The Tour of Page County Stage Race was held in Luray, Virignia.
Luray, Virginia is a very hilly town, so that meant that every race included a whole lot of climbing. (Hills, Hills, and more Hills.)
For those of you who are new to racing like myself, this race included three different races: The Road Race, A Time Trial, and A Criterium. The scores were combined for all three races, and prizes were given to the top racers.
Team VeloWorks Warming Up Before The Race! |
The Road Race was on Saturday, and it was about 42 miles of hills. I started off strong, but eventually I got dropped by the group, but I was determined to finish. I pedaled and pedaled and prayed. After over two hours, close to 33 miles, and over 1,000 calories, I finally made it to the finish line. When I got to the finish line, you should have heard the people screaming my name. My body was exhausted but my soul was content.
I finished last, but I was happy just to be in the race.
Right after the race with my teammate Lydia and her daughter! |
The next race was the morning after the Road Race. This race was called the Timed Trial race, and each cyclist was given a time to start. My start time was 7:51AM. We rode approximately nine miles, and the nine miles were timed. I loved this race, because it was basically me and my bike trying to go as fast as we could. It took me over 30 minutes, I placed last, but I was happy to be in the race and to complete it.
After this race at about 1:30, there was The Criterium. The Criterium was basically riding a .8 mile circuit for a whole bunch of times. Before this race, I must admit that I was already exhausted, but there was no way that I could go home without competing in this race.
Well, I rode and rode and pedaled and pedaled... I did about seven laps and then I was told that my race was over. (Relieved!)
I thoroughly enjoyed The Criterium, because I rode up this same hill seven damn times and did not quit.
Yep, I was last, but I was in the race.
There is only way to go from here and that's UP!
I am falling completely in love with this amazing sport, and falling in love feels so good.
By the way, I must give a shoutout to my awesome team and to my friend, Patrice; their support and laughter made those hills so much more bearable.
Until the next time.....