queen of consistency

This year, Provincials was a bit early, making its appearance on the calendar in late October as part of the Kelso Cross weekend. I had a pretty good race - not the result I was looking for, since I've been aiming for a podium at Provincials for a couple of years now, but still both a better result than I've had recently, and certainly a better race. I had a really good start, and was in the front group until we hit the beach. I bobbled in the sand and had to run, and never quite latched back onto the front group. Fairly early in the race, I caught and passed Laura, who was not her usual speedy self. I had Ali breathing down my neck for a good portion of the race, and she did get ahead of me on the last lap, which motivated me to catch back on her wheel - I didn't manage, but she races Masters. For most of the race, my position seemed pretty secure - I couldn't see anyone in my category ahead or behind. Makes for some nice breathing room when you mess up a section, but not so motivating to keep pushing yourself as hard as you can. I guess I like having a wheel to chase or keep ahead of.

End result for the day was 4th place. Which is the same as last year! And the year before! Last year I missed the podium by a pretty slim margin and may have shed a tear over it. This year I've been landing a whole lot of 5ths at the races, so I am pretty happy with the result.

We took the following weekend off to do some fun riding. It was closing weekend at Buckwallow, so we wanted to participate in the potlucks and some relaxing. We stayed in Kearney, where we were treated to a snowfall on Saturday night, and a winter wonderland when we woke up on Sunday. There were demo bikes all weekend from Xprezo, and I did a little spin on a dually which was fun fun fun! Both days were fun, though I admit that my skills were all over the place. You know that first mountain bike ride of the spring, where you are so used to the trainer, you have to remember to steer the damn bike? Yeah. On Saturday I couldn't even remember the last time I'd been on my mountain bike! Still, those trails are even fun at a slightly pokier pace.