Bariani 09 (Zamora)

From Carol...

I was signed up for the Land Park crit., but my life and job got in the way of the double-header weekend. I am bummed that it didn't happen for me on Saturday, but the up-side is that my son got 2nd place in the 6-8 yr. old race, and Mark rode a tough race and pulled off another strong showing! Bariani was a good race for me. I was ultra nervous before the race, especially after finding out that Anna F. had already moved up to a 3 and raced in the 1,2,3 cat. I talked with my coach in the morning, and having done the course before, his advice was dead-on. I felt strong but still nervous in the first lap; I was getting settled in on the 2nd lap when the hail came.... I was out in front at that point (well, 200 yards or so behind Heather....!), and another gal from Dolce Vita pulled up next to me and said, "let's make the best of it"! It was quite a ride there for about 3-4 miles! I could barely see through my glasses, and lost sight of Heather altogether.... The 3rd lap picked up pace, and felt really good. Lots of manuevering going on, and aggressive riding. I like it!! Marianne offered a lead-out at the base of the KOM, and I said let's do it. I felt strong on the climb, and then Marianne punched it a little and I thought 'don't know if I'm gonna recover enough for the sprint'... that's when I half-jokingly yelled out "GAP"! Ruth slowed it just a little and I was fine. Riders started coming up on both sides before the final turn, and I started getting fired up. I came around the turn and gunned it. I felt good, so kept going faster, and when I figured I was going to get 3rd, I was happy. Then I saw I was gaining on the gal in front of me, and felt that adrenaline kick in... I can get 2nd!! OMG! so I gave it all I had. Squeeked it out at the finish for 2nd place. Only 7 secs behind Heather at that point! :-) My first thought was "Now I know why people get addicted to racing. That felt awesome!" I want to keep improving my skills and strength, and riding with the DBC team (guys and gals) has been truly amazing. Thanks to everyone on this team. I am with Freddy; I am proud to be DBC!