So I decided on racing the DINO Series race at Versailles State Park Sunday with my friend and teammate Bridget. The trail wasn't too wet even though the race had been postponed for two weeks while DINO waited for the trail to dry out from heavy rains. Today's forecast was 95 and HUMID
We started in the shade then rode about a quarter mile foot path that was dry and fast once we entered the woods and the single track that all changed to a slick and slim covered hard pack. No sooner do I make a mental note of this then two riders go down right in front of me blocking the trail. I do my best not to run them over or crash myself.
The course was not tight nor were there any climbs and really just one difficult section where my race came to an end. There was a short section of trail that was cut into the hill with a tight switchback added in to it. Well my brain had one idea but my bike and every other body part had another. So with the hesitation I ended up endoing over my bike and down the hill. The ground didn't hurt because my handlebar cushioned the blow. This gave me two nice, perfectly shaped bruises. One round about the 1 1/8" right below my belly button and another just shy of my handlebar width across my thigh.
After I caught my breath and collected my nerves I pedaled on but I just didn't have the same fight that I started with. Each pedal stroke was a painful and difficult one. So as soon as the Pro/Cat1 riders started to lap me I knew I was done and just had to make it back.
This was my first DNF in several years and I am still disappointed. But like I said at least I got this t-shirt.
We started in the shade then rode about a quarter mile foot path that was dry and fast once we entered the woods and the single track that all changed to a slick and slim covered hard pack. No sooner do I make a mental note of this then two riders go down right in front of me blocking the trail. I do my best not to run them over or crash myself.
The course was not tight nor were there any climbs and really just one difficult section where my race came to an end. There was a short section of trail that was cut into the hill with a tight switchback added in to it. Well my brain had one idea but my bike and every other body part had another. So with the hesitation I ended up endoing over my bike and down the hill. The ground didn't hurt because my handlebar cushioned the blow. This gave me two nice, perfectly shaped bruises. One round about the 1 1/8" right below my belly button and another just shy of my handlebar width across my thigh.
After I caught my breath and collected my nerves I pedaled on but I just didn't have the same fight that I started with. Each pedal stroke was a painful and difficult one. So as soon as the Pro/Cat1 riders started to lap me I knew I was done and just had to make it back.
This was my first DNF in several years and I am still disappointed. But like I said at least I got this t-shirt.
