Foray at the Fort (3/14)

This race was supposed to be at Gardner Canyon. That would have been closer. Instead they moved it to Fort Huachuca. Something about an archery tournament.....

Erik didn't sign up for this once because on the map it looked like a lot of jeep roads and he wasn't interested. He did agree to pre-ride it and then decide.

Got up Sat morning and got ready to go. The field looked smaller than normal and I was hoping this would be the breakthrough race. You know the one where I don't come in last and maybe place because there is no one in my AG. This has nothing to do with my becoming a better mtn biker.

We headed out and the first mile is a steady climb. The 2nd mile is suckier climb at which time I chose to walk. I knew there was a couple people still behind me - sweet! Right about the 2 mile mark is when the first marathon passed us. Finally you get to this nice downhill singletrack that goes through this tall grass. It looks really awesome. This was one of those ride a little ways and walk. Rinse and repeat. At this point I left the girl who was behind me (and a 10 - my AG). You could hear my brakes squeeling from miles I swear. Finally the trail gives way to some flatter sections where you can really crank through. Of course this is followed by sucky rocky climbs and descents.

There was another cool downhill section that would be great fun if I liked going fast. I began to notice that the chick I left never caught up to me so I decided to keep pushing it for lap 2 - maybe this time I would be 7/8!!!

Lap 2 sucked in roughly the same places, it felt like I walked more/slower. But as soon as the nicer (less rocky) downhill started I decided to let it go. I got in my big chainring and just churned away. Not like there was anyone close enough for me to catch, but still there was my time to think about!

I turned the corner onto the dirt road leading back to the finish line and took it too wide and ended up in the sand. Managed to save it and get out quickly before trying to haul ass. Finished in 1:42. Most difficult course to date for us beginners.

Ended up coming in 5th. My first medal! (That wasn't a finishers medal) The girl behind me DNF'd. Elaine took 4th and Liane took 3rd. Clean sweep for the Tri Girls!