I competed in my first 24 hour mountain bike relay race this weekend.
holyshi*t.
I was not ready for it.
I have been mountain bike riding for all of 3 weeks on my new Rocky Mountain Vertex 30.
doing 30 k (at least) once a week still didnt cut it.
over 2000 people, 200 teams on a 16.5 km track up in Albion Hills.
my first lap was absolute garbage - and I know that had alot to do with the fact that I was basking in the sun for hours before I went out (big mistake).
after that, I refused to do another lap. REFUSED. but then, old hairy Al (a team member) tried convincing me that I had to do a night lap and that it would change my life. and I still refused. but after much debate and discussions, I finally decided that I was going to do it (by around 1am). So I mentally prepared myself for what I was about to get myself into. I was terrified.
at 2:30 am, I began to get ready. putting a little bit more clothing on (it was COLD) and then lastly, the god awful helmet equipped with a LIGHT. yes folks, I wore a freaking $1000 light on my head. and apparently, this light was going to guide my way through a pitch black forest, HA.
and that light guided me, alright. at 3:30 am, I was off. and old hairy Al was right. that night lap changed my life. I had SO much fun. it was amazing. I was smiling. enjoying myself. and loved the challenge.
however, within 7km, I was faced with a new challenge. my light went out. thankfully I had a back up light, but it was super weak. it did slow me down a bit, and was slightly discouraging - but it didnt stop me.
I finished my lap at approx. 5:00am, just as the sun was coming up....
and I felt like a million dollars (maybe even a billion!).
I couldnt sleep for another hour after that I was so excited with my accomplishment.
I came out tired, but bruiseless. no falls, no cuts - nothing.
I must say I did pretty alright. no, eff that, I did amazing.
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Published by misskenzielee: 9:06 AM
Updated On: 6/26/2006 at 9:13 AM
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