One thing that I wanted to do this year was race the wed night training series at Catamount. Because I’m not a racer, theoretically these races would give me that racing feeling in a low-stress environment. Between the weather and my travel schedule, last night was only my second night out. The first was an unmitigated disaster. Last night, was what I would consider an outright success.

A success all the way ’round. It was our (Five Hills Bikes and Bike29) night for support, so I left work extra early to stop at home, stop at the shop and load up the car and get K from daycare and get to Catamount by 5:30. We were far more organized than any other night this year, and our set up looked awesome and worked well. Lot’s of people needed adjustments on their bikes, folks - i recommend taking it to your local bike shop in advance rather than waiting until you get to the race.

nat and george

nat and george

I went out and did 1.5 laps as warmup, felt okay and i just pedaled behind Nat and Jay enjoying the conversation.  I was goofing off a bit right before my start and rolled up to the line about 30 seconds before we took off, didn’t even get a look around at who was there - but it was a nice crowd last night thanks to the good weather.

We took off and three women immediately shift and fly by me on the flat. Whatever, I’m just racing for me, right? Then we start a gradual climb and they all shift easier and suddenly i’m back on everyone’s wheel. By the time we hit the first steep section I just stand up and pedal past them. And funny enough - I feel good. My legs are fine, my heart and lungs are doing just fine. I’m not freaking out, I’m just riding my bike strong exactly as I do when I’m training. Only it’s faster and harder and hurts a bit, but i feel good.

I was happy to go into the first technical section with no one in front of me and determined to just stay out in front. And that’s what I did. Just kept pedaling because with my singlespeed, as long as I’m pedaling i’m generally moving faster than those with gears. I concentrated on recovering on the downhills and singletrack sections. Remember the big hill on the course, the one that I shamefully walked at the Flower Power - VT Singlespeed race? Rode all of it. After the last two months of training that hill is much less steep.

me

me

I finished strong, and didn’t feel like I held too much back. I was 2nd in my age group (out of 5) and the only SS woman and 23/30 for all 3-lappers including men. Not a bad result for me, I’m really happy with it. The whole thing was a lot of fun and makes me want to do more. Well, I’m in luck as I’m registered for the Fool’s Gold 50 mile. And tickets have been purchased for Durango.