Mtb race #2

Prep for this race was less-than-ideal. I got stuck working all Saturday morning, which meant I lost all of my chances to pre-ride with friends. Instead, I borrowed a car, high-tailed it to Albion ASAP, and pre-rode on my own. To my mind, pre-riding is not an option - it's totally mandatory. I have trouble dealing with anything remotely technical, so I need to know where it is and what to expect in the race.

Riding on my own was ok - I had a really good time, and I didn't feel any pressure to do it at any pace other than my own. My friends don't actually pressure me to keep up with them, but it was still nice to hang out on my own in the woods. Well, on my own and with all the other people who were pre-riding! I managed a few technical things that freaked me out at first site, and I figured out which ones I shouldn't waste time stressing about - it would be way easier and faster to just run them.

In addition to pre-riding alone, I had to put in some time to see a friend suffer the indignity of the bachelorette party. I cut out early because I hadn't packed my race stuff, but out and having a few drinks until 11pm and then packing your stuff is not the best way to prep for a 7am pick-up.

Any big lessons from this race? I think more of the same - fitness is in a good place, technical skills and confidence need work. The big conclusion was that I need to spend time on the mountain bike when I am not either (a) pre-riding a course or (b) racing. Neither of those seem like good times to be trying something new!