Pontiac Lake TT...Uhhhh, I mean Pontiac Lake XC was fun! It has always been a season opener and always a time trial but somehow I overlooked the race changing to a cross country format. I was riding up to the start line after warm up, questioning aloud why the Elite and Expert men were starting in big waves. Someone overheard me and informed me that's because it's a cross country race now. Alrighty then...... Lol! Same difference, i guess! Still have to ride hard and race the bike! That's exactly what I did! From the word "Go!" I shot off the start line and onto the front of our field. In the first couple of miles we had a group of 4 of us. Then it got whittled down to 3. And I think at about halfway- 3/4 through the first lap, with me still on the front, only 2 of us remained, Me and Erin Disterheft (Wenzel Coaching). The two Erin's!!! It had been years since this scenario last happened and we even chuckled about it one point. We also decided leading the race together and having the same name is good because we get to share all the "Go Erin!" cheers! Lol! The trail was in great shape and we cruised through the woods at a pretty good clip trying to keep a gap on the competition. After coming through the lap chute and heading out onto our second and final lap, Erin D. finally moved ahead of me to pull. I don't know if she wicked up the pace or my legs just wanted to remind me of what I'd put them through the last few weeks, but after about 1 mile I fell off her pace. My second lap was rough but I managed to stay ahead of the competition to hold on for second place! Congrats to all the racers that came out and especially to the Sport and Beginner classes that raced through the rain and mud. Thanks to G.R.I.T.'s great sponsor, Cycletherapy bike shop's, for sponsoring the race and to Tailwind for making even more changes and taking steps in the right direction. They're shortening the races a bit now to try to be more in line with what's going on elsewhere for cross country races. They've also equaled the Elite Men's and Elite Women's purse payout. Good stuff! Now for some rest and relaxation! This week I will be giving the legs a break, and in full on "Rest Mode" by weeks end, laying on a beach in Cancun. Hallelujah! Thanks for reading! :o) Erin