CONGRATS SUPER ELLEN on a fantastic race! The heat, the thunderstorm, the tough course...nothing could slow you down on your quest for the Stars and Stripes jersey! I KNOW you heard me screaming!!!
Christy, great job earning the SILVER medal! You deserve a GOLD for your attempt to get that Idaho girl to the start line when she flatted right before the race. I actually met that girl during the pre-ride on Thursday and she was in it to win it. Unfortunately, sometime things don't always go as planned....I know....
There were 9 girls in my race and I had an awful start, my foot just slipped out of my pedal. Oddly, I remained completely calm, I was 7th as we ascended the first singletrack climb. I quickly worked my way up to 2nd and then 1st as the eventual winner and I plowed through the younger girls ahead of us and distanced ourselves from the rest of the pack. She was RIGHT on me and looked really strong.
I started losing rear traction and felt like I was bottoming out on every rock. FLAT! The girl rode away as I jumped off and let the Stan's do it's thing... We were at mile 3.8 of the 14 mile race and I was still calm, hoping that I had enough time to track her down for victory. I hit the tire with CO2, it held and I jumped on in hot pursuit. It quickly went flat again and then I had a decision to make...
I KNEW that my only chance to catch the girl in front was to pray that the Stan's would work. Taking the time to open up the tire and put in a tube meant certain defeat but still a chance for a good finish. With limited CO2, I gambled for victory and lost....my day was done.
After a mini-breakdown in the woods, I started walking. Thankfully, I had my act together by the time I reached the heckle zone and gratefully accepted handups from the raucous crowd!
As I rounded a corner I saw CHRISTY in her fluorescent sneakers, walking on the trail toward me! Apparently a fellow competitor advised her of my demise and she decided to head out to find me. How could I not smile? THANK YOU, Christy, for making a difficult situation somewhat fun and for escorting me to the finish line. You never cease to amaze me!
Bottom line....last place. In the same situation, would I make that decision again? HECK YEAH!!! It was NATIONALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go big or go home!
Next year..... 🙂
Stacey
