Just got back from Columbia where I won the age 30-39 Beginner class race. The race was a 8 mile loop of amazing trail. I had been watching the results of all the MWFTS races and one guy was always at the top, my goal was to stick with him this race. We jumped out to a quick pace and quickly caught the 20-29 age group and some of the marathoners. I was riding his wheel and pacing myself for the 2nd lap...my endurance is not quite there and I wanted some in the tank for the end. 16 miles is a big ride for me and have never rode that distance on my mountain bike without stopping and taking breaks. About the 6 mile mark we come into a rooty, rocky climb and he spun on a root and stopped and I was to close to him and had to stop also.....he did try to get out of my way and let me by, but it was to late. Somehow he got back on his bike and took off up the hill, I couldnt get going so I had to push my bike up the rest of the hill. By the time I got to the top he was gone. I rode a good pace the rest of the way in and was gaining on him....Im not sure but I think he was less than a minute ahead of me after the 1st lap....Margie said he came thru and looked exhausted....I was hoping to run him down on the 2nd loop, I still felt good and was going to pick up the pace. Just about a half mile in on the 2nd lap I caught him as he was jumping off his bike to fix a flat. I came across the line in 1st over 4 min ahead of 2nd!! My 2nd lap was faster by more than 2 min.

They have the results posted this morning. I was 44 secs down coming after the 1st lap. They changed the times from what was posted on the boards, so it looks like that my 2nd lap was nearly the same time as my 1st. The question that rang thru my head all the way home and all night last night.....could I have caught him if he hadnt flatted. Im not sure, but I was planning on giving it one hell of a shot! There will be another race and another day to find out. The sad part is after I finished and got re-hydrated......I was thinking its time to kick up the training to the next level.

I know what you mean about playing the "I wonder if" game over and over again in your head. But a win is a win, sometimes flats happen, that just part of racing. Looks like you rode really well regardless.

Congrats and keep up the good work.

I keep telling myself that Bernzie.....once I got into the lead, my mind was overly focused on keeping out of trouble instead of just riding. I knew if i didnt make any big mistakes that no one was catching me. My legs are starting to come around for a beginner, i didnt feel to bad when I finished and could have done another lap if I had to. That being said I was glad it was over because i was riding nervous.