Candy Cranks

Since my first post about getting a road bike, I’ve learned a lot about riding and a lot about what I want out of riding.  I’ve always been fairly competitive without a good outlet.  Alleycat races are fun and roller races are challenging, but I think the geek in me required something more trackable and concrete.

This season I promised myself to race more consistently at Dick Lane Velodrome by adopting a “NO EXCUSES” policy.  No more “oh, I didn’t ride very much this week, I shouldn’t race” or “my nose is running and I sneezed twice today” nonsense because I was ultimately feeling intimidated.  I set a goal of racing at the last BIG race of the season, which was the Madison Pro-Series Festival of Speed.  This is an event where people actually pay to watch the racing, so the calibre of racing goes up from the weekly training races.  I’m proud to say I didn’t get last place and actually scored a handful of points – that’s enough for me…for now!  Next season I hope to do more than just hold my own against the others in my category.

Finishing 1st in the Grant Park Crit women's beginner category

My plan for road riding this season was simply to get to know my new bike.  I had loose aspirations for obtaining my USAC license next year, but had no firm plans for actual racing.  But of course, as soon as I started to get some instincts for riding my road bike… I got the bug.  I did three centuries, and even achieved a 5 hour century!  I entered (and won… woohoo!) the women’s beginner crit at the Grant Park 2010 Georgia State Criterium Championship.  I was a little sad that my category’s race didn’t win a State jersey, but I was excited and totally surprised to be able to pull a win in my first road race ever!  I’ve been probationally accepted onto a racing team for next season, with the understanding that I have to cat up from a 4 to a 3 before my races are reimbursed.  It’s getting serious, y’all.  I’m excited, flustered, and anxious to ride for a team.

Capt. Ahab, a basket, 3 speeds, and me.

I’m told this is the “off season.” Which means I spend time in the gym doing weight lifting exercises and yoga for flexibility.  I still plan to ride my sweet new city bike from the 60s.  With my dog, Captain Ahab, as my copilot, my off season should be pretty sweet.