Oxygen is optional: US CUP XCT#4: Colorado Springs, CO, June 13, 2009

Colorado was greener than I had ever saw it, but the moisture and humidity did not mean there was more oxygen in the air. Hmmm? But with nationals next month even higher, I had to go suffer at altitude in preparation. Plus, I don't think I have ever been to Colorado Springs. It was nice.

I flew into Denver on Friday and directly to the course to pre-ride. I opted out of Short Track, due to tired legs from Mt. Hood and Tabor, but I went to cheer for the braver ladies and to cheer my team on. Monavie had almost full representation there. It was great. 4 of the men and me. They had a good go at what appeared to be a rough course. Of course watching it, you wish you were doing it and think you would have been fine. Is fine good enough?

Alex giving it his all.

Race day on Saturday was warm and sunny. We went off at noon. I felt special with my new red/white/blue number plate that is for those seeded in the series. Lucky number 11. Double ones! I had a great start and was in the lead train off the gun. I was thinking I felt o.k. Just breathe. I was sitting in 8th. I didn't ride my best technically. I will blame it on oxygen deprivation, but I think I was just having an off day. Bummer. That off day made me go backwards. I was willing my legs to push harder, but somehow they were stuck at one speed. Kelli passed me, then Pua, then Kathy, followed by Heather and Zephanie who got to witness my slow speed wipe out. It was a slippery pebbly course. Looked easy. It was decievingly hard. In the last lap, Amanda and Amanda went by and I couldn't give chase. I wanted to. I really did. But at some point, you just have to ride and let it be. I finished 15th. It could have been worse.

Friends that come cheer make it all worth it: Mel Pape.

Sunday, my host family, Katie and Mark, plus a gaggle of others, headed out for a 'recovery' ride. Leaving the house and getting to singletrack in 5 miles is pretty cool. We climbed over 4000 feet, but it was 'easy climbing'. Fun trails, good times. But all good things have to come to an end and back to easy breathing at home I went after hours of delays.

Katie and I at the high point of the recovery ride. All downhill from here...I saw CO SPRINGS from way up above. This was maybe half way up.