Sucker Brook 'Cross, Auburn, NH, Sunday, September 17, 2006, Cathy Rowell
Great report, Blake! And congrats on a great finish. Here are my thoughts on the same race…
This was my very first ‘cross race, so on the line, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. The first race included the B Masters 35 + men, the C men, B women and the Junior racers. They set us all off in 30 second waves, which eased some of the nervousness for we “newbies” – none of us wanted to be fighting for position into the first 90 degree left turn onto gravel with all those other racers!
Unfortunately I ended up with a poor start, and went into the first turn second to last. This made it pretty difficult on the first lap, but I managed to pass a few in the steep ups, and a few more once we got to the sand section. The funny thing about the grassy section of this course was that you could see those who were ahead of you and behind you through the whole section, but it was tough to chase anyone down (at least for me).
After a lap (or two?) the officials at the start/finish indicated 3 laps remaining. I blasted off for another lap, finally getting the hang of the course and what I needed to do. As I finished that lap, I was shown two laps to go, but just past the start/finish, was lapped by the leaders of the Masters 35+ race (including my husband – very demoralizing ;-)). As I was finishing this lap, I told myself that I could easily do another lap, and was, in fact, looking forward to it. I wasn’t given the opportunity, however, because once the leaders finished, everyone finished. I guess that this is a subtlety that I will learn over time.
I had a blast though, despite the bruises I ended up with (pedal to calf and shin), and pulling a muscle in my hip from the dismount remount. I also realized that I need A LOT of practice getting back ONTO my bike – this severely slowed me down on all of my laps, coming to a complete stop each time. I went out to the clinic last night, and think I finally have the mechanics figured out, but will need some practice time to be able to do this at any speed. I think history as a mountain bike definitely helps with the ‘cross thing.
I am definitely looking forward to MORE of this! Part of the fun is the crowd as well – this is very spectator friendly. Come out and give it a try!—Cath