Monastory: Not so Peachy: Athens Twilight

Welcome to the Peach State!

Last night was the Athens Twilight, one of the biggest crits on the US racing calendar. I was nervous about this race from not having much race form, and further worried about the impacts of jetlag. Friday I was feeling fine, despite not having all that much sleep. In the afternoon I had put my bike together to go for short roll, only to notice my hanger was severely bent from travel. The cruisy ride turned into an 80km round trip to the nearest bike shop to correct both the hanger and derailleur, after a 40km jumpy ride with gears way out of whack. Saturday morning came and the effect of jetlag finally hit me like a brick: I couldn’t for the life of me get out of bed. And 80km under duress wasn't possibly the best preparation for my legs either. Oh well, suck it up and see.

Missy undertook the epic 5 hour drive down to Athens, Georgia on my behalf. Very tough effort as I was out of it for most of the trip, unable to stay awake for more than 20mins at a time. I couldn't believe how ordinary I felt!

Luckily we arrived with plenty of time, so no need for the anxiousness of not having arrived in time for the race, just the anxiousness for the actual race. Doug our team mechanic installed the race wheels, and already the bike was feeling much much better.

The field was packed and it was US-based who's who of pro womens racing. Looking around and swallowing hard at the sight. This was going to be tough. Despite this, I was still completely unprepared for the take-off: ten minutes of flat-outness, on a very fast four corner circuit. Two long straights, with a climb on the back straight which required a digging in the legs to get over, particularly in the early stages of the 40 lap race. My teeth were digging into the handlebars as I clung on to the back of the bunch, only barely moving up. After ten hard minutes I looked up, and couldn't believe we had only come a short way. I decided to take the race in ten minute blocks. Ouch. It was hurting. Everything: lungs, head, legs, resolve. There were many options to opt out: I was jetlagged, this was my first real race for the season, I wasn't in any form, my diabetes was playing up. No. I couldn't use any of those. Just hang in for another ten minutes and reassess. The mind resolve was a great trial. Overcome the shock to the body, and just keep hanging in there. Please.. After 20minutes I realised the lap counter was evident, and I stuck to watching the laps. 22, 20, 18, take the corner flat out, move up a bike length. Conserve momentum through turn two and save a bit of energy up the hill, follow a wheel over the hill and hope they bridge the gap ahead. Take advantage of the pack easing and move up. Race smart. Between laps 18 and 8 I finally felt some comfort. The field had narrowed considerably, and the teams were starting to show their cards. If I had some legs I could follow a move, make something of the race. Maybe. I started to look for Tom. I honestly hadn't had a chance until then, I was so busy just concentrating on staying in the race. I signalled to Tom that I was game on: he started with the feedback. Move up. Move up. Move up. Gotcha. With five laps to go I was holding good position. This was okay. Stay cool, play it smart.
Next lap and the pace lifted up the hill. Ouch, the calfs started to cramp. Drop a few positions, then lose more on a poor corner position. Bugger. Too late in the race to make amends. Just hang on til the end. I rolled in with the bunch.
The first test now over, I was glad for the system shock, but eager to regain the legs and make something of the next one. To progress! Yes!

Missy has an awesome crab apple tree in her yard. At the moment it is snowing pink: