Thankfully, at the start line they announced the Expert women only had to do 3 laps instead of the previously decided 4. Started out strong trying to find a comfortable position. Since I didn't preride the course I wasn't sure exactly what I was in for. It was TOUGH. I knew there was a lot of climbing but it still surprised me. I quickly determined that it was going to be all about survival and convincing myself not to give up. On the first lap I saw a handful of people with mechanicals walking back. After I came through to start the 2nd lap, I saw another handful of people that had given up and were hurtin pretty bad. I knew I wasn't much of a competitor that day, so I turned it into a fun ride and tried to work on my cadence, perserverance and confidence. Confidence was the tough one, since this was the first race where I realized I was completely out of place. I really had no business competing in that class in Colorado. In Utah, I could hang. Maybe even in Oregon. Not Colorado. The athletes here are amazing. And they all seem to be sponsored! So, I enjoyed myself a lot. I came through the feed zone smiling big and laughing and saying ridiculous things, I chatted with spectators as I rode by... you know me. :) Since it was a short course (5.2 miles) and the pros started first and had to do more laps, they eventually came around to lap most experts. During one of the climbs, a pro passed me and an obvious support person was there cheering him on and asking what he needed. It was Ned Overand. An absolute LEGEND in mt bike racing. It was so cool. And to give you an idea of how hard the course was, Ned was only able to pull out an 8th place finish.

I love Mt Bike racing. I mean, I hate it, but I love it. Even the pros are great people. When lapped on the climbs they would pass me ever so slowly (seriously steep) and say "good job" and "don't give up girl." I KNEW I sucked hard compared to them so it was cool that they were so encouraging. Those are my people.

Talked with some girls after then hung out for a few in the shade. The weather was gorgeous and YES, I wore sunscreen so I have no burns to report. Got cleaned up in the parking garage bathroom and hit the village for some grub and chillin before the run in a couple hours.

All in all it was a really good time and the humble pie was especially delicious.