ok, so I was nervous since it was my first race ever, and all things considered I was OK with my race. I came in mid-pack and probably could have done a little better if I got a better start. there was a pile up going into the first section of the single track that threw me off and basically kept me from doing better. I did learn some valuable lessons though:
1. the start is EVERYTHING. if you can get away from the slower riders quick you have a huge advantage
2. not everyone that rides in the 'beginner' race is one. there were definitely more than a couple ringers.
3. don't change broken in cables two days before a race
4. although seven miles isn't far, it's a long way when you go all out and don't stop at all (except when your cables stretch and you have to fix it)
all in all it was a good learning experience. I am definitely NOT in as good a shape as I thought!
1. the start is EVERYTHING. if you can get away from the slower riders quick you have a huge advantage
2. not everyone that rides in the 'beginner' race is one. there were definitely more than a couple ringers.
3. don't change broken in cables two days before a race
4. although seven miles isn't far, it's a long way when you go all out and don't stop at all (except when your cables stretch and you have to fix it)
all in all it was a good learning experience. I am definitely NOT in as good a shape as I thought!