11/22 – 11/23: Whitmore’s Cross Verge Mid Atlantic Series/NACT UCI Southampton, NY
Last weekend we ventured to Long Island by taking the ferry from New London, CT and another two via Shelter Island through the forks of Long Island. The addition of boats in the plan is what makes it an adventure rather than the usual road trip… it’s nice to have someone else do the driving too. Despite the freezing cold temperatures and winds that we had at the racecourse, the seas were calm.
The ice-cold temperatures and wind were the most dominant feature of the race on Saturday. A strong field lined up wearing various gloves, ear warmers and leg coverings in hopes to protect skin and stay warm. I usually stay away from the thick gloves and leg coverings unless it’s bitter cold, and I was so cold that I covered my ears and wore two base layers under my race clothing!
The race started quickly on a short paved uphill and onto the frozen grassy hillside and I found myself riding well in 3rd place. I was feeling strong despite completely numb hands and feet and worked my way into second place until an untimely crash in a sandy turn cost me my position.
I had caused some minor damage to my bike and had to make a swap in the pits before trying to catch back on to the riders that had passed me.
In the end, I was able to make it to 7th place, which was a bit disappointing after such a good start.
The wind had died down a bit and the temperature was a tiny bit warmer on Sunday. The course was faster, smoother and had less climbing which would mean a lot of hard work to stay with the leaders.
In the first lap I sat behind the two leaders with a small group as we tried to work together a bit to catch the riders off the front. After several laps, there were four of us working hard to find places on the course where we could break away from one another.
Another bit of bad luck come my way when my way when the rider in front of me slipped and hit my front wheel causing three spokes to break. I knew I had to keep pedaling as hard as I could until I made it to the pit to swap bikes before the wheel stopped spinning.
Unfortunately the pit was adjacent to a long paved section where the riders were accelerating and attacking while I was getting a speedy bike swap. Again I chased back to the group but a few riders had gotten away and I finished in 8th place for the day.
11/29:
Baystate Cross Verge New England Series UCI
Sterling, MA
After a hard training week and a short work week thanks to Thanksgiving, we were thrilled to only have one race for the weekend and have it so close to home.
There had been some rain on Friday so I was hoping for a little mud for the race Saturday afternoon. When we arrived at the course, it was sunny and the ground was thawing into a bit of a muddy mess and it looked super fun! However, as I warmed up, the clouds rolled in and the temperature dropped several degrees and the course began to dry up and become fast and smooth. I even saw a few snowflakes falling.
The race was stacked with New England’s best women racers hoping for a top spot at the local event. Off the start line, I chose the muddy inside lines around the cinder track, which were shorter and faster than the dryer sections on the outside and moved into the lead position. Keeping the pace high, I was able to get a gap and pull away from the other racers. As the race went on, the course got faster and I kept working on keeping up my momentum and using bigger gears to push myself.
It was great to come across the line first and take my first UCI win of the season feeling strong.
Next up: USGP Portland, OR & US Nationals Kansas City, MO
Midnight Madness, Davis Square, Somerville, MA
Thurs., Dec. 4, 5:30pm-midnight. DARBI sponsors this annual shopping event, where local retail stores and restaurants offer exclusive sales until midnight.
Chinook (MM Racing team sponsor!) will be kicking off the festivities with some drinks and snacks and some huge discounts. Be sure to stop by and check out their sweet Seven Cycles display bike as well as some of the best urban-outdoor-inspired clothing and accessories.
Go to www.yourdavissquare.com for more info.
Check out the news links online each week:
Whitmore's Cross
Cyclingnews - Day1
Velonews - Day1
Cyclingnews - Day2
Velonews - Day2
Baystate Cross
Cyclingnews
Velonews
Thanks again for your support,
The team at MM Racing
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