After what felt like very little preparation time, Sunday 24th rolled around and brought with it my first bike race.
I’ve tried to sum it up as best I could in my usual GoPro format here of course, but I’ve kept it relatively short and elaborated below.
Things I learned about racing, some which I ‘knew’ from watching races but never experienced for myself:
- The ‘neutralised’ start does NOT mean the ‘slow’ start. Holy shit I almost got dropped in the first 10 seconds.
- Racing in the bunch is stressful as hell, but effort-wise, not that bad provided you’re going in a straight line
- If you sit on the back you will have to sprint your heart out after every bend and every little climb to stay in the group
- It’s bloody hard to move up the bunch
Things I learned about myself:
- I can ride much faster than I thought I could, even on my own
My overwhelming feeling after the race was disappointment, and it hung over me all day and much of the next day too. I had said I would be happy just to compete, and maybe even stay with the bunch a while, that I would be happy just to finish. Well I stayed with the bunch for almost an hour, and rode another 1.5 hours at threshold after that on my own to finish dead-fucking-last. I know I shouldn’t be disappointed, first race, no experience, not even that fit yet, managed to average about 32kmph over the 80km, didn’t quit (almost, but not quite) … but I think in the back of my mind I was harbouring a quiet misplaced confidence.
I think there was disappointment also that I didn’t really enjoy any part of the day, but I haven’t ruled racing again out because of it. I know if I could have stayed with the bunch all the way I’d be feeling very different.
I’m still undecided about giving it another go.
-esp
Keeeeeep racing! You did great. I was dropped much earlier on my first race.
Love the video – such a great account of an important event in your life. I know all too well the nervous feelings you get leading into events like that. I also know how it feels to question whether it was all worth it. Give it a week or so and think about what you achieved. Even overcoming your misgivings and pre-race nerves is worth celebrating 🙂
Well done Sera. Keep racing and you’ll improve quickly. Those accelerations hurt like hell but they are doing you a world of good! I’m looking forward to seeing the video of race two.
You’re inspiring. I love everything you post, and honestly you’d probably drop me in a heartbeat
Haha! I dunno.. But thanks!
Hope you decide to get back to the starting line and give it another go…
I follow you on Instagram. Love your vids. You were great. You already won by competing and not quitting. You’re inspiring. Keep at it!!!! I wouldn’t have the guts to race. I only do charity rides and this pushes me to make sure I finish when I ride my first century next month.
Thanks so much! That’s really great to hear. Enjoy your century!