First MTB Race after 6 years

It all started in fall of last year, when i really gave up driving my motorbike to work and back and started riding my bicycle again. I think it was the work stress that got to me, recognizing that if i dont start excercizing more I was going to start having health problems. That led to karate class for a few months, which led me back into the gym for several months, which bled into good riding weather and good rides. Now, almost a year later, with money enough for good food and the right nutrition, I have set my mind on bike racing again. This time in the 30+ field because Im older now.

Well the first race was at Landhal Park in Blue Springs and i knew it was going to be a blowout, so i was ready. The Omaha and St. Louis contingent was there, filling out a 50 plus person expert / pro field. Off the bat, i struggled with the holeshot, getting into the first climb way back in the field. The 25 miles was definetly a hard, but my heart rate stayed up in the 190's for the 2 hour race, a good sign that i have not overtrained and just need to keep riding. I didnt finish last, which was important for my morale, and I beat all but the top 3 sport riders based on lap times. The top 2 pro girls beat me, but i was cool with that, actually i kind of liked it because the gap was only a minute or two, so it gives me a good target for next race. In the expert male field, i would like to pick up about 9 minutes on a 2 hour race to get back in the top ten, and about 25 minutes to be in first place. I think i will make the 9 minutes my goal!!

Thankfully, the names were all the same, even 6 years later, and i was still among friends. I hooked back up with Brian Duff and we have been riding for the last two weeks. Im looking forward to the next race tomorrow, after some great rides this week both solo and with Duff. Either way, it will be a great day in the singletrack. And since I already have a job that keeps me flush and is enjoyable if not over-stimulating, I dont feel like racing is make it or break it.

On another note, I have to say my body is pretty different now than it used to be when i was in my early 20's. I actually have more muscle mass in my lower body now, with my current pretty-well trained weight hovering around 175, as opposed to 160 when i was younger. I might be able to loose 5 more pounds, but considering I have been riding more than 15 hours a week on average for the last several months, it would be tough. My recovery time is still pretty good and my heart rate is still like a rabbit, getting up over 200 on a hard interval ride. So I am encouraged, not bad for 6 years off!!

-LL