Ok, I've been a bit shy on this one!
The session started with a practice lap of the course, I'm really rubbish off road, and soon felt very intimidated by all the amazing kids on Isla bikes! We were split into ability groups and each group sent off to a different section of the course to practice "a skill". First was hill climbs, and I was very happy to get up the baby hill. But even my usual "I've given birth, I can do anything" mantra didn't get me up the big one. Next was pumping a rhythm section, unfortunately the course was really over subscribed, so there was lots of queueing and not enough pumping! Finally we learnt about dismounting, picking up the bike and remounting. Finding this very difficult I felt quite despondent, and seriously considered ducking away early before the final event - A Race
Well I did stay, and was really glad I did! The race was so much fun, big grin
, loved it. I rode much faster than I would have dared on the practice lap, trying to chase other rides down. I still think I was last, and even got lost a couple of times (how I don't know
) but I don't care cos I had fun!
I've been trying out a few of the skills on my rides this week. Still trying the dismount, I have the bruising to prove it . . .
Lucy.