This was the crowd on Sunday at the Start of the
Monster Cross Race at Pocahontas State Park...
In years past I was on the sidelines cheering Dynamo on! Well, this year I decided to participate! Dynamo and I both did the 21 mile option - the mini monster!
This race takes place on the fireroads at the park. For those of you that think Poco is flat, think again. The course is quite challenging with lots of ups and downs, and even some very muddy spots on Sunday!
The start of the race is always so jam packed, which is what I was afraid the entire course would be like with over 600 riders. Let me remind you that this was my first official bike race ever! I don't like the thought of being surrounded by lots of people, so I was always intimidated to try. The 50 milers went off first leaving the 21 milers at the back. Well, I went to the WAY back at the start! There's a beast of a hill at the start and I didn't want to get involved in the chaos at the start, so I gave myself plenty of room. Plus, I'm not a speed demon! ha!
Yes, the unicycle guy was rockin' the hill next to me!
Our friends Jim and Melissa were at the start and on the course to capture moments. Of course in the beginning I'm still smiling! And, look...after 13 miles I'm still smiling!
Also, our friends Marioooochee and Elise came out too! They brought their new baby boy, Breck, and the dogs out to cheer! I can't believe our friends stuck it out yet another year there cheering us on. Dynamo was near the front of the pack, so after he flew by them they had to wait about 40 minutes or more for me! Talk about dedication! And, it meant a lot! I was really looking forward to seeing our friends. It really gave me a boost of encouragement each time! Most of the time I have always been the cheering squad and not the rider/racer. It's so awesome to see people there clapping and whistling and smiling at you as you come through! Just when you need a little extra umph it was there!
The pic above is me just after the finish line! I couldn't believe that I had completed my first Mini Monster Cross! And, it was my best time ever for riding the course! I finished in 2 hours 8 minutes and 11 seconds! 35th out of 44 in the Women's category! I'll take it!! And Dynamo finished 19 out of 74 in his category! He rocked it!!!! In 1 hour 31 minutes and 46 seconds!
My parents made it to the finish with Charlie! And our friends were there too!
It was an amazing experience to be a part of such a fun event. Everyone was so encouraging and helpful! Mostly my Dynamo! He was my biggest fan! Always is. He rode with me for weeks, correction years! He pushed me. He kept me pumped up. He always put me first! He has ridden time and time again at my speed just to be with me and support me! Without him I wouldn't have pushed myself. I wanted to make him proud of me! I love you, Dynamo, with all my heart! Thank you!!
I would also like to mention one thing my mom brought up to me. She noticed that at the finish everyone was so happy and friendly. There wasn't one single person talking on a cell phone. Everyone was visiting with each other and making friends. Talk about a great environment! Good times!!
There are more pics of the event floating around on my mom's camera! Once I get those I'll share them here! I realized that we didn't have one pic yet of Dynamo and I together at the finish!
