To allow John to get back to Tacoma at a decent time we decided to sign up for the first race, Men's Masters all categories ages 40+ and 50+. Since he was in the 40+ group, he got to start ahead of me. The 50+ group started 90 seconds later. Barb, our sister, came out to watch and take photos so all photo credits are hers.
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Here we are fresh faced and ready before the race.
We did a couple of warm up laps and scouted the course. The layout was great with some nice level or downhill parts to help you recover from the obstacles and climbs.
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Since this was my first race I wisely started at the back of my group. At first I tried to keep up with everyone as they pulled away. I quickly wised up and backed off. There's no sense killing myself trying to ride someone else's race. It took me about three laps before I found my rhythm. I definitely need practice at getting over the obstacles. I kept bouncing my front tire on them which forced me to struggle to control the bike. I was getting the hang of finding my lines between roots, rocks, puddles, etc., but there was one corner where I kept forgetting about a low branch. I hit my head on the branch on every lap. I guess some things just take longer to learn.
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The puddles were the best part. I charged them as much as I could. It's not like I'm going to get any wetter. Besides, it was fun.
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John wiped out on one turn and found time to show off his wound to Barb.
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I used the push-the-bike-up-the-hill technique.
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John shouldered his and lugged it up.
I wasn't really clear on the rules but I was told that if you are passed by the race leader then that is your last lap. Or something like that. While I was approaching the last turn before the finish line to complete my fourth lap I heard a voice behind me.
"Race leader approaching."
I hammered the pedals and pushed hard so he wouldn't pass me before I completed this lap. I was successful, but I was also tired. At the end of my fifth lap I was told I was done. I felt a combination of relief and disappointment. I had one more lap in me but a part of me was a little thankful I didn't have to do it.
This was hard work but in a fun way. I have no idea how I did overall nor do I care. But I'm looking forward to riding through more puddles and making the biggest splash I can.
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