...says the guy who's done a gazillion of them. :innocent:

Tales From The Dark Side - Sara's Aspirations
 

:)!

Here's a brief report from today.

Cat 4 women went off at 9:20, combined with women's juniors. Large field, 26. I finished 23rd, and was actually sitting not too far OTB. I was able to make up ground on the climb and in the corners. Details when I get to a computer.

M35+ was four hours later, and my legs were pretty well shot from the first Crit. What sucked was that the five 35+ women were combined with the pro 123 field. Big field, more than 30, and the pace was blistering. I was OTB 2/3 if the way around on the first lap, and I pulled the plug after three. They gave me the finish.

Got to watch Ex doing some great work for the team he was riding with. They finished very well, too, but he should be the one telling you about it, not me.

I had fun!

Way to go Sara!

Great job, Sara! :thumb:

Good job, Sara. You are progressing nicely.

Congrats Sara

Awesome Sara. Great job!

Sara, Could you explain how you registered for the Masters 35+ Cat 1,2,3 as a Cat 4?

Tales From The Dark Side - Sara's Aspirations
 

Hermes, I paid the entrance fee. That was it. The entry listed Pro 1 2 3 and M 35+. Last year my license said Cat 4 and M 35+. This year it doesn't, but I guess it didn't matter. Should I have NOT been able to sign up for it?

Tales From The Dark Side - Sara's Aspirations
 

I even asked the officials yesterday at the race if I was in the right race. They assured me I was.

I think the confusion comes from the fact that the promoter combined fields. You signed up for the women's field, which included Cat4. If they combined it with the P/1/2/3, you can still ride. For a little bit, at least.

If a promoter lists a race as Women's Masters 35+ Cat 1,2,3 or Cat 1,2,3 35+ it means that all riders are supposed to be 35+ years old AND a Cat 1,2 or 3. Cat 4s, of all ages, are not eligible. For example, I cannot race with the Masters 45+ Cat 1,2,3 since I am a Cat 4 even though I am old enough.

You should only sign up for races that specifically allow Cat 4 women - Masters 35+ Cat 3/4 or Masters 35+ Cat 4 or Masters 35+ Cat 1,2,3 and 4 or Elite Cat 3/4 or Elite Cat 4. Elite races are open to all ages.

I looked at the Flyer but not the registration form. On the flyer it was W Cat 1,2 and 3 35+. That is why I asked Sara previously what was the second race she was doing.

Tales From The Dark Side - Sara's Aspirations
 

Hermes, I was confused about it, too. Now that it's said and done, I'm sure you're right. Based on the experience alone I won't be doing that again. Much less the fact that I'm not allowed to, apparently.

Having to race with the 1/2/3 Women is a pretty sure way to get dropped.

I got to watch Sara for several laps in the first race and she was doing a great job on a tough course (pretty long 3-4% drag race to the finish line) with a pretty big headwind.

She not look so good later though ;)

Of course neither did I.

Tales From The Dark Side - Sara's Aspirations
 

Ex, you looked great all day! Thank you for the kind words.

I saw a picture of me when I was making an effort on that hill. Magnificent suffer face!

Sara, sounds like a day full of useful experiences and great efforts (also read your report in the other thread). Keep it up and the results will come. Glad you found some "inner peace" before the start. :)

Tales From The Dark Side - Sara's Aspirations
 

Cleave, the cold air distracted me! It definitely worked, too.

I'm not done yet - here's some photos from the Crit.

Warmup:

http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/...ps656c393c.jpg

At the line:

http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/...psf83517db.jpg

First lap:

http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/...psbeb16b51.jpg

Deep in the Pain Cave:

http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/...ps38fced06.jpg

Tales From The Dark Side - Sara's Aspirations
 

I need a new helmet... :)

it does sorta stand out... maybe all white or all black... be sure to follow the velomenati rules.

The "next thing" will be the aero road helmets. Free speed. Giro has one coming out soon:

http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/...-helmet_224988

Which rule number is it? :)

Hmmm. I can see it's aero all right, but it doesn't appeal to me. I'll have to see one in person.

Ex was wearing a helmet at the Crit that I liked. I think it was a Specialized.

Love that helmet, especially with the visor. Can't wait to try it in person. I'm going to guess not enough air flow for rides longer than crit, though?