Sunday July 14th I entered a race with JCRC (Japan Cycling Racing Club) My first time to this event and I was a little nervous. There were heaps of intimidating riders who had come from all over Japan. It was as expected a well organized event.
One lap is 6 km.
We followed the pace motorbike for the first 2 km until we reached the first hill and then the race was on. I wanted to stay near the front of the pack because of all the dangerous corners, hairpins and bad road sections. I thought I might have an advantage on the hilly sections if I was close to the front because I live in the mountains and climb them every day, so that if a chance came – I might be able to break away. Well, in the very first loop as we were climbing the steepest section near the end I pulled away effortlessly. I didn’t know if they all were saving themselves or what? I thought about falling back into the pack and waiting until later in the ride to attack but it was only a 24 km race so I didn’t. I said good-bye and left them and rode behind the pace bike until the finish. I totally expected to be swallowed up by the group near the end but that never happened. I won by a good 1 minute and 20 seconds. I totally surprised myself. I wanted to finish in the top 5 but instead, left everyone behind.
That’s Me at the Top. Woot Woot
A happy day pour moi.
It reminded me of my youth in Canada when I used to do well in the race circuit but never thought at this age I’d still have something to offer. This ain’t the Tour de France I know! But it was packed and riders came from all over Japan, booked hotels and probably set out to do well, too. I’ll pat myself on the back, sleep well and then go about my daily life again tomorrow like it was dream!
Vitus frame, the first look clipless pedals and the first Oakley cycling glasses. Cooooool
Sorry for the bragging here but hey… I don’t get a chance to do it so often! And… this is my blog. hee-hee
Avg HR: 169 bpm Avg Pace: 37 km/hr
Kelly Pettit 