Horse Back Riding or Bike Racing?

July 4th 2009 - UWW Road Race, Palmyra, WI.
As I entered the small town of Palmyra, WI, I saw riding stables. I thought... uhmmm bike racing or maybe I could do a little horse back riding. I use to ride horses when I was a little girl, at the Oakbrook stables. It was really cool to see people riding horses up to the local stores and us riding next to them. So, bike racing it was for me.

Race started at 10:05. I got warmed up. I felt a bit sluggest and not sure why. It was humid and not much wind. The threat of rain was sure to come. About 15 of us lined up for women's cat4. Not a bad turnout. I was glad to see Janette Rho, and a few of the other triple X team members. It was a neutral start. First 2 laps, I felt strong. I went out a little harder to see if I could pick up the pace of the pack. I hit it a few times on the hills. I picked up the pace and practiced my descents. The course was very fun. It was a 5.5 mile course with what I would say, one small incline of a hill. They called it a dominant hill. For me, it was a small incline hill. (I know...dont say it for those of you who know me) The field broke apart to 6 of us towards the last 3 laps, I think. The last lap, I thought for sure someone was going to attack really hard. We all picked up our pace and held together to the finish line. I lost my focus for my sprint but finally picked up a little more spin. I shifted into a harder gear for the sprint to the finish. I placed 5th. Not bad, but not my best performance out there. Overall, it was a really fun time. I will do this race next year.