It was hard to decide what to wear, since the weatherman was predicting a downpour, and the temps were about 37 degrees. Unfortunately, we had to bundle up, so our kits were not very visible. I had on thick gloves, tights, and my vest. This race was a mass start, with a parade lap, then a trip through the timing area, then out onto the course. I nervously took my place and was soon joined by Nicki. We moved up near Bren and waited for the horn. WE WERE OFF!

I really am frustrated by how fast people start off, thinking they will get a good position when the singletrack starts. What happens is that there are people up front who have trouble with the technical trail and end up creating a huge bottle neck. I waited somewhat impatiently to get going and finally, we had some clear trail ahead. It wasn’t bad. The roots were a bit slippery, but if you kept your weight balanced and hit them perpendicularly you didn’t have that much trouble. I felt good and rode conservatively the first lap. I passed Bren and Kim Murrell, and got passed by my husband toward the end of the lap.

The Heritage course is a true cross country trail. It has a bit of everything, including roots, rocks, tight twisty singletrack, and some wider road-like sections. There are plenty of climbs and some switchbacks, as well as creek crossings and bomber downhills. I love this course! I was thinking this as I rolled through the first lap and headed out again. I high fived Hodge and Bruce as I rolled past. My next 3 laps were very consistent. I enjoyed talking with a teenage rider through a lot of this. Got passed some and passed a few riders myself. Everyone was very polite. There were a lot of photographers. As I flew toward one of these at the bottom of a hill, I smiled and said “I won’t hit you!” She snapped the photo, then yelled out, “I got your cute dimple!” I didn’t know I HAD a dimple. It was probably mud.

I had a great moment near the top of a long descent. A male rider, obviously wanting to get by the “slow female”, zipped by me at the top of the hill. He had a good head start, but I looked way ahead and let go of the brakes. I pulled up on his wheel about halfway down and told him he better speed it up! I don’t think he was amused.

My teenage friend asked me what place I was and I said I didn’t know. I did know that Nicki was somewhere up ahead, but I never saw her the whole time. I just rode my best and kept my attitude positive. I passed a female rider somewhere on the 4^th lap, and rode through timing, excited that the next lap was my last. I felt very good about my ride and wanted to finish strong and safe. Those roots were sure getting slick and there were a few little muddy spots. I noted each fun section and said goodbye as I passed them. I rode up the little climb to the field and smelled hamburgers. Yum! Went around and through timing. All done!  I found out that Johnny had cramped up almost from the start, and stopped after 4 laps. Bren had done her 4, and went home. Laina left early to go to a ballgame. It was just Nicki and I left of the Sorellas. Nicki got 1^st, I was 2^nd, and Kim Murrell was 3^rd. Timing was a bit messed up and we shivered uncontrollably while waiting. I ate the most delicious hot dog in the world. Maybe I was hungry? I think we were all glad to get into warm cars for the ride home. I got in about 47 miles of riding in 5 hours and 21 minutes. Not a bad day!