Heck and Back - 1st Place

Today was a great race - I took 1st!  I am pretty sure my heart rate was at 200 as I sprinted to the finish.  There were 3 of us in the break... they started the sprint at least 500 meters to the finish - I can't believe I held it and finished so strong!

Mt Hood Classic

What a fantastic Race!

Stage 1 - Road Race
This was a great race - I was aggressive where I needed to be - but hung in where I could.  I am starting to get smarter with my racing.  I sprinted around the back of the pack and ended up 2nd in the uphill sprint finish... unfortunately I crossed the yellow line 20 feet before the 200 meter mark (where we were allowed to cross) - so I was relegated and ended up in 20th place.  Live and learn - I will get there.

Stage 2 - Time Trial
Wahoo!!! I took 1st!  I didn't make any mistakes on this one and just nailed it.  I wasn't sure how well I had done and they took forever to post results - but I did it!  I was thrilled!  The winds were insane and I was questioning the decision I had made to use the disc wheel - I was blown all over the road and may have carpel tunnel from holding onto my bike so hard, but it was still a fantastic race for me.  I am figuring this TT think out.

Stage 3 - Crit
Well we all know that crits are not my favorite.  I had hoped to be able to lead Amber out and have her get the win - but I had nothing left and did all I could to hang in there.  I did keep my yellow jersey though!

Stage 4 - Road Race
This was a crazy tough road race - 55 miles and 6300 feet of climbing.  I was feeling great - but once we hit the steep hills I started to loose it.  My good friend Megan came out of nowhere and told me to suck to her wheel.  I asked her what she had eaten for breakfast because she was on fire!  She pulled me up the hill - Amber tucked in behind me and helped me catch the chase group.  There were seven of us at this point working to catch the three in the lead (one of them being the girl right behind me in 2nd place).  The descents were so crazy - with twists and turns and potholes everywhere.  We caught up with one of the three that were ahead and continued pushing up the last hill.  Megan again took the lead - she lead two of us (me and the 3rd place GC) and we climbed to the finish.  With one more ahead of us trying to bridge the gap - I was really worried about being pushed off the podium completely.  Well Megan ran out of energy and it was up to the two of us to continue.  I hung on her wheel and took 5th.  Thanks to my other new friend that was so sweet to allow me to just hang on.

I ended up with a podium finish with 2nd GC!  I want to thank my wonderful team mates (even though technically Megan is on a different team).  Love you girls!