you use a mountain bike or a road bike?
that's so bad ass! good for you!
You're such a badass.
Although everyone has already said it, you're pretty much a bad-ass. That's amazing for a first race, great job girl!
Wow this sounds crazy! Good for you!!
Looks like a crazy fun time :)
Look at you go!! I'm so jealous of you for getting out there and doing this. I doubt myself on everything (especially athletic things).
Congrats!!! You're such a BOSS!
badass.
or you could wear a skirt? like the lady next to you going up the hill.
killer! i've been intrigued by CC myself but don't want to buy the bike needed for it! It's awesome though and the course seems WAY more fun than riding on a road. :) Congrats, chica!
Straight up badass! I'm too scared to even try spin class, let alone dominate a tough mudder on wheels.
can we talk about your eyes in that close up for a minute?! Gorg! Besides that I totally commend you for taking the plunge and doing something out of your norm! you are a badass!
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