Who raced: Me
Result: um, 4th, 4th, and oh, 4th...
First off, I can agree that this race has much potential for long-term success, pretty well organized, fun locations, and the communities seemed pretty supportive!
The women's 3-4 race did not have a time trial, so I got to "sleep in" and head up to Ventura to race at noon time on Saturday. Seventeen girls pulled up to the start, with a few usual suspects. I determined with the climb and descent that it would be good to stay up front. Within a lap or two, the fire power in front allowed 5 of us to create a break that continued to increase throughout the race. Unfortunately, the 5 were comprised of 3 women from Chicken Ranch racing and a buddy of mine, Rae Miller from I.E. Bikes. So, Rae and I ended up chasing the three as they alternated attacking the front. Finally the soon-to-be winner took off, which left the 4 of us to fight for the other spots...
As for the road race, well, it was much of the same... five off the front, similar 'off the front break', but this time it came at the "queen of the mountains" spot - I still don't understand this 'hill sprinting' thing, can those two words actually be used in the same sentence?!
Anyways, I was feeling great and prepared for our last trek up the climb... and that's when my chain dropped, with two attempts to re-set unsuccessful, I had to hop off, angrily watching the other 4 girls go away... I basically buried myself to catch Rae about a mile from the finish. Unfortunately, the two others gapped Rae. I caught Rae, continued past and held her off for the sprint for 4th...
Good news, is that I felt MUCH stronger on races that included hills. Bad news, this is the second race this season that I've had gearing issues within the last few miles, which is kind of a bummer...
onwards and upwards!
Julie Guthrie
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