Volvo Michaux Endurance Series Terror of TeaberryWhat: Third and final race in the 30 mile endurance series
When: September 10, 2017
Where: Shippensburg area, PA
Results: Joël 1st single speed, Jess 2nd overall female
Series results: Joël 1st overall single speed, Jess 2nd overall female
Honestly, I really didn't want to do this race.
Hard efforts at races the previous two weekends had me feeling a little overtrained and the far travels to these previous races had me feeling a little under-rested. It was a busy week at work, including working the Saturday directly before the race. A family commitment of farm sitting for the week prior including race weekend just meant a little extra stuff to do everyday, adding a little extra stress and less time for race prep prior to the race. Because of horses to be fed there would be no camping at the race site the night before, we would be waking up super early to drive race morning. All of these factors had me asking "why" and had me thinking "I don't want to". Part of me just wanted to sleep in, relax on the back deck with a good book, and enjoy the serenity of the farm instead of racing. But of course that didn't happen.
Joël was hellbent to do this race. He and another were neck and neck for the series championship. If Joël could win at this race he would win the championship. I would be second place no matter what so I was indifferent about the championship part. When I questioned Joël about if we were going (with a bit of hesitation in my voice and knowing I would be perfectly content if he said he didn't feel like going) he animatedly stated yes, so that was it, we were racing.
I knew this race would be a mental game. Physically I could push hard, but I knew I had to get my mind into it. Being mentally prepared is especially important on this course, it's super technical and if a rider is not on point it can mean disaster. The race started and I was still uncertain about how I felt, until the woman's series leader (who had won the other two races) and I were together at the start. Humm...maybe I would feel like racing and could muster up a good effort. I knew she was faster than me, but I at least figured I would not give up without a fight. I kept smooth, rode smart, was feeling like I was getting into a grove and then disaster struck. In the "waterfall" section of the course (which is a huge rock-faced area) I crashed, and crashed hard. A huge hematoma filled up on my knee and my bike need trail side mechanical work. At this point I knew the first place chick was too far ahead and third place was far enough back that it now became a cautious ride to the finish. Just don't crash again, hope that your bike was OK, keep smiling, have fun, and hold onto second place. This plan worked just fine. Some post race ice and aleve and the crash was soon forgotten.
Joël on the other had raced hard from start to finish. He was feeling good and really was making it a goal to win the series (which meant winning this race). He and the lead guys rode together for much of the race until Joël felt he could make a breakaway and he did. He put down the hammer and pulled away and luckily no one else followed. This effort secured the win for the race and the win for the series.
After is was all said and done, for all the hesitation and uncertainty about wanting to race I was glad I was there. It's so easy to just give into doubt and do what is easier than stand up to adversity and push through the challenging times. It was a fun day in the woods; the weather was beautiful, good company, and challenging riding...what more can one want for a weekend day.Thanks Vovlo Michaux Endurance series for a great endurance race series, as always challenging and fun courses surrounded by a great group of riders and race personnel.
- words by Jess
- photos- some by Joël, some by race staff
