Racing started off incredibly early this year with the Snake Creek Gap Time Trial, just 9 days in to the new year. This year the organizers added a 50 mile option, but this being my first time racing the series I opted to do "just" the 34 mile. The funny thing about racing this early in the year is that you are basically paying someone to find out how our-of-shape you really are; that being said, I did not have the race that I wanted. It could have been any number of things, a late start, getting behind on my nutrition, inexperience on the terrain, or just a lack of fitness. But despite not having a great race I ended up in 6th place; and only a few minutes out of the top 5.
After the first Snake, I wanted to get in a solid training block before my next race. As mother nature would have it, Atlanta got a few snow days; and not the "lets go ride in the snow" kind of snow days the "there's ice under this 1/4 inch of snow" kind of snow days. I took it to the trainer, which as we all know, sucks and I'm glad it did not last long. The weather warmed up in time to get a few rides before hand.
My second race of the year was to be the first race of the Chainbuster Southeastern Endurance Championship 6-hour series. I felt good going into the race and it showed, I was able to take a 3rd place spot on the Solo Pro/Expert podium alongside a national champion, who took 1st; officially inducting me into the massive "I Got Throttled by Gordon Wadsworth Club." Can we get t-shirts made? Also, a huge thank you to him for lending me a pair of knee-warmers in my time of need; instances like that are a big part of why I love mountain biking.
The following weekend I took part in the Georgia Interscholastic Cycling League (NICA) leader's summit. I took a role as an intern there this summer and this was my first leader's summit, it was a great time and I look forward to going for many years to come. In light of the leader's summit, the league also published a story on me which you can read here: http://georgiamtb.org/blog/2016/02/02/former-georgia-high-school-cyclist-triumphs-over-stroke-to-pursue-cycling-career/
The following weekend was the 2nd and final Snake Time Trial. I could definitely feel my fitness start to come around as I dropped a little more than 30 minutes from my first race; but with nothing to show for it as I still finished in 6th place, but only 2 minutes out of the top 5. It was a cold day with below-freezing temperatures the entire day, but with a dry and fast course I couldn't complain. I am looking forward to next year as I take on the 50 mile. Money Class? Maybe if I feel like getting throttled....