I wouldn't want to miss one of the Ascent Cycling races, especially the long course in Bear Creek. I love the long course - we hit every single trail in the park and it's and honest beating. From the long slog up to the top of the regional trail to the punchy little climbs scattered throughout, it's my favorite course. It's also long enough to spread out the field quickly and reduce the amount passing. (Something I was looking foward to this race especially since I knew I would get lapped - the question would be by how many guys....) I could feel last weekend in my legs when Nick and I did our pre-ride and quickly realized that while riding my bike was going to be super fun, racing my bike would be super dumb. Beyond dumb actually.

Cameron confirmed my suspicions when he saw me with a number plate on my bike. "Please god, tell me you're not racing today...." A sound scolding followed - after all, it was less the three day removed from a nice 230 mile ride with some NM friends! I took the scolding with a smile, knowing it was well deserved, and replied "I'm going for a nice fun, ride with the boys. I just happen to have a number!" And while I wanted to race hard, I also needed to be smart. Something everyone was telling me prior to lining up.

Again, a small women's field. I watched the men take off, decidedly unmotivated to charge from the line like they were. At the whistle, the two of us rode away - and I decided I needed to at least ride one lap hard! There was no going easy on the start lap anyway, so I might as well go for it. With a little gap dropping into the single track, it was time to focus and ride my bike. The trail was loose and very rocky - I was happy I'd opted to ride my Camber instead of my Fate! Suspension was a good thing for me to have - and I think I used the dropper post more in this hour of racing then in all my laps during the 24 hour races! On the first full lap, I rode a little too hard - charging up some of the smaller hills and trying to catch on of the guys in front of me. By the middle of the second full lap, I was feeling that error. Whoops - not riding smart and just relaxing. Time to back off and chill out. The lap cards said two to go when I rolled through to finish out that lap. Ugh. I really didn't want to ride another two laps!

Cameron was charging hard behind me. I was actually surprised he hadn't lapped me yet! But as we started the final climb up the regional trail, he was on my wheel and around. A slap on the rump for encouragement and then he vanished up the trail. Ahhh - I really only had one more lap to go. JJ was the next rider to catch me. I couldn't get out of his way in time and was moving quite a bit slower then when he usually laps me. I felt so bad, getting in his way. After all, he was racing and I was really just riding.... I knew more of the pro men would catch me and was constantly looking over my shoulder. Whenever I saw one roaring up behind me, I started looking for a nice wide section of trail. I'd pull over and balance for a few seconds, completely yielding the course. No need to get in the way. Near the end of my final lap, I was actually worried that. Nick might lap me! I could see his orange helmet getting close....

And then it was over. I'd mostly behaved and ridden smart, but could tell I was tired. I was so happy when the official waved me off - finished. The next Ascent Cycling race is back in Palmer Park on July 9th. I'm looking forward to actually racing that one! In the mean time, there's also the Colorado State Championships on June 28/29. I'm not sure I'll be racing there - it's the final Shoair race and will have a field rivaling the World Cup XC races....