Mission in Motion Cycling Team News
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Canal Classic
Well, the rain held out for our 30.5 mile race through the Mohawk Valley countryside yesterday morning. A few drops during the warm-up led to relatively clear skies and only a mild head wind. I've watched this race for years now, as the pack travels right past my parents' house in the first mile and I was very excited at the chance to race this year! (My brother suited up in my Chenango Point jersey and braved the course on my mother's old touring bike, so he deserves congratulations as well.)
So I would say that my biggest mistake of the race was my starting position. I was worried about the hilly course and my ability to hang on through the backside and have an effective finish, so I held back on our way out of town and up the first climb. Had I known that I would feel so strong through the duration of the ride, I would've started closer to the two women who ended up beating me (and while I might not have been able to stick with them (both are very seasoned racers), at would've been proud that I gave it a try).
That little bad racing decision aside, I was pleased with my ride. I worked hard up and out of town through the first 5 miles, felt strong up the first major hill, and was able to find some men of comparable speed to ride with. As we turned up Barto Hill, I found that instead of being pulled up the hill, I was doing a lot of the pulling! For 4 miles a group of 4 of us took short pulls where we were able and soon enough we'd hit the prime. Down into Salisbury we rode, then quickly off of the main road and into a few miles of rollers before the final few miles of the finish. A group of about 6 riders joined us through the rollers, and together the 10 of us made our way to Rt. 167.
The final few miles were fast. I moved to the front of the group and sat patiently just behind two guys from CNYC. Now here is where things get a little sticky. As we turned onto Loomis St. for the final 400m of the race, I was in the first 3 of the pack, but just behind me was another woman MVBC racer. Her teammate COMPLETELY cut me off around the sharp right hand turn, nearly pushing me into the potholes and gravel on the side of the road. I was so aggravated that I stood up and blasted to the finish without a second thought, leaving both of them behind me. It was a good way to practice my sprint, but I was not so keen on losing my balance in the last 400m of a race.
End result: 1:40, 3rd woman, 1st 18-35yo, 49th over all (not sure of total number of racers, but would guess around 80-100). Also, a few of the men commented on my ability to climb hills, so HUGE thanks to Heather, Marsha, and the TVC B's. I'm excited for the NYS RR Champs this weekend!
Happy racing,
delana
