2009 - A Season Post-Mort

In the sand pit at the state 'cross championship photo: J. Wrzyca

Wow - where did it all go? Here we find ourselves riding in the same wet, cold weather that we did some of the early April TTs in. As much as it seems like so long ago it's really not that far gone and many of the memories made along the way will stick with me for a long time. Looking over my race resume for 2009 I logged 45 race days, not including time spent at the track. That's a lot of racing - on some of those days I even doubled up and did two events.

Things in 2009 were a departure for me in lots of ways. After spending many years with the same women's team, I moved to PACT/DishNetwork and downsized my travel tremendously. Interestingly, I rode more, was stronger, faster and more fit in 2009 than ever before. Go figure. Maybe it had something to do with being part of a low-pressure, mellow group of racers who only wanted to race drama-free and have fun doing it. That change was exactly what I needed to revive my tired legs and burned out, anxious head. Changing teams was the single, best thing I could have done for my racing in 2009. Huge thanks to my awesome teammates and congratulations to all of them on the fine season they all had. You guys ROCK.

I'm not going to sit here and bask in my 'glorious' results. While I did manage to score a lot of wins, five state titles (Keirin, Points, Pursuit, Road Race and Cyclocross), two medals at Masters Nationals and overall titles in MATTS and ROTY, I worked very hard every day to make those things happen. Not every day was good. In fact, many were not at all good but thanks to a solid training partner who motivates me like no one else can and the determination to be better every day while keeping things fun, I ended up having one of the very best seasons I've ever had. Bottom line - hard work in a good environment brought good results for me.

So looking forward to 2010, I'm not yet certain what my plans are. I definitely want to return to Masters Road Nationals and do a cyclocross season. Not sure about my plans for track racing and I don't know how much local stuff I'll be doing, nor do I know how much travel I will or will not be doing. It's all very 'up in the air' right now. The one thing I know for sure is that whatever I do the most important thing is that it's low-stress and fun. Seems to me that I do best when I'm in that kind of situation :)

There are so many people to thank that I cannot possibly list them all here in this post. I suspect I'll leave many out and that would be uncool. So, let me say that to every person who helped me train and race better, supported me, listened to me, helped me understand myself better and basically was a positive influence on me and my 2009 season, thank you so very much. Your efforts will never be forgotten.

Thanks so much for reading - now and always.

'Cross Season Finale/State Championship @ Montrose Harbor

Reclaiming the State Title
Photo: Mary Wakeley

At long last the finish of the 2009 'cross season (and the season in general) arrives, and none too soon. The state championship was held at Montrose Harbor on Sunday and for the first time in a few years, it wasn't snowing. The last time I did/won this race was in 2006 - I'd chosen to sit it out since, deterred by really really cold, snowy weather and 'cross hate. It wasn't so super warm this year either but temps in the 20s were pretty tolerable, and abundant sunshine made it seem much better.

I'd done a bit of recon in the harbor area the preceding few days though the actual course itself wasn't unveiled til race day. I was on the fence about doing any pre-riding but I opted to head over early and was glad that I did - got in maybe 8-10 easy laps before the first race started and I think it made a huge difference by the time we lined up. I liked the course design, for the most part. I don't mind riding sand - I'm typically pretty good at getting through it, but there was a LOT of it at Montrose. Note to organizer - just because there's a lot of sand in the area doesn't mean you have to use it ALL... The course itself was pretty straightforward and included most every element a decent 'cross race should have - off-camber stuff, short punchy stuff, some technical bits, a little pavement, some gravel, a couple sets of barriers and a nice hill. Thankfully there was no mud and not a run-up to be found. Mercifully there was no goat-rodeo swirly thing.

The field ended up to be around 15 I think, with good representation. I was particularly concerned with Holly's presence - she's always strong and I'd not raced with her all season. I had no idea what to expect but I knew she was the one to watch. To say that I was having some pre-race anxiety was an understatement, following a night of insomnia.

Exiting the sand pit

photo: J. Wrycza

Things rolled off in a hurry and I was not ready. Holly snagged the hole shot and I spent the first 100 yards getting to second position - NOT clipped in. In fact, I didn't clip in until after the first set of barriers. I had some sticky mud in my cleat from standing around in the staging area. Soon enough we hit the big sand pit for the first time and Holly bit it - to my advantage. I made it through clean, hit it hard for the remainder of the lap and basically was away from there to the end. That was the whole race - right there. I was able to see Holly behind me at various points for the next two laps or so (of 6) but after that I was alone and just riding steady. I bit it 2 of the 6 times through the sand, which I though was pretty good all things considered. The entire pit got deeper, slower and more treacherous the more it was ridden through - I wasn't at all pleased with wiping out but in the big picture it turned out not to be an issue.

Crossing the finish line solo, hands in the air, was pretty exciting. I have to send huge thanks to all the cool kids who cheered and encouraged me on as I suffered through the race - copious snot and drool everywhere. In fact so much snot and drool that I fear I may never live that down. I heard each and every one of you and yes - you all helped me keep my head together and my legs pushing. Thanks also to PSIMET.com for taking a chance and sponsoring my 2009 'cross adventure. It worked out pretty well, I'd say!

It would be wrong of me to not include a congrats not only to my Roscoe Village Bikes teammates who raced so well, but also to everyone who came out all season and raced hard. Special congrats to Pony Shop and Verdigris who ended up 1-2 in the series team competition - nice job by all. Wakes - not the greatest day for you but I'm so happy that you made the trip. The sand made it all worthwhile, didn't it? MetLifeGuy - you worked your ass off and earned every bit of your podium spot, congratulations. Mr. Pink - top of the podium again, well done! June - on the podium at last, and you belong there. Feels good, doesn't it? Holly - your being there made me sweat...thanks for the post race Rumple Minze. Holy crap...

The 2009 season wrap post is in the works. It's all in my head, just needs to be typed. The highlights, the lowlights and all the fun we had along the way...give me a week and check back. Til then, thanks for reading!!