That I was nuts enough to enter the Elite State Track Championships, but I did.I've had my new track bike for less than a week. Ridden it twice. Picked up race wheels en route to the race. Never rode 'em.
Who said don't try something new at a race??!?
4th in the 3K pursuit & 3rd in the 500m Time-trial.
Suckered into going to whatever track races are around, I found myself actually entertaining the idea of racing against elite track racers in the state. "Elite" means: You are a female. You have a USAC license cat 1-4. You own a track bike. You are still upright and breathing. CHECK.
That being said, there are some very good racers in SoCal. With 3 velodromes within 2 hours, there are probably more track racers in SoCal than anywhere else in the country. It's just they're somewhere else on race day and with a little luck I may not actually be dfl. But against the elites, I have no problemo taking my share of the caboose at the back of the train. It's all about the experience, racing hard, and having FUN!With a few less-than-ideal-but-it'll-do-in-a-pinch, including but not limited to not having the right gearing, a slipping seat post, and the mysterious rubbing sound (I used to blame it on the brakes. Not and excuse I could conjure up this time), I went out, busted a lung, or two, hit the hammer. Then hit the wall. And still, I had fun!
To all you ladies out there...get out on the track if you can, it's definitely worth it!
Many thanks to Matty at Ride Cyclery in Encinitas for working double-time to get me on a new bike!
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