NC/SC State Championship Race

It was the best of times it was the worst of times... That is all I can tell you about the race, OK, not the only thing.

We started at 8:30 as scheduled. We looked strong, 6 of us in the field of 13-15 and looking to control the race though a few big hitters were there from NC. We lined up, went neutral to the stop sign at the end of the road and then booked it. We started up the first hill and of course the first attack came. We kept everything together and Mel went up to the front to pace the second climb. I took a turn up there to but Cissy came a round me and told me to save it for the sprint. I just wanted to make sure that I finished or at least gave a good lead out. I prolly was spending to much time up front though, but more so because I was getting hung out in the rain by the NC gilrs. But I did move myself us there so I just paced myself.

At one point there was one attack that put me out front with the two girls from NC and Catherine James from HT Naturals (I think, that is what Mel told me) in a potential break but the space was bridged & everyone stayed together.

Things were going extremely well for the team and for me as we came to the start/finish and headed out for our second lap. We passed the feed zone where Kim and Rusty were shamelessly cheering for us and started rolling down the hill. Then it happened... the end of my race. The NC Hincapie girl (who was a frigg'n SANDBAGGER) came over on me, her real derailleur viciously attacking my front wheel like a rabid pit bull. We connected 3 times, luckily I was able to stay upright eventually rolling onto the grass and back on the road. I though I was OK, survived and no crash. But Cissy rode up next to me and asked if my wheel was OK. I looked down and knew it was all over for me. My wheel was warped and hitting my brakes with every rotation. So I threw my arm up and pulled out, FIT TO BE TIED!!!! I refused a ride from the wheel truck and from one of the Land Rover racers just showing up. I was fuming and needed to walk it off. I carried my bike back to the team tent in the feed zone.

I took some time to mourn my loss and then got it together so that I could cheer for my teammates as they crossed the finish line. I am OVERJOYED to say that Amy won the SC State title and Caroline finished right behind her. It was a great race, we got what we were after and no one got hurt when it turned harry. More road races are to come as I officially committed to switching my focus to road next year. I'm sure I'll still play in the dirt but I'm ready to race with the girlz again!!!