End of Season Reflection

Let me start by saying, this is my first blog post. I am so excited to be writing to you all, and I hope that you can get something out of reading these posts, either a laugh, lesson learned, or a sense of camaraderie. If you want to learn more about me, and my story with Bryan, check out our “About Us” tab. If you have any questions or requests for information, just let us know!

Now for the real point of this post –

It’s currently October, and I’m 1 month into my offseason. I like to have a set amount of time where I don’t have to hit a weekly mileage, weekly time, or train for anything specific. It leaves me time to relax, sleep in, and get hungry for the season to come. I’m starting to itch for the routine and challenges of racing season, so it’s time for me to reflect on the past season before I set goals for next year.

The 2018 cycling season was my very first season of bike racing. I was lucky enough to get to know Nikki Ragonese and John Sedlak in the summer of 2017 and ended up joining their racing team, Watts Up Cycling. I’m happy to report that I LOVE IT, and I am so excited to be racing on the road again next year. My season reflection is broken down into the following: My pre-season Reservations, Lessons Learned, and my Favorite Moments.  

My Pre-season Reservations

I would say I only had two reservations, I didn’t want anything about my current fitness to change, and I was so nervous to try something new. As it turns out, I shouldn’t have worried about either!

• I was in great running shape in Fall of 2017 and Spring of 2018, and I didn’t want to lose any of that fitness or progress. To be honest with you all, I did lose some of it, but what I gained in cycling I never would have expected. My priorities shifted and I accepted that I was striving for things in cycling rather than running.
• I was so nervous about mass start racing that I actually hoped for snow and a race cancellation before my first. Luckily (but unfortunate for women’s racing in general) my first race, Cherry Blossom Challenge in Branchbrook Park, had a very small field of about 15 riders. I was able to be very comfortable with such a small group. Once I got over that first hurdle, I was ready to go!

Lessons Learned Racing

I could probably write a book at this point, even with only a season of racing. There are so many small pieces of races I remember that I look back and think, “Why did I do that?!”, but these are my quick points. Keep an eye out for a post to come expanding on the points below.

• Look through your corners, stay in your drops, and (usually) pedal through your turns. I have lots of work to do for next year working on my cornering and bike feel! I definitely struggle in crits with this, and have to remind myself to trust the course  and trust my bike.
• Don’t sit on the front. I know what you’re thinking – “But the photos are so good ?!” (See above) I have wasted lots of energy on the very front of a group, it’s like I’m either on the back or the front and no in between.
• Train with People who are better than you. I think everyone knows this, but it’s intimidating! My recommendation is to find *nice* people better than you, so many people are supportive and really do try to make you a better racer and rider.
• When a race goes poorly, reflect on why it didn’t go well for a day, and focus that energy to looking forward to the next race.

Favorite Moments from Racing and Training 2018

My 2018 racing season was filled with really kind people, some fast racing, and a lot of noobie success. These are just a couple of the experiences I look back fondly on.

• My first race (and win!) at Cherry Blossom Challenge. I thought I had cheated the system, I sat on the back for most of the race, saw an open path towards the end, and sprinted to the finish. The unexpected success gave me the confidence in racing, and the drive to work really hard in preparation.
• Woodstock Women’s Cycling Grand Prix – I loved every moment about my first road race. Something you’ll learn about me, I can hold my own when it comes to climbing. People kept telling me that I’d probably have some success in road racing, but I had no idea how much fun it would be! I loved every moment of this race: the energy before, the race production, the support, the crazy 2 mile average 11% grade climb, and my second place finish. also, there were free hot dogs and hamburgers at the end, for racers AND spectators. How can you not love that race?
• Giro del Cielo – This was my first (and only so far) stage race. It’s held in July, and at that point, I was having a lot of success racing and REALLY looking forward to another shot at a road race. The road race was a great success with a 2 – woman breakaway at the start of the second lap (Me and the #1 from Woodstock), that ended in a first-place finish for me! I got advice before the race to stay patient and take advantage of opportunities. The break was my best execution of being “patient” so far in my racing.
• HbW Ladies Night – I don’t think I’d be as confident of a rider if it wasn’t for Hilltop Bikes Ladies Night from their Summit, NJ shop. I started riding with their group because I wanted to get more comfortable with a group, and I wanted to meet some more people. They have rides from A-C level, and are SO welcoming. I rode with the A group, and those are some fast ladies! Thank you Jen and Stacey for leading a wicked fast and fun ride. They ride smart, safe, and quick, and were welcoming and supportive from the start.
• Watts Up Cycling Team – Bryan and I made a decision to join Watts Up together, and I’m really happy we did. It’s been a lot of fun training, racing and spectating with this group. I’m so excited for next year!