CX race 2

Second stop on this year's series was in Hamilton - it's normally the season opener, so it is normally warm and dry. With this in mind, I spent a lot of time on Saturday getting my second wheels ready, since I generally like the Ritchie Speedmax on that course, in the early season conditions. For a variety of small reasons, setting up the wheels took longer than it should have... and the next day, after one pre-ride lap, decided that it wasn't the best tire choice for the course. I think the wetter summer will mean a pretty muddy season - despite a full week of dry weather.

I switched back to my regular wheels, regulating my hard work to the pits. I will pause here to praise Maxxis Raze. Of the 3 tread patterns I have used, these are by far my favorites, and would highly recommend them!

The race was really fun - we had a bigger women's field - 13 starters, almost double the previous week! Since that is typically the biggest field we'll get, I was a bit more concerned about traffic, especially with a relatively technical section pretty early on, so I went hard at the start to get near the front. I got through the first little bit (an uphill barrier, a short downhill, and back up to the top), and found myself leading as we went into a section of off-camber turns and boggy bits. Cool, I got to pick my lines and ride it without worrying about anyone in front of me! I led through the majority of the first lap, and lost a couple of positions to girls I knew would be tough (if not impossible) to stay in front of for 50min. Sat in third for a while, trying desperately to hang on with 2nd, but it all kind of unraveled with about 2 laps to go, and I faded back to 6th place, where I finished.

Good - making the cut, and being able to finish with girls who smoked me in races last year. A few people commented that I am riding much better, and am looking strong this year.

Not so good - not racing smart. I used to race a bit more from behind, and focus on reeling (a few) people in - I think I could benefit from not going full gas right from the gun. I am definitely having fun trying to figure out how to race!