Snowy Sherwood

Normally for me not only does the first National Series race signal the start of the season but also the start of longer days and better weather it was not so this year. I couldn't quite believe the weather forecast in the week indicating a big dump of snow just on Sherwood in time for the weekend. I hoped that as normal the weather men had it wrong, typically it was the one time they'd got it right! Waking to a driveway full of snow on Saturday morning I immediately jumped on the internet thinking that in all likely hood I wouldn't be racing in this. No news meant I began the journey Northwards, I think in parts my heart rate probably went higher than when I race and was a tad hairy in some places but I arrived in one piece along with many others. After walking down to the event arena, looking like something of a winter wonderland I was sure it would be called off but after signing on and seeing the organisers working hard to make the course rideable I got out my bike to have some fun! The course at Sherwood doesn't really suit my strengths as a rider; it isn't at all technical and is a power course. However the snow made it far more fun and challenging than normal, I fitted in a couple of laps before my feet began to freeze!

Photo by  mikeadamsphotgraphy.biz

Race day dawned with a little more snowfall overnight. Warming up on my rollers in the snow was rather surreal and I was really struggling to keep warm. Adding another layer to keep warm at the start I headed to the line. It was to be my debut race for my new team XCracer.com, it is a really good feeling to be part of team that I've been following since I began racing. I hoped I could do their faith in me justice, seeing Donna just before being gridding wishing each other luck I felt properly part of the team, it was ace! It was great to see so many women on the start line; I think we must be the fastest growing category. There were some new faces as well as the familiar ones. I was beginning to shiver on the start line and could barely feel my feet; I just wanted to get going so I could warm up! The whistle went and we were off, I didn't get the best start missing clipping in as my feet were so numb so lost a few places. I had a huge wobbly moment coming into one of the first muddy sections, I tried to get round the riders I had become behind of but I just couldn't get the grip so I was stuck where I was for a while. I eventually managed to get into some clear space and begin to slowly pass riders and catch up with ones in front me. It was getting muddier each lap and very slippery. My bike was also beginning to suffer with the freezing temperatures, each time I tried to put some power down the sound of jumping gears and jerky legs I hoped it'd last until the end. I caught Jessie Roberts (Torq Performance) and had to giggle as her bike was sounding just the same. On my last lap I had completely lost the feeling in my feet, couldn't move my mouth and was praying my bike held out. It was really good fun! I finished in eighth, not the best start to the season but plenty to work on and I'm really looking forward to the next round in Cornwall. Hopefully in the sun!

A huge thank you to all the organisers and marshals making it possible for us to race. It must have been pretty miserable standing out in those conditions; it is very much appreciated thank you!

I couldn't race without my Sponsors so thank you to; XCracer.com, Mt.Zoom, Exposure Lights, Scimitar Sports, Velocite UK, Schwable UK, Mavic, Sponsor UK, Whackjob Jim, Ana Nichoola,  Ian and Mark at Firecrest MTB and Working bodies Towcester.  

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