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After the practice lap I go to watch
the kid's race which is probably one of my favorite things to
do out there. Some of those kids are so quick on their little
50's its amazing. I wish I could be fearless like them!!
As the afternoon wears down, we decide
to go out for an evening ride with some friends. We go for about
an hour ride through the Mojave Desert exploring only a little
piece of what it has to offer! Once we return to camp, we grill
some fajitas and eat. Having worked the past five nights before
I was completely exhausted and turned in around nine that night.
When I woke up Sunday morning I was eager and a little nervous
about the race. I got up, ate a little breakfast and got ready.
My bike started right up and I took it for a short ride around
the desert. Loosened up and ready to race I secured my spot at
the starting line. As the other classes are taking off all you
can see is dust, the riders are not even visible in the cloud
of dust, which is a little nerve racking. As the green flag is
waving I hope for the best and a give my bike gas and can see
absolutely nothing. Every once in a while I feel a bump or get
a little jolted as I hit a bush or a whoop but keep on the throttle
hoping to get away from the pack. Once the riders are more spaced
out I focus on the course and what I need to do and start to
get in a nice groove. My first lap went smoothly, the track was
still relatively smooth but I could already see the wear and
tear from the previous riders.
While I am working on my second lap I realize that the course
is extremely choppy. The whoops are bigger and more in number.
I can feel a little bit of arm pump coming on and am starting
to get tired from trying to keep the bike in some form of control.
However, I know my competition is a little ahead of me so I keep
on the gas and go for it. Starting my third lap I can feel the
exhaustion creeping in, but once again I am to competitive to
let it take a hold and keep on the throttle. The course by now
is completely whooped out and cross rutted making it hard to
stay in a good line. Once I can see the finish line a smile of
relief takes over, I give the bike a little more gas and pull
into the scoring zone. I pass another competitor as she is picking
up her bike, and think sweet a second place. I cruise past the
checkered flag exhausted but with a smile of accomplishment on
my face.
Round Four was a great race, the course was a little rough but
fast and fun. I ended up with a first place due to technicalities
regarding another rider. My first first place finish of the season
and it sure feels good!! This race is bittersweet though, as
we have the summer off of racing due to the heat out in the desert,
so I have a three month break. However, I can't stay off the
bike that long, so until then I will keep riding out in the desert,
and hopefully discover some cooler new places!!
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