There was a good turnout for the race, over 100 racers. We did a mass start, which is a thrill, but chaotic. We all stayed together on the first short gravel road climb, and it turned into a parade as the race entered the single track. I could see Glenowyn about 5 spots in front of me. We exited the single track and started a long gravel road climb. This climb was starting to separate bunch and I made up several positions. For the rest of the race I traded position with the same 5 or so people. I'd pass them on the climbs, they'd pass me on the descents.
I knew on the last lap I'd have to gain as much distance as I could on the climb to hold them off on the decent. I didn't work, I was caught about 2/3rds of the way down. I backed off the pace a bit knowing there probably wasn't anybody else who could catch me. Less than 1km from the finish I crossed a creek, and then I heard the splash of a rider too close behind me. Somebody had snuck up on me. I turned on the gas, determined not to get passed.
I didn't look back until I was almost at the finish line. I saw that it was Glenowyn catching me, as she was racing in expert, she had another lap to do. After the race she said she wanted to catch me just so I'd have something to write about in my race report.
I finished 15th (again) out of 35.
Race stats: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/29866065
The start:
Me:
Katie:
Glenowyn:
Marcy: (On a bike borrowed from Jen which she hadn't ridden until the start of the race)
Results:
http://www.islandcupseries.com/index.ph ... /#more-414
Unfortunately I had spent too much time doddling to be in the running in the finish times.