Short Track in Nederland is a new experience. When I was young, I used to play guitar up there with Jeff Austin and friends of the Yonder Mtn String Band. I don't think I've driven up to Ned in years. The drive there brought back cool memories. I was still sleepy when I got there at 10:45 am, I felt. Five of the fast girls were there, Beca, Katie Compton, Kristine M., and a couple of others. We all knew we were toast. The course was pretty easy, but the corners were tight. They promised to leave lapped riders in as long as possible.... This made me feel better. I was doing well off the gun, but got sand-witched into a tight spot before a short but steep climb. Having to get off my bike, not only angered me, but put me back to the back of the pack. I caught back up and started passing people... my knee is still a bit sore from a crash in training a few days ago, although it didn't bother me too much.... As Katie lapped me a second time, my ego was pretty much shot. I guess some days are like this... you don't get off to the best start, and it feels like you are playing catch up all day. They eventually did start pulling people. The field was Pro/ Expert, and I think there were only a handful of people that finished. My luck has bound to improve eventually. I pre-rode the CX course. I felt really at home on it, and it's nice to know where the trail is at Eldora, so I can train up there later. It was relatively easy... perhaps it just seems that way because I'm skipping the CX race tomorrow to do a crit in Dillon.

As I waited for the junior's race to finish at the Copper Mtn Crit. I figured I was in for no easy time. But I at least thought they'd give us time for a warm up lap!?#! I had a killer good time warming up and listning to my new Paramore album on my ipod. But as I saw people lining up at the start, I knew my dreams of getting the chance to warm up on the course had drifted by. I planted myself in the back. As we rode up the hill, the course turned into nice cobblestones. It was a lot like Bush Gardens, really. In reality I guess it was the Copper Mtn ski village. I like the way my road bike sticks to the cobblestones, and jostles around. I experienced it a lot in DC, as a messenger. It felt familiar and nice. A bunch of Elite roadie girls were there. Not too many 3s in the field. My body felt a little worn from Saturday's event and ride. My lungs and quads especially ached, and groaned at me. I approached the race with good spirits, but just couldn't hang on. I bonked half way through, but didn't give up. The long climb was my best friend, and my worst enemy. Climbing's my favorite, so I tried to learn to corner into it better, taking the turn harder with each lap. I knew I wasn't last, so figured it was reason enough to keep going. Some nice bystanders cheered me on. It always feels good to put your best effort into it, because at least you're testing your limits, I figure. It's weird how lap after lap goes by, and you start to feel like you're in a dream. The music playing sounds less in touch with you, and sort of like the teacher from peanuts singing. I gritted it out until the end. Beth Fisk won the race. Again. It's her 15th win of the season. Someday, I hope all my hard work, blood, sweat, and tears, will pay off, too. I know I'll come back stronger with some rest. Yawn!! What a hard weekend. It being Monday, I definitely feel like hittin' the snooze button, and daydreaming of the upcoming cross season.